While Question 1 on Nov. 8’s ballot has received the lion’s share of attention during the campaign season, voters also will be asked to judge an $83 million bond package, broken into five questions.

Questions 2 through 6 ask voters to approve new state borrowing. All five deserve a “yes” vote.

The measures are not particularly controversial. They passed through the state Legislature with bipartisan support. Opposition, instead, has focused on the more general idea of whether it’s appropriate for the state to borrow money during a time of economic uncertainty.

Much of the argument against the bonds in the Legislature and among voters is built upon a simple idea. The state can’t afford to take on more debt.

Unfortunately, the idea plays to many of the misconceptions about the state’s economy and economic health. Maine ranks below the national average in its tax-supported debt and maintains a strong bond rating, and utilizes a 10-year repayment schedule on debt that reduces its overall cost. In other words, the state can afford to issue a new round of bonds.

Partisan divisions last year kept a bond package off the ballot, and the state missed valuable opportunities to invest in its infrastructure. Initially, Gov. Baldacci proposed a bond package of almost $200 million for this year. Bowing to the necessity to win the support of two-thirds of state legislators, the package’s value was reduced by more than half, to a modest $83 million.

The bonds represent sound fiscal policy and an investment in the state’s infrastructure.

Question 2 would allow $33.1 million in borrowing to improve the state’s transportation system, including highways, bridges, airports and harbors. The bond will capture an additional $158 million in matching funds. Maine’s network of roads and bridges need substantial re-investment. A “yes” vote represents an important down payment.

Question 3 would authorize $8.9 million for sustainable water sources and irrigation systems, and would provide loans and grants for wastewater and public water system improvements. The money would attract $31 million in federal funds. A “yes” vote will help improve the state’s water quality, protect the environment and protect public health.

Question 4 is a $20 million economic development bond. But that description doesn’t do it justice. The bond would attract about $44 million in federal and private funding for research and development, new business investment and worker training. Lewiston-Auburn College stands to receive $2 million from the bond for a new Educational Change Center. As it stands now, only about 15 percent of the residents of Androscoggin County have a bachelor’s degree. To attract and develop new industries, that has to improve. Working with Central Maine Community College, Andover and Bates, the L-A College center would be a clearinghouse for people who want or need to advance their education. An educated and adaptable workforce is the foundation for a strong economy. Question 4 is an investment in workers and in jobs.

Question 5 would provide $12 million in funding for the Land For Maine’s Future program. This program is almost universally applauded, but without the bond it will be essentially broke. LMF started in 1987 with a $35 million bond and was refunded in 1999 with a $50 million bond. The money has been put to good use. More than 139,000 acres have been acquired from willing sellers and another 53,500 acres have been protected with conservation easements. About 2,700 acres have been protected in Androscoggin County alone, with more in the works. The program protects animal habitat and guarantees access to land and water for Maine hunters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. The bond is a cost-effective investment in Maine’s outdoor heritage and confirms the state’s commitment to preserving open spaces.

Question 6 faces two significant hurdles, both of which voters must overcome. The $9 million bond would fund investment in Maine’s higher education system. Because it comes last on the list of questions, it might present a tempting target for voters looking to vote against something. That would be a mistake. Second, it must overcome lingering attitudes about a college education. Unfortunately, some Mainers don’t recognize the value of a college degree and don’t understand the importance of a top-flight system to the state’s economic future. College and universities help build the educated workforce employers need. Specifically, the bond would renovate facilities a CMCC to accommodate a fast-growing student population and to upgrade its technology. It would direct $2 million for a new Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Southern Maine and provide $850,000 for the University of Maine at Farmington to renovate Preble and Ricker halls. Further, the bond is essential in attracting $4 million from private foundations.

The five bond questions represent a conservative approach to debt and a vital investment in the state’s economic health. Citizens should vote yes on all five.