Maine voters pass bond issues, one easily, two barely

AUGUSTA – Maine voters wound up a low-key, off-year election by easily approving a conservation borrowing package as two other bonds addressing economic development and educational facilities drew the backing of slim majorities.

Unofficial returns Wednesday showed the measures headed for passage.

“We think we’re solid,” said Edie Leary, the campaign manager for proponents of the pair of close borrowing measures.

Voters were given a three-part choice to approve or reject $55 million in bonding for research and economic development, $43.5 million for upgrades at educational institutions and $35.5 million for natural resource initiatives.

Question 2 – designed to provide $50 million through a Maine Technology Institute competitive fund and $5 million in low-interest loans – was backed by 51 percent to 49 percent, according to unofficial returns.

A similar 51 percent majority favored Question 3 – the $43.5 million education bond issue that earmarked $23 million for building renovations and improvements of the University of Maine System campuses and $15.5 million at Maine Community College System campuses.

The only one to win decisively, with 63 percent approval, was Question 4, which included $17 million for the Land for Maine’s Future program, $7.5 million for state parks and historic sites, $5 million for river-based community and economic development projects and $3 million for working waterfront preservation.

“With their strong support for Question 4, voters have also affirmed our joint commitment to preserving Maine’s special places,” Gov. John Baldacci said in a statement.

“I believe that a quality education system and increased private sector job creation can move the state forward, and this election shows that the people of Maine agree with that vision.

“But the close results on Questions 2 and 3 also show that Mainers want government to be careful with their money. We have to show people the results of this investment and make the process as transparent as possible,” Baldacci said.

In April, a bipartisan deal on new borrowing won overwhelming approval in the full Legislature.

Provisions called for the $295 million to be divided for three separate statewide referendum votes in June and November of this year and June of 2008.

In June by lopsided margins, voters approved a pair of bond issues totaling $131 million to support transportation and make the state’s water cleaner.

Next June, voters take up the final part of the overall package worth $29.7 million, most of which would be for more transportation projects.

The overall three-piece $295 million borrowing package bears an estimated interest cost of nearly $84 million over the life of the proposed 10-year bonds.

Prior to June, Mainers had not voted on a bond package since November 2005.

Unofficial returns Wednesday from 99 percent of state precincts, or 620 of 626, showed the tally in favor of the Question 2 economic bond was 137,597 voting yes and 131,272 voting no, while the Question 3 educational facility bond was passing by 138,663 to 131,358.

The Question 4 conservation bond garnered 170,672 yes votes with 100,034 opposed.