I have lived in Auburn most of my life and I never remember an opportunity for L-A like Question 3.

Imagine a thriving downtown with the crumbling Bates Mill No. 5 building rehabbed and functioning. If this fails we all know it’s coming down and will be lost forever. Imagine a conference center bringing in high-quality shows and entertainment for people to come and enjoy the downtown.

How is this not exciting to people? It’s a great idea, and we sure need the jobs, but it’s not why I am writing this letter.

For more than a decade, I have worked with older Americans, helping them live in their homes as long as possible. Question 3 provides desperately needed funding for home-based care and Meals-on-Wheels. No single issue is more important to people as they age than living at home as long as possible.

While the state and federal governments cut services for older Americans, a yes vote on Question 3 will guarantee funding for thousands of Mainers to maintain their quality of life with these much-needed services.

This funding does not just improve their quality of life, it saves taxpayers millions in more expensive nursing home costs. So the benefit is a win-win for the individual and the taxpayer.

We must vote yes on Question 3. We must do it to revive the downtown and to improve the quality of life of Maine’s older Americans. They’ve earned it.

Allen Campbell, Auburn