Like many in Maine, I drive a lot and my travels take me over many roads. This year, it seems we have reached a new low in the condition of our highway system. I know weather has played a factor, but it appears that our lack of investment has pushed us to a tipping point.

The roads and bridges that are bad today will soon be impassable if we don’t do something soon. That’s why I am very grateful that the governor and the Legislature passed a funding package for bridges and rail. I appreciate their leadership on such an important issue.

Last year, they also passed a bond package, and the second part of that package is on the ballot Tuesday. Voters will be deciding on a $29 million bond issue, primarily for transportation. I hope others will agree with me and vote in support of this important measure.

Many Mainers, like me count on having a safe transportation network so they can earn a living. The Legislature did its part by putting the bond issue on the ballot. Now let’s do ours by making sure it gets passed, so we don’t need to have a catastrophic event here in Maine to make that decision for us.

Eugene Weldon

Hampden