To the editor:

No one in their right mind would vote for any state bond. The State of Rhode Island is deeply in debt. Our per capita state debt is fifth nationally at $5,303 for each resident. Idaho is last at $356 in per capita debt, just to give people a sense of scale. Our bond rating is Aa2 and is at the lowest level among the states, with the exception of New Jersey, Kentucky and Illinois, which have lower ratings.

Until the very serious state debt situation improves dramatically, no voter in Rhode Island should vote to approve any bond, without exception. Approval of another $600 million in state debt in November will only increase our future taxes. Total costs, including principal and interest, will be just over $1 billion on a 30-year bond.

Voters should keep in mind that Rhode Island’s debt level would make it very difficult for state government to deal with an unexpected crisis, such as a serious recession.

Larry Fitzmorris

President, Portsmouth Concerned Citizens

Portsmouth