I never thought I would be writing in support of a bond; in fact, I haven’t voted for a bond issue in years. I voted “no” in the past because I didn’t fully understand the real benefits or see any immediate return on investment, but everything changed for me in 2016 when Madison’s paper mill shut down, eliminating 214 jobs overnight. That loss was devastating — not only for the workers directly affected but also for the broader community. These positions represented the livelihoods of families and were the foundation of our local economy.
The ripple effects were felt far and wide. Indirect jobs in the forestry and hospitality sectors also suffered, as the businesses that supported the mill or benefited from the spending power of mill workers saw their revenues decline. For a town like Madison, it felt like a massive blow with no clear path forward. We all wondered how we’d recover.
For a long time, I couldn’t see how bonds like the one being proposed now — Question 2, a $25 million research, development, and commercialization bond — could make a difference. I figured it was just another vague promise with little tangible impact for our communities. However, over the past few years, my perspective shifted as I started talking to people working in research and development across the state. I learned what R&D really means — not just for product innovation, but for job creation, economic growth, and the revitalization of rural communities like ours.
Take TimberHP, for example, a company that breathed new life into the old mill in our town. They are using cutting-edge R&D to turn the former mill into a hub for manufacturing sustainable wood fiber insulation. Their work isn’t just innovative — it’s local. The forestry community that once supplied the mill with raw materials is now benefiting again, as TimberHP sources materials right here in Maine. The company has already created 75 direct jobs, with plans to grow that number to 114 in the near future. That’s 114 families who can afford to stay in Maine, invest in their future, and strengthen our local economy in ways we never imagined after the mill closed.
Then there’s Maine Grains in Skowhegan, which has done something similar for our agricultural sector. By milling grain locally, they’ve created opportunities for Maine farmers and helped build a more sustainable food economy. This kind of innovation doesn’t happen overnight — it requires investment in infrastructure, people, and research. When it does pay off, the rewards are felt throughout the community, from farmers to local businesses to consumers.
Maine Laboratories in Norridgewock is another example. Their research is pushing the boundaries of their field while simultaneously providing local jobs and creating new economic opportunities. This growing sector proves that Maine can be a leader in R&D and shows the potential of what can happen when we invest in the future. We have brilliant minds and hardworking people here in Maine — what we need is the financial backing to put their ideas into action.
I used to think R&D bonds were risky, speculative, and didn’t offer immediate benefits but what I’ve come to realize is that investing in research and development isn’t just about funding abstract scientific initiatives — it’s a critical piece of the equation needed to bring long-term economic stability and create opportunities for future generations. Maine ranks 44th out of 50 states in R&D investment. That’s not just a number — it’s a reflection of our state’s potential that we’re not tapping into. If we want Maine to be competitive in the global market, we need to retain and attract new industries. An investment in R&D is an investment in our future.
Question 2, the $25 million research, development, and commercialization bond, is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative we need right now. It will help attract innovative businesses to Somerset County and beyond, create job opportunities, and lead to sustainable economic growth for our communities. I encourage you to join me in voting yes on question 2 this November. Let’s invest in Maine’s future and give our communities the chance to thrive once again.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.