Do people remember how bad the roads were this past spring?

Well, it wasn’t just because of the harsh winter or unusually active frost heaves. It was because these roads are way overdue for major repairs.

On June 10, voters have a chance to put a little more money into highway repairs by voting yes on Question 1. The highway and bridge portion alone is $10 million for roads and bridges and leverages $16 million in federal funds. It will provide good paying jobs that cannot be outsourced overseas.

Our highways and bridges are critical to improving the state’s economy. The tourism industry needs good roads to bring people to Maine, and businesses that are located on roads that are posted each spring are suffering for the lack of proper funding.

The bonds from Question 1 will also provide $6.7 million for clean water and clean air for Maine.

I hope others will join me in voting for better roads, bridges, airports, aviation, marine facilities and transit across the state.

Jim Hanley, Gray

Editor’s note: Jim Hanley is a spokesman for Pike Industries.