October 24, 2010
Open Thread: Ballot Question 2
The floor (aka the comments section) is open, for people who’d like to discuss why they will or will not be voting for or against the second question that will appear on the Nov. 2 Rhode Island ballot...
HIGHER EDUCATION FACILITIES BONDS -- $78,000,000Voting yes authorizes the state government to borrow the money for the projects described above. Without voter approval, the borrowing cannot occur.Approval of this question will allow the State of Rhode Island to issue general obligation bonds, refunding bonds, and temporary notes in an amount not to exceed sixty-one million dollars ($61,000,000) for the construction of a new chemistry building at the University of Rhode Island, and seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000) for the renovation and construction of an addition to the Art Center at Rhode Island College.
yes because investment in education is win win, and RIC needs a facelift, don't know about URI haven't been there in years.
Posted by: michael at October 24, 2010 3:57 PMNo on all FOUR ballot questions.
Nr 1 doesn't belong on ballot.
Numbers 2 - 3 will cost at least a total of $308 million with interest?
RIDOT needs to be investigated by the Feds. I'm tired of hearing all the BS every four years about Federal money...
The roads suck and RIDOT is the problem, not the solution!
As for the other two? There's no money stupid!
Posted by: Aldo at October 24, 2010 4:14 PMYES-because it is a sensible,constructive expenditure.
Posted by: joe bernstein at October 24, 2010 4:24 PMNo, not now. Let's see some financial house-straigtening first, at both of these state institutions.
Posted by: riborn at October 24, 2010 6:21 PMI think this is actually a much-needed improvement to URI's Chemistry facilities.
I wish it wasn't a bond though, just send me the bill for my share, $78 (OK, maybe more, since not everyone is actually a 'taxpayer'). I don't want to pay a decade's worth of interest on this.
Posted by: mangeek at October 25, 2010 2:11 AMResearch in the sciences, specifically chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences, brings a significant amount of money into the state through URI.. Couple this with the jobs it'll create in construction, and it's a win-win.
Anyone saying No should take a trip to URI and look at the current chemistry facilities, which haven't been upgraded since the 60s. It's embarassing.
Posted by: GoRhody at October 25, 2010 10:51 AMNothing will change until the ruling class feels the same pain as the peasants. Vote no on all bond issues.
Posted by: David P at October 25, 2010 2:14 PMURI has failed to demonstrate its need for such spending. It should do so, just as hospitals must get a certificate of need approved merely to buy a a new diagnostic machine.
It would send a strongly positive message to the rating agencies and the investor world if RI were to tighten its belt and show some fiscal responsibility. We should do that to enhance our access to the markets for when we need it.
You can tell what these propositions are about from who is advertising in favor of them: the unions.
Posted by: BobN at October 25, 2010 4:54 PM