Among many important issues, the upcoming election will be very important for adult education in Maine.

Most obvious is the tax-cap initiative. If it passes, adult education would virtually disappear. Since adult education is not mandated, local funding for it would be cut. Without this local share, programs would become ineligible for the state and federal grants that make up the majority of their funding.

When people lose their jobs, they count on adult education for retraining. People can help ensure that it will be there for them, by voting no on Question 1.

We also need to elect candidates who understand the issue. Mike Michaud has been a tremendous supporter of adult education. He was instrumental in getting a college center established in his home region. Closer to home, Marge Medd worked tirelessly to bring a college center to the Oxford Hills area. Those are the kind of person we need.

Judith Green, Waterford