I thank my state Rep. Michael Beaulieu, R-Auburn, for supporting LD 852, a land bond that would allow Mainers to vote for a $5 million bond for the Land for Maine’s Future program at the ballot box this November.

On May 16, legislators voted overwhelmingly —  106-34 in the House and 29-6 in the Senate —  in support of the land bond bill. This demonstrates that the Land for Maine’s Future program is supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Unfortunately, Gov. Paul LePage has threatened to veto the land bond, despite overwhelming support by Maine voters every time it appears on the ballot. If he does, the land bond will need a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate to override the veto.

When the Legislature reconvenes on May 31 to finish its business, I urge Rep. Beaulieu to continue to support the land bond, even if the governor vetoes it.

Land for Maine’s Future is a highly popular and successful program. Unfortunately, LMF is out of money and needs to be replenished with a new land bond in order to continue its important work.

If every legislator who voted for the land bond on May 16 continues to support the bond, the governor’s veto can be overridden.

Therefore, I urge Rep. Beaulieu to continue to support the land bond, even if the governor vetoes it.

Stephen Drane, Auburn