Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I ask my fellow Gloucester citizens to join me in voting “Yes” for the bond referendum on the ballot.

As someone whose Gloucester roots run deep, I believe the projects in this referendum would make our county better for everyone. These long-needed projects would keep our community safe, improve school facilities, and add necessities such as restrooms, running water, and lights to our parks and recreational areas.

If approved, the bonds would pay for buildings for our fire and rescue squad volunteers to help them meet higher standards and recruit much-needed volunteers.

The bonds would pay for much-needed projects at our schools, saving tens of millions of dollars and reducing our county’s emergency-based spending.

The bonds would pay to upgrade Woodville, Gloucester Point and Brown parks to include restrooms and running water, lighting and basic amenities. It would address longstanding issues, like flooding at Gloucester Point Beach. Upgrading ...