Maine Perspective Front Page
Referendum Approval Could Bring Safety, Accessibility Improvements to Campus
Access, safety and independence are at the heart of a $10 million bond issue before Maine voters Nov. 4. With the approval of Question #3, $3.25 million will be earmarked for extensive, mandatory renovations in Fogler Library and Stevens Hall complex in an effort to bring the facilities into compliance with fire code regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
From the rebuilding of old library stacks and installation of new sprinkler and fire alarm systems to the renovation of restrooms, asbestos removal and the addition of an elevator, bond issue passage will bring quality of life improvements to two of the most heavily used academic facilities on campus.
"Stevens represents the bulk of classes that have to be moved in any given semester to accommodate students with accessibility issues," says Ann Smith, UMaine's coordinator of services for students with disabilities. "There is not a semester that goes by that one or multiple classes have to be moved from Stevens to handicapped accessible classrooms on campus. In the last seven years, it has been like playing tic-tac-toe with classrooms."
In Fogler, the fire safety and regulatory compliance improvements would guarantee that the extensive library resources of Fogler Library will be here for generations to come.
"The University and the State have made a significant investment in collecting and preserving information needed to educate our students and support state-of-the-art research," says Elaine Albright, dean of Cultural Affairs and Libraries. "Fogler Library has a modern, up-to-date collection in an old, dated facility. It is important to upgrade the fire and safety standards in the building and to provide unimpeded access to the collections in order to protect, as well as make maximum use of, this valuable resource."
Passage of Question #3 will benefit many people, including those who have disabilities and those who one day may find themselves temporarily or permanently facing issues of access. Of the $10 million, the University of Maine System will receive $6.5 million to address the most pressing issues of access, and fire, health and safety needs. From the System monies, UMaine receives the largest allocation.
Similar issues will be addressed with $2 million earmarked for renovations in the State House. In addition, passage of the bond proposal would provide $1.5 million for the Adaptive Equipment Loan Program to help people with disabilities throughout the state lead more independent lives.
Advocating for passage of Question #3 on the November referendum is the Maine Citizens for Access, Safety & Independence, co-chaired by P. James Dowe, president of Bangor Savings Bank, former State Rep. Sylvia Lund of Manchester; and Stephen Tremblay of Cape Elizabeth, who has been a long-time advocate and spokesperson for people with disabilities. Dowe received a bachelor's degree from UMaine in 1972; Lund received a master's degree from UMaine in 1980.
Organizers of the campaign held press conferences at USM and at UMaine Oct. 16, which were followed by direct mailings promoting "Yes on Question 3" to more than 90,000 people, including alumni. Supporters will also be sponsoring print and broadcast ads prior to Nov. 4.
"There are many people on and off campus working to promote passage of Question #3," according to John Diamond, director of UMaine's Department of Public Affairs. "People understand the importance of this to the University of Maine and to the System. They also understand the positive impact passage will have for those people concerned about the accessibility and safety of public buildings."
In addition to the citizens effort, UMaine President Peter Hoff and UMaine General Alumni Association President Jeffery Mills have been advocating passage in speaking appearances around the state. According to Diamond, faculty, staff and students are also promoting passage through a variety of activities planned prior to Nov. 4.