*Subject: Vote EARLY on Question 2*
Dear Student,
We think of the June election as being a long way off. But that's not true.
Election Day is right around the corner. And even more than that, you have
the chance to act today to cast your ballot on an important issue.
We wanted to draw your attention to a question on the June 8th ballot that
impacts the University of Maine System specifically. Here are the basics:
* *
*Question # 2---**Energy Independence, Efficiency and Green Jobs for Maine*
Passage of this $26,500,000 bond will support efforts to develop new
offshore wind technology that are underway right now at the University of
Maine. The bond will generate economic activity; make more cost effective
and energy efficient use of Maine's public higher education infrastructure;
and make an investment in the further development of a renewable and
alternative source of energy. This bond will leverage $24,500,000 in federal
and other funds.
Wind Energy Demonstration Site – UMaine $11,000,000
The bond provides funds for research, development and product innovation
associated with developing an offshore, deepwater wind energy demonstration
site. This effort is spearheaded by the University of Maine in conjunction
with dozens of business partners. The bond includes funding for robotics
equipment to accelerate wind components manufacturing. It will generate
federal matching funds of $24.5 million.
Energy Efficiency Improvements for Maine’s Public Colleges & Universities -
$15,500,000
The bond amounts for energy upgrades are as follows: University of Maine
System $9,500,000; Maine Community College System $5,000,000; Maine Maritime
Academy $1,000,000. Improvements include the following:
· Extensive upgrades and repairs at Maine's public colleges and
universities.
· Address pressing needs related to weatherization, energy
efficiencies and health/safety concerns.
· Energy efficiency will make these facilities less costly to
operate, saving money for Maine taxpayers by keeping overall costs and
tuition affordable.
As of today, voters in over 200 Maine jurisdictions can go online and
request a mail-in ballot. That means that you have the chance to cast your
ballot early this year -- and have your voice heard. So, don't wait. Request
your ballot today at
http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl
I hope you will exercise your right and responsibility to vote.
Bonnie Sparks, Director
Hancock Cnty Higher Ed. Center
248 State St. Suite 1
Ellsworth, ME 04605
1-800-696-2540
Fax: 207-667-7451
www.learn.maine.edu/ellsworth
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