Even though the 2016 presidential campaign feels as if it has been in full swing forever, we’re still a few days away from the new year, and not a single vote has been cast. And if that doesn’t send you screaming outside, you’re made of strong stuff, indeed.
Meanwhile, there’s another important election issue on the horizon, one that doesn’t generate late-night television jokes and endless debates. North Carolina voters in March will be asked to vote yay or nay on Connect NC – a $2 billion bond issue that would help pay for improvements to community colleges like Nash and Edgecombe, the University of North Carolina system, agriculture research, the National Guard, state parks and other facilities important to the state’s infrastructure.
Passing the bond would not result in a tax increase. Two billion dollars is a lot of money, but delaying needed improvements would be even more expensive in the long run.
Interest rates are still near a historic low. The price of gasoline and other petroleum products is the lowest we’ve seen in years. It’s a good time to borrow money for big improvements that will benefit all of North Carolina.
The political banter from presidential candidates likely will grow louder and shriller as the March 16 primary approaches. But Connect NC needs your support.
If you cast only one vote in 2016, make it this one.
