Recently, I attended an event hosted by the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce on tax reform. Laurie LaChance, state of Maine economist, did an excellent job laying out the current economic issues facing state government, but I was particularly struck by the projections regarding population changes in Maine over the next 20 years.

Maine is an aging state. By the year 2025, the senior citizen population will outnumber that of any other group in the state. Projections also show that we will continue struggling to attract youth back to Maine to raise their families and contribute to the economy after they have sought an education elsewhere.

Today’s youth are the future for Maine’s aging communities. We must continue to provide programs and opportunities that make young people part of the community throughout their school years. If we create an environment where young people feel supported, they may return with their new energy, ideas and leadership to raise their families and start new businesses.

Is it any wonder kids are anxious to leave when adults tell them that there are no opportunities for them here?

Let’s change the negative talk.

Let’s work to create stronger community connections for young people and encourage them to get an education and develop new experiences – then bring their talents and resources back to their communities.

We invest money educating our young people; we should also encourage them to come back and give back.

Barb Olson, Norway

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