To the editor,

On March 15, the people of North Carolina have a great opportunity to make a significant investment in our future. The Connect NC bond will be on the ballot and is an initiative proposed by the governor and approved by the legislature with tremendous bipartisan support.

If you want to honor our men and women in uniform, then vote for the bond. The men and women in our National Guard risk their lives during natural disasters and many have been deployed to the Middle East to fight terrorism. They need, and deserve, adequate facilities for training.

If you want a strong economy in the future, then invest in educational opportunities and workforce training and vote for the bond. This bond brings some of your tax money that goes to Raleigh back to our area. Isothermal Community College will receive $6.8 million and it has been designated for much-needed repair and renovation. Updated facilities will be key to success with 67 percent of jobs in North Carolina requiring a credential beyond high school.

If you want to keep North Carolina beautiful and our tourist industry strong and if you want to provide quality experiences for our families, then vote for the bond.  Chimney Rock Park will benefit from the proceeds of the bond and our tourist industry will grow.

Because prior obligations have been paid, the stream of money to satisfy the bond payments is in place. No new taxes are required. What is required is a voting populace that agrees with the strong bipartisan support and the vision and determination that North Carolina will be strong for decades to come.

Your consideration of these benefits and your vote for our future is appreciated.

Walter H. Dalton
President, Isothermal Community College