While all eyes are on the presidential race, we would like to remind voters that some of the most important issues for Houstonians aren't on the first page of the ballot or covered by selecting straight-ticket voting (which we don't advise in any case). Way down the ballot, Houston voters will find a list of bond propositions, and we encourage everyone to vote yes on all of them.

These bonds will raise money for necessary and appropriate civic programs that will help the city provide essential functions, help the Houston Independent School District build or refurbish schools and help the Houston Community College System train students and workers for our growing economy. The city of Houston bonds are even structured in a way that will fit payments into current budget projections, with no need to raise taxes. Like a business taking out a loan for a capital project, a vote for these bonds is a vote to invest in Houston. And that's certainly a worthy investment.

Here's a quick refresher on the various propositions:

City of Houston, Proposition A: This bond will authorize raising $144 million for public safety, largely focused on fire stations and necessary maintenance.

City of Houston, Proposition B: Matched by private dollars and endorsed by the conservative C Club, this bond will let the city borrow up to $166 million to "string the beads" of Houston's parks into a connected, city-wide system.

City of Houston, Proposition C: This $57 million bond will improve general sanitation, such as renovating city recycling facilities.

City of Houston, Proposition D: This will let the city raise up to $28 million to renovate the Montrose Library and the Robinson-Westchase library, and replace the Moody Library and Meyer Library.

City of Houston, Proposition E: While titled a bond for public housing, this $15 million bond will actually go toward tearing down blighted buildings that stand in the way of federal affordable housing programs.

Houston Community College System, Proposition: Community colleges play a vital role in vocational training, and this $425 million bond will help HCC build new schools to train the skilled workers that Houston businesses need.

Houston ISD, Proposition: The $1.9 billion bond is a hefty sum, but necessary to repair squalor and rebuild crumbling schools, from failing air conditioners to seeping sewage. Among other projects, the bond will fund new campuses for 20 high schools, including relocating the nationally recognized High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in the downtown theater district.