We’ve all heard the expression “carpe diem,” but at no other time in recent memory has the meaning of “seize the day” applied more to us as a nation, a county or even as individuals, as we elect our leadership Tuesday.

Let’s talk immediate local measures.

In response to the need expressed by our cities and citizens, for two years, Galveston County Commissioners Court studied the issues, contemplated numerous alternative proposals and, on Aug. 25, voted unanimously to seek voter approval for a series of bond issues to improve county roads, drainage projects and facilities.

The referendum is in three propositions — $75 million for road projects, $15 million for flood control and $45 million for facilities. Details of the bond are printed in an insert in today’s paper.

One of the most important features about this proposal is that it restores necessities in partnerships created with the municipal entities, allowing local direction of where these funds are most urgently needed.

Cities agreeing to partner with the county were offered an extra $1 million if they would match it, giving an extra $21 million to achieve these county improvement goals.

On major roads, the local money would be used to leverage state funds. If voters approve all three propositions, the bonds would add no more than 5 cents to the property tax rate. Five years ago, the county’s tax rate was 64 cents per $100 of assessed value. The rate today is 57 cents.

Our municipal partners — including La Marque, Dickinson, Texas City, Friendswood and League City — are all on board and agree that additional funding for capital improvements to streets and drainage systems will benefit the entire community.

Facility projects covered in the bond program were prioritized on an immediate need basis. These facilities are in grave disrepair and, in some cases, hazardous to workers and visitors.

Four of these projects include securing and renovation of the former Wal-Mart building off south Interstate 45 to house the health district, including its 4Cs Clinics to continue to provide basic primary medical care for county residents; relocation of the Agricultural Extension Office to Carbide Park in La Marque; renovation of the old north jail in Galveston into a climate-controlled records store in accordance with state mandates; and renovation of the county animal shelter to provide a dependable ventilation system in the quarantine area to prevent risk of the disease from employees, visitors and other animals.

That seems like a lot of “facts and figures” to take in at once. I agree. But these improvements and repairs of our roads, facilities and drainage projects will save costs across the board by alleviating traffic gridlocks, improving commute times, allowing vehicles to operate more efficiently and improving the air quality, while not cutting down trees or disturbing the natural habitat.

Weighing these benefits against a modest and proactive bond is more than persuasive — it’s the right thing to do and the county is doing it together with our municipal partners.

I’m voting for the bonds because I’ve heard the need, I’ve seen the traffic congestion, I’ve watched the rising water — and I’ve listened to residents from all across Galveston County. I’m voting for the bonds because it makes financial sense and it secures a future for our families. I urge everyone to consider voting for the bonds Tuesday.

Ken Clark is a Galveston County commissioner.

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Kurt Koopmann