Everything the BDN editorial team supported in this election

The BDN editorial team operates independently of the newsroom and does not set policy or contribute to reporting or editing stories elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com.

On Tuesday, Maine voters will vote for their representatives in Congress and the Maine Legislature, as well as for the president. Also on the ballot are five statewide referendum questions, including three bonds and a question about changing the state flag.

Here is a brief summary of recommendations from the Bangor Daily News editorial board, which operates separately from the BDN newsroom.

While we support Question 1, which would change state law to limit contributions to super PACs to $5,000, voters should be aware that this initiative is really about a legal challenge of campaign donations. While it remains unlikely that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn rulings that have largely removed limits on campaign finance, we believe that the amount of money spent on political campaigns is outrageous and that limits must be set.

Questions 2, 3 and 4 on the statewide ballot ask voters about bonds. The BDN editorial team recommends a yes to these questions.

Question 2 asks voters to approve $25 million in loans to backfill a competitive grant funding program for the Maine Technology Institute. The money, like funds from a $45 million bond that received strong support from Maine voters in 2017, would be awarded to projects in six targeted areas focused on longstanding Maine industries: forestry and agriculture; aquaculture and marine engineering; environmental and renewable energy; biomedicine and life sciences; composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing; and information technology.

The $45 million approved by voters in 2017 funded 18 projects, bringing an additional $193 million to the private sector.

This bond continues state investments in innovations that have created jobs and helped grow Maine's economy.

Question 3 would authorize a $10 million bond to support the restoration of historic government and nonprofit buildings across the state. The question requires a 25 percent local match from private or non-profit sources.

This bond represents a prudent, if not sufficient, public investment in structures and sites such as ancient meeting houses, town halls, public libraries, museums, estate buildings, ancient forts, homesteads and other sites that would otherwise be forgotten without restoration efforts.

Question 4 is a $30 million bond for trails in Maine. While voters have approved several bonds for land acquisition for public recreation, hunting and commercial fishing, the state has not yet borrowed money to support trail development and maintenance.

Outdoor recreation has increasingly become an important economic driver in communities across Maine. Snowmobile trails, mountain biking and hiking trails, and wheelchair-accessible trails have become part of long-term plans as communities plan their future.

This connection can help accelerate this work, which will benefit Mainers and visitors.

Question 5 asks voters whether they support changing Maine's flag to a simple pine tree design used in the early 20th century. Maine's current state flag, which features the state seal on a blue background, is not distinctive and its image appears outdated. Although we think state legislators have spent far too much time thinking about a new state flag, we generally like the pine tree design as a unique flag.

Mainers will also elect their congressional representatives, a U.S. senator and a president, on Tuesday.

In Maine's 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is being challenged by Republican Austin Theriault, a state lawmaker and former NASCAR driver.

Although we've seen moments of frustration with Golden's sometimes combative style, his compromise efforts and independence from the Democratic Party make for thoughtful positions on important issues, including federal spending, gun violence and immigration.

Theriault vows to defy his party and says he wants to move away from extreme rhetoric in politics. Yet he remains steadfast in his support of his party's standard-bearer, Donald Trump, who has taken this extreme rhetoric to a new and dark level.

In short, Golden has the experience necessary to navigate a divided House and ensure victories for his district while advancing important national issues.

1st Congressional District Rep. Chellie Pingree is seeking a ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. This raises an age-old question about the balance between experience and new perspective. However, there should be little doubt that given the power that comes with incumbency, more time in Congress can be beneficial to voters. As the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, Pingree is accomplished and well-positioned to deliver for her district.

Pingree understands the need for her district and the country to prepare for and combat climate change. She also recognizes that Congress will need to provide critical oversight and oversight of the executive branch if Trump is re-elected.

Pingree is a thoughtful and experienced representative, and we believe her two challengers – Republican Ron Russell and Independent Ethan Alcorn – are unprepared to replace her in the U.S. House.

US Senator Angus King is also seeking re-election this year. King has long been part of bipartisan groups of lawmakers who have negotiated deals on crucial issues, such as a COVID relief package and an infrastructure funding bill in 2021. Such a demonstrated willingness to resolve issues with senators with differing political views will will continue to be crucial in the future The Senate is closely divided, regardless of which party controls the chamber after the November election.

King's challengers – Republican Demi Kouzounas, Democrat David Costello and independent Jason Cherry – offer different backgrounds and perspectives. However, with a lack of experience in elected office, none of them can match King's experience working with others, regardless of party affiliation, to draft and pass needed legislation.

Voters in Maine and across the country face a difficult choice between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris for president. For us the choice is clear. As a politician and longtime prosecutor, Harris has shown respect for the norms of our government. Many members of his previous administration have warned that Trump is motivated by self-interest and revenge and has a proven record of working to undermine the cornerstones of our democracy. Furthermore, he has sunk to inexcusable levels with his outrageous lies and demeaning and divisive rhetoric.

We certainly don't agree with all of Harris' proposed policies and wish she had faced more scrutiny much earlier in her campaign. But she and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are smart and tough leaders who are also compassionate, sensible and competent.

These are our recommendations to Maine voters. Regardless of your preferences, be sure to vote on Tuesday.