Our communities are making great and impressive strides toward civic, cultural, community and economic development that are moving us toward truly becoming a world-class community. A critical piece of that puzzle is opening the door to, and making far more accessible, post-secondary education to all the residents of Androscoggin County.

Currently, only 14 percent of our residents have a four-year college degree, far below the state’s average and, more importantly, leaving us in a poor position to attract the type of jobs that pay livable wages and provide benefits. Great jobs require a well-trained and highly skilled work force.

On Nov. 8, Maine voters will be asked to approve Question 4, a $20 million bond to stimulate economic growth and job creation through investments in the Maine economy.

Passage of Question 4 will provide $2 million for the expansion of the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, including the creation of an Educational Change Center, which will serve as the central public resource for counseling and outreach services to address the ambitious goals of the College for ME-Androscoggin campaign, which hopes to double the number of college graduates in Androscoggin County.

Voting “yes” on Question 4 is a vote for a wise investment in opportunities to improve the attractiveness of this region as a place to learn, to work and to live.

Marcel Gagne, Sabattus