Podcasts about maine municipal association

Send us a textDive into the complexities of Maine's legislative session with our latest podcast episode! This episode we break down key bills, budget battles, and the implications of citizens' vetoes. Join Rebecca, Kate, Rebecca & Amanda  for an insightful discussion on what has been happening this session of municipal interest, what you should pay attention to and maybe what you should contact your Legislator about! Topics include the state of the budget situation, General Assistance bills (GA), school funding and the EPS formula and housing. 

Send us a textPotholes and Politics: Bills, Brawls, and Birthday Cupcakes!Welcome to Potholes and Politics, where Rebecca Squared navigates the whirlwind of local legislation, tackling topics from voter registration to fire safety standards. Join Lambo and Grambo as they dive into the minutiae of obscure bills, from regulating corner caucuses to updating voter registration systems and debating cannabis laws—and yes, even the state of public hearings and emergency services funding. Stay tuned for insights on the challenging balance between maintaining transparency and managing thousands of legislative proposals. And don't miss the chat about the woes of Academy training, fire codes, and the nuances of implied consent. All this while celebrating a co-host's birthday with cupcakes and cookies—could there be a sweeter way to discuss politics?00:00 Introduction and Catching Up00:36 Legislative Overload: Bills and Meetings01:27 Transparency in Legislative Processes05:27 Election and Voter Registration Bills07:37 Gambling and Liquor Legislation09:33 Public Safety and Fire Training13:07 Fire Safety Standards Debate20:52 Police Training and Non-Residential Academy28:06 Implied Consent and Driver's License Suspensions31:03 Civics Education and Voter Registration in Schools33:26 Cannabis Legislation Updates35:01 Conclusion and Personal Notes

Send us a textThe Regional Meetings Podcast Episode:At the taping of this podcast MMA's Advocacy Team had conducted 10 regional meetings with municipal and county officials around the state to discuss pressures on local government, possible solutions and meet with candidates for State office to understand better the needs of local government. From Presque Isle to Alfred, some issues are the same with a significant difference in the ability for local government to address them. It is abundantly clear that not all communities have access to regional planning resources, grant writers, or even full time staff but are using what few tools they have to try to answer the biggest challenges facing local government. What can legislators do better to understand capacity? Can they work more closely with local government to provide tools not rules and achieve their goals?One thing is certain, all legislators need local government to deliver on their most desired policies and many legislators need to understand that efforts with a view from York County  have more available resources than Franklin or Aroostook County but are no less important to those communities and the people they serve. Hopefully, these local conversations will generate a lot more local voices providing comments on policy in Augusta! The conversations and interactions between local and state government leaders are more important than ever and we appreciate the time you took to make these recent conversations meaningful. Whether it's tax policy, education funding, mandates or public safety, local contributions only strengthen the discussions and help to inform the decisions being made in Augusta. In the following months, MMA's Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) and Advocacy Team will be shaping the association's legislative platform. Your local LPC members are a valuable resource for both giving and receiving information. Count on them when you need information about a bill the LPC has up for debate, or if you have information about how a measure will impact your community.Find the full list of LPC members HERE Learn more about MMA's 5-Member Advocacy Team HERE Additional resources can be found at the Advocacy & Communications tab on MMA's website. There you can access past editions of the Maine Town & City magazine, read the latest issues of the Legislative Bulletin, or stream the latest episode of the Potholes & Politics podcast.  If you would like to receive an electronic version of the Legislative Bulletin, Maine Town & City magazine or subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter please contact MMA's Personify database team at: PersonifyRequests@memun.org . 

Send us a textThe Urgency of Building Resilient Communities Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council, talks about the urgent importance of community action, planning and investments to build resilience to impacts of climate change following the devastating winter storms of December 2023 and January 2024. In response to these storms, Governor Mills proposed and authorized the largest recovery support package in Maine history -- $60 million for working waterfronts, business recovery, and public infrastructure projects -- and launched an expert Infrastructure Rebuilding and Recovery Commission to help develop Maine's first long-term plan for safeguarding Maine communities and people from climate effects like extreme storms, flooding, and storm surge. Hannah will talk about the need for state, regional and local partnerships to address this challenge and efforts underway through her office to support lasting investments in Maine communities, such as through her office's landmark Community Resilience Partnership program, which in two years has grown to include more than 225 Maine cities, towns, and tribal governments.

The statutory adjournment day of the 131st was April 18th, but the Legislature only recessed carrying many pieces of legislature over that was indefinitely postposed in a chaotic and partisan late night.  As the Legislature did not adjourn "Sine Die" the start of the enactment clock on all but emergency legislation has not yet begn, including the much discussed Supplemental Budget. Nothing is real, and campaigning for the next session should not be starting until they return to finish the work and adjourn Sine Die (aka no intention of returning)In this episode Rebecca Squared are joined by Kate Dufour, Laura Ellis and Amanda Campbell breaking down the ins and outs of this chaotic and partisan session. What happened...what ain't happening...and where are there glimmers of hope to emerge from this norm breaking session. More importantly, stick around and learn how you can join the the next MMA Legislative Policy Committee and play a role in educating the next Legislature of the level of government they took for granted this session. 

Much delayed first legislative breakdown of the second session has dropped. This week we only go over what has happened for the First week of February though staff has been underwater with carryover initiatives during the entire month of January. We very much hope the Legislature will adjourn mid-April as planned but until then, the proposed legislation is painful thus far. To that end we encourage you to subscribe to the Legislative Bulletin and pay attention to calls for action. The initiatives discussed this week are: General Assistance  bills LD 1664   (not the amended fiscal note) &  LD 1732   (also not the amended version) both sponsored by Rep. Michele Meyer of Eliot. Under Taxation: Rep. Tiffany Stout of Harrington's bill to create a local option fee LD 1893.Under Criminal Justice and Public Safety, LD 2094, sponsored by Pres. Troy Jackson of Aroostook,  LD 2109, sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Timberlake of AndroscogginUnder Housing, LD 337, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek of Harpswell, LD 2138 sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan of Waterville, LD 2136, sponsored by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio of Sanford.Franchise Agreements and Cable Utility Legislation LD 1967, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs of Freeport.And last but not chronically least...Cannabis Legislation LD 1952 sponsored by Rep. David Boyer of Poland, LD 1914 sponsored by Sen. Donna Bailey of York

Why should you care about stormwater? What is a MS4 regulated community? Why do people pick up their dog poo and put it in a bag only to dump it on the trail or in the storm drain? What is a harbor trout? In this episode, Rebecca Squared & Amanda the new kid talk with Stormwater Super Heros - Giants of municipal water protection activities; South Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Fred Dillon and Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Doug Roncarati and their state level partner Maine Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Engineer Cody Obropta to tackle these questions and a whole lot more! This episode is part 1 of a two part series. Fred, Doug and Cody share how they became stormwater rangers, what it's important and a small bit of the challenges communities in Maine face with old infrastructure and dense development. "Urbanized and developed municipalities and other large public entities require Clean Water Act permits to send stormwater to nearby water bodies due to an increased likelihood of stormwater pollutants.""Stormwater is precipitation that does not soak into the ground. Runoff accumulates in large quantities as it flows off of rooftops, driveways, roads and other impervious surfaces, picking up soil and polluting chemicals in its wake. It then flows into a storm drain, through an underground network of pipes, where it discharges into local rivers and streams, untreated." Think Blue Mainehttps://thinkbluemaine.org/Map of urban impaired streams: https://maine.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7f8f40a744ad49f3a6cccc7f1330872a Non-Point Source Training Center - https://www.maine.gov/dep/training/npstrc-schedule.html  Rutgers Green Infrastructure Champions Program - https://rutgers.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nuaE-xe4T8e080uhQ-l6vg    

This week we are highlighting one of the conversations from MMA's 87th Annual Convention held at the Augusta Civic Center, October 4 & 5, 2023. This year's convention theme was "Lead, Motivate, Communicate" and featured dynamic speakers like Leila Brammer, Director of Outreach and Instructional Development of the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse, University of Chicago on "Civic Leadership and the Imperative of Effective Communication" and Yellow Light Breen, President & CEO, Maine Development Foundation on "Leading for Economic Innovation and Prosperity", and an uplifting reminder of why we serve local government and how to not despair in these unprecedented times with a presentation from Ron Holifield, Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Government Resources and former City Manager, "It's Not About Me, It's Not About Now". An elections update session was one of many offered and provided by Julie Flynn, Deputy Secretary of State, Maine Secretary of State.  In this episode we chat with Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows about security issues facing Maine's town and city clerks this election season on the convention floor. The audio quality is not the best, and for this we apologize but the message is still important and one we think is worth a listen. 

Producer/Hosts: Ron Beard and Liz Graves Theme music for Talk of the Towns Theme music for Talk of the Towns is a medley from Coronach, on a Balnain House Highland Music recording. Talk of the Towns: Local Community concerns and opportunities This month: – Background on the work of Maine Municipal Association and the apprenticeship program of Maine Department of Labor – With Maine municipalities facing a wave of retirements, what opportunities are there for folks new to the workforce and those with experience who might want to change careers? – What is the range of jobs and careers within municipal government? – What are some of the more traditional pathways into careers in municipal service? – How does the Maine Apprenticeship Program work? Can you actually get paid while apprenticing in a job in your town government? What are the other advantages to participating in apprenticeships? Guest/s: Peter Osborne, Director of Educational Services, Maine Municipal Association Rebecca Dansereau, Career Center Consultant, Maine Apprenticeship Program, Maine Department of Labor FMI:  www.mainehometowncareers.org www.mainehometowncareers.org/videos.php www.maine.gov/labor/jobs_training/apprenticeship/ About the hosts: Ron Beard is producer and host of Talk of the Towns, which first aired on WERU in 1993 as part of his community building work as an Extension professor with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Sea Grant. He took all the journalism courses he could fit in while an undergraduate student in wildlife management and served as an intern with Maine Public Television nightly newscast in the early 1970s. Ron is an adjunct faculty member at College of the Atlantic, teaching courses on community development. Ron served on the Bar Harbor Town Council for six years and is currently board chair for the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, where he has lived since 1975. Look for him on the Allagash River in June, and whenever he can get away, in the highlands of Scotland where he was fortunate to spend two sabbaticals. Liz Graves joined Talk of the Towns as co-producer and co-host in July 2022, having long admired public affairs programming on WERU and dreamed of getting involved in community radio. She works as the Town Clerk for the Town of Bar Harbor, and is a former editor of the Mount Desert Islander weekly newspaper. Liz grew up in California and came to Maine as a schooner sailor. The post Talk of the Towns 10/11/23: Hometown Careers and Apprenticeships Linking Mainers with Jobs in Public Service first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Rebecca Squared took a break from Augusta last week and spent some time talking with local government leaders in Aroostook County. The week before they hit the National League of Cities Staff Convention in Boston.What are the  unique challenges of the northern communities, what makes them special, and what do Augusta policy makers need to understand about the 5 hours of Maine north of  the Augusta Bubble? In this episode we introduce you to our newest colleague, and former Georgetown Town Administrator, Amanda Campbell. We also chat with St. Agatha Town Manager Michelle Bernier, Frenchville Town Manager, David Cyr and Aroostook County Administrator, Ryan Pelletier.Note: As a special treat, we drop in a very local tidbit for loyal listeners. See if you can find it! The episode picture will make sense when you do!

Well, the 1st Session was meant to end June 15, but we are in the 1st Special Session that won't end....at least amicably so it seems. Here is where we are this week...and soon we will be in your communities too! LD 1857- Resolve, to Establish a Public Safety Health and Wellness Grant Pilot Program, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Copeland of Saco. Reconsidered, House amendment “A” provided the Department of Public Safety with 10% of the $2 million grant for the administration of the program. The amendment was adopted and engrossed by both House and Senate.  This bill was advanced on behalf of MMA's Legislative Policy Committee (LPC). (See “Silver Linings” in Legislative Bulletin 05-26-2023)LD 1664 -An Act to Increase Reimbursement Under the General Assistance Program, Sen. Marianne Moore of Washington Co. The House amendment “A” removed the emergency preamble and fixing the appropriation accordingly was adopted and engrossed by both House and Senate. This bill was advanced on behalf of MMA's LPC.  (See “GA Funding & Study on The Horizon” in Legislative Bulletin 05-26-2023) LD 1493 – An Act to Increase Affordable Housing by Expanding Tax Increment Financing, sponsored by Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, of Augusta, will come from Taxation Committee with a divided report. The majority report is “Ought to Pass as Amended.”  This bill was advanced on behalf of MMA's LPC. (See “Pine Trees, Chickadees, Workforce Affordable Housing” in Legislative Bulletin June 2, 2023)LD 101 - An Act to Return to the Former Owner Any Excess Funds Remaining After the Sale of Foreclosed Property, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins of Dover-Foxcroft, will come from Taxation Committee “Ought to Pass as Amended.” (See “Tax Acquired Property Update” in Legislative Bulletin 6-09-2023)LD 130 -An Act to Eliminate Senior Citizen Property Tax Stabilization and Expand the Homestead Property Tax Exemption, sponsored by Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford Co., will come from Taxation Committee with two “Ought to Pass as Amended” reports. MMA supports the majority report. (See Clarification-Property Tax Stabilization Act in this Legislative Bulletin 6-09-2023 or 06-02-2023)The Appropriations Committee will have made decisions on all funding issues including the supplemental/Part II budget (LD 258) and all items sitting on the “table” waiting for funding.  Staff encourage you to engage with your legislators when opportunity allows and make phone calls to the members of the Appropriations Committee to encourage them to fund important legisla

Episode 13 - Public Safety Cardiac Health, Chicken Fingers & WeedThis week, Lambo & Grahambo breakdown legislation from March 23rd Legislative Bulletin;Rebecca Graham has a sit down with Dr. Benjamin Stone of Sigma Tactical Wellness at the MFCA Professional Development Conference last week who discusses how to identify the real risks to public safety employees at greater risk to cardiac event and one way to address it by looking for the right red flags in health screenings.  (This section has poorer audio we apologize in advance) We have a surprise interruption from MMA's IT Demon Brian McDonald and we break down significant movies, chicken finger recipes, and future possible topics around cyber security if we can find enough beer and honey mustard sauce for a longer episode. (We hope that he can put down the chicken fingers long enough to address the audio issues that caused some of the dodgy audio for the Dr. Stone interview.) 

As we prepare for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Maine Municipal Association, Maine Chiefs of Police Association, and several other stakeholders had the opportunity to receive an important history lesson in context from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.. In this episode, Rebecca Graham sits down with Noel March who facilitated  bringing a special law enforcement program out of D.C. to Maine through the Maine Community Policing Institute and the Maine Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was able to take part of The Museum's Law, Justice, and the Holocaust Program on the road to Maine, one of only two places outside Washington D.C. who have benefitted from the learning opportunity. The signature program, Law Enforcement and Society: Lessons of the Holocaust (LEAS), is presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. Established in 1999 at the request of DC Metropolitan Police Department, the program is suitable for recruit, in-service, and command professionals in law enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels. To date, this innovative program has reached more than 150,000 officers from the US and 80 countries worldwide.The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. In 2023, that day is Tuesday, April 18. 

Episode 12 - The Greed & Weed EpisodeWith surprise guest star, Dexter Kimball future MMA podcast host. This week our Legislative Bulletin we cover MMA's platform bill for Cannabis Revenue Sharing LD 88 -An Act to Provide Qualifying Municipalities a Percentage of Adult Use Cannabis Sales and Excise Tax Revenues, sponsored by Rep. Sean Paulhus of Bath;Provide and update on LD 422 - An Act to Eliminate the Requirement That Municipalities Provide Public Notice in Newspapers, sponsored by Rep. Daniel Newman of Belgrade;Break down a bill to limit candidate speech on election day, LD 750 - An Act to Eliminate the Limits on Candidates' Speech at the Polls, Sponsored by Sen. Jim Libby of Cumberland County; And preview MMA's platform bill LD 673 - An Act to Direct the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to Develop a Nonresidential Law Enforcement Training Academy, sponsored by Rep. Michel Lajoie of Lewiston. Plus we have a sweet interruption by young Dexter Kimball!

Episode 10 - ELDT, What to do with Dead Bodies & Engineering Projects Over 100KA Qui*t (We don't say that word out loud, just like actors refer to the "Scottish Play") week in Augusta on the municipal front except for our monthly LPC meeting, trainings targeting municipal public works and CDL training, and bills of interest. This week we break down Entry Level Driver Training work arounds, review some interesting legislative proposals for composting loved ones and tackling inflation on statutory project levels requiring engineering review. If you're squeamish about human remains....you might want to give this one a miss.  

Episode 9 - Tax Acquired Property, Elections & Cops Oh My! This week, an exhausted Potholes Crew, Rebecca Squared, break down legislative proposals around: LD 101 - An Act to Return to the Former Owner Any Excess Funds Remaining After the Sale of Foreclosed Property LD 34 - An Act to Require a Person to Show Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting LD 237- An Act to Require a Registered Voter to Update the Registration LD 26- An Act to Provide Postage Prepaid Return Envelopes to Voters Who Send Absentee Ballots by MailLD 237 - An Act to Require a Registered Voter to Update the Registration And updates on: LD 142- An Act to Fund Climate-related Service Work LD 143 - An Act to Support Rural Service Programming and Promote Volunteerism LD 127 - An Act to Eliminate Television Recycling Fees for Charitable EntitiesLD 96 - An Act to Ensure Release of Relevant Background Investigation Material to Current Employers of Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers

Episode 7 - New Year, New Legislature, New Co-HostHow does the Advocacy Team determine what bills to place before the Legislative Policy Committee to determine the municipal position on any Legislative proposal? What is more important than a title of a bill?What is in store for our newest Co-Host and part-time advocate full time Municipal Issues Specialist, Rebecca Lambert? Will Potholes & Politics stop  when everyone is too busy at the State House? Or will the episodes become shorter and punchier? How will we stay sane while championing our beloved municipal heroes? Find the answer to all of these questions and what horrible things we watch in our "spare time", in this week's episode and get ready for the Legislative Bulletin shift to our podcast. Don't worry, we will be taking deeper dives into municipal stories with our colleagues again after Augusta adjourns. This episode features Host Rebecca Graham, Co-Host Rebecca Lambert (Rebecca Squared), Advocacy Air Traffic Controller extraordinaire, Laura Ellis, and Director of Advocacy and Communications, Kate Dufour.Don't forget to like us and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest municipally relevant legislation being proposed in Augusta! Email us at mmapodcast@memun.org. 

Housing and Homelessness in Maine is primarily discussed through the lens of Maine's largest cities. This episode Potholes and Politics features three local government leaders, Aroostook County Administrator, Ryan Pelletier, Madawaska Town Manager, Gary Picard and Presque Isle City Manager, Martin Puckett discussing the housing crisis, and growth in homelessness in Maine's largest county, and the collaborative way local government leaders are responding.In this episode we also say goodbye to co-host Neal Goldberg, and hello to new co-host Rebecca (Becky) Lambert who will join Rebecca Graham for our future episodes. Additionally, we layout the way the podcast will increase in frequency as we pivot to pumping out important municipally impacting bills as they are proposed in the 131st Legislative Session.Episode Break Down:1:30 - Ryan Pelletier, Gary Picard & Martin Puckett discuss homelessness and workforce issue in the county.17:00 - Martin Puckett discusses the collaborative way Presque Isle is engaging with Northern Maine Community College's unused college dorms to attract individuals who need housing, provide workforce development in the heart of the industrial center where employees are needed. 19:30 - Gary Picard talks about the future housing needs of Madawaska and the looming "Silver Tsunami" and how workforce housing is an issue for labor needs.24:00 - Ryan Pelletier talks about how the County is using ARPA funds to address the looming crisis of a growing population of unhoused in a shelter system that is over capacity and in conjunction with all municipalities.28:00 - Ryan, Martin and Gary talk about emergency heating needs, and how to manage keeping people warm in the oldest housing stock. 30:30 - Gary Picard talks about the changes in Madawaska before, after and during the pandemic.35:30 - Martin Puckett discusses the problem with codes and address emergent issues. 40:00 - We start Neal Goldberg's long "goodbye" and talk about the changes to the podcast during the legislative session. Don't forget to like us and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest municipally relevant legislation being proposed in Augusta! Email us at mmapodcast@memun.org. 

Episode 2 - MMA 101 – What is MMA and What do They Do?Episode 2 of Potholes & Politics offers listeners an overview of the Maine Municipal Association, our services, governance structures, and plans for enhanced support of municipalities as they face unprecedented challenges. This episode will be good to revisit for new listeners who may want to understand the function and purpose of MMA, and the many services available to our nearly 500 member municipalities. Episode breakdown:00:00 - Opening Introduction by front desk Ambassador Jo-Ann Larino-Greves. 7:00 - Introduction to available services by Neal Goldberg and Rebecca Graham. 8:05 - Introduction to Risk Management by Member Services Supervisor, Marcus Ballou. 13:00 - Interview with Director of Educational Services, Peter Osborne covering MMA's training offerings, Annual Convention, and the future. 30:50 - Introduction to Legal Services and the unique free advice municipalities receive from Staff Attorney, Breana Gerson. 39:29 - Interview with past MMA President, Linda Cohen on the Association's Legislative Policy Committee, and municipal officials from across the state working together for the betterment of all communities. 52:30 - Municipal Good News Picks of the Pod. Episode Facts and Corrections:First “Town Meeting”: In 1654, at what is now called Thwing's Point in Woolwich (previously Dresden Mills), residents met at the house of Thomas Ashley to elect local officials and for general public purpose (Plymouth Colony Court Records pg. 57-61). Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust (MMEHT): To clarify, MMEHT is not a healthcare provider, rather the Trust provides health insurance plans.

Join John Williams, Dana Connor and special guest Steve Grove Ex. Dir. of the Maine Municipal Association.

Executive Director of the Maine Municipal Association Steve Gove joins Evolution: Digital to discuss how the organization has advanced over the years and the lasting impact the introduction of virtual events will have on the MMA.

Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne This month, back by popular demand, we’ll talk more about practicing politics and democracy at the most personal level, in local government. What are the characteristics of the towns that have the most civic participation? How can community members help create a culture of inclusion and civic engagement in their own towns? What can go right; and what can go wrong? Guests: Susan Clark, is coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home. She serves as Town Moderator of Middlesex, Vermont. Dick Thompson, an experienced moderator for the Towns of Palermo, China, Vassalboro, and others, Dick conducts moderator training for the Maine Municipal Association. To learn more about this topic: Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home, Susan Clark and Woden Teachout, 2012. Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting, Maine Municipal Association. For the People, by the People: What I saw when I participated in one of the truest forms of democracy, Amy Crawford in Slate May, 2013. Americans Aren’t Practicing Democracy Anymore: As participation in civic life has dwindled, so has public faith in the country’s system of government, Yoni Applebaum in The Atlantic October, 2018. We all should care more about local elections, editorial in the Bangor Daily News, July 6, 2019. I’ll take the problems of local politics over the Washington chaos any day, Roger Bowen op-ed in the BDN, May 21, 2018. More citizen education from the Maine Municipal Association here and tips on how to get involved in local government here. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin, Maggie Harling, Ann Luther, Maryann Ogonowski, Pam Person, Leah Taylor, Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org

Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne This month, back by popular demand, we’ll talk more about practicing politics and democracy at the most personal level, in local government. What are the characteristics of the towns that have the most civic participation? How can community members help create a culture of inclusion and civic engagement in their own towns? What can go right; and what can go wrong? Guests: Susan Clark, is coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home. She serves as Town Moderator of Middlesex, Vermont. Dick Thompson, an experienced moderator for the Towns of Palermo, China, Vassalboro, and others, Dick conducts moderator training for the Maine Municipal Association. To learn more about this topic: Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home, Susan Clark and Woden Teachout, 2012. Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting, Maine Municipal Association. For the People, by the People: What I saw when I participated in one of the truest forms of democracy, Amy Crawford in Slate May, 2013. Americans Aren’t Practicing Democracy Anymore: As participation in civic life has dwindled, so has public faith in the country’s system of government, Yoni Applebaum in The Atlantic October, 2018. We all should care more about local elections, editorial in the Bangor Daily News, July 6, 2019. I’ll take the problems of local politics over the Washington chaos any day, Roger Bowen op-ed in the BDN, May 21, 2018. More citizen education from the Maine Municipal Association here and tips on how to get involved in local government here. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin, Maggie Harling, Ann Luther, Maryann Ogonowski, Pam Person, Leah Taylor, Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org

Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne We talk about practicing politics and democracy at the most personal level, in local government, and the unusual experience we enjoy in the form of the New England town meeting. Does the town meeting still work? Is participation up or down? Is partisanship creeping in? Is money “from away” taking more of an interest? If you’ve never been, what do you need to know? Guests: Susan Clark, is coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home. She serves as Town Moderator of Middlesex, Vermont. Susan Lessard, Town Manager for Bucksport. She’s worked town government in Maine for over twenty years in a diverse array of communities, some with and some without a town meeting form of government. Dick Thompson, an experienced moderator for the Towns of Palermo, China, Vassalboro, and others, Dick conducts moderator training for the Maine Municipal Association. To learn more about this topic: Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home, Susan Clark and Woden Teachout, 2012. Managing Town Hall meetings so that everyone benefits (and relatively few are miserable), Della Rucker in Creating a Wise Economy, May, 2015. Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting, Maine Municipal Association. For the People, by the People: What I saw when I participated in one of the truest forms of democracy, Amy Crawford in Slate May, 2013. Americans Aren’t Practicing Democracy Anymore: As participation in civic life has dwindled, so has public faith in the country’s system of government, Yoni Applebaum in The Atlantic October, 2018. More citizen education from the Maine Municipal Association here. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin, Maggie Harling, Ann Luther, Maryann Ogonowski, Pam Person, Leah Taylor, Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org

Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne We talk about practicing politics and democracy at the most personal level, in local government, and the unusual experience we enjoy in the form of the New England town meeting. Does the town meeting still work? Is participation up or down? Is partisanship creeping in? Is money “from away” taking more of an interest? If you’ve never been, what do you need to know? Guests: Susan Clark, is coauthor of Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home. She serves as Town Moderator of Middlesex, Vermont. Susan Lessard, Town Manager for Bucksport. She’s worked town government in Maine for over twenty years in a diverse array of communities, some with and some without a town meeting form of government. Dick Thompson, an experienced moderator for the Towns of Palermo, China, Vassalboro, and others, Dick conducts moderator training for the Maine Municipal Association. To learn more about this topic: Slow Democracy: Rediscovering Community, Bringing Decision Making Back Home, Susan Clark and Woden Teachout, 2012. Managing Town Hall meetings so that everyone benefits (and relatively few are miserable), Della Rucker in Creating a Wise Economy, May, 2015. Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting, Maine Municipal Association. For the People, by the People: What I saw when I participated in one of the truest forms of democracy, Amy Crawford in Slate May, 2013. Americans Aren’t Practicing Democracy Anymore: As participation in civic life has dwindled, so has public faith in the country’s system of government, Yoni Applebaum in The Atlantic October, 2018. More citizen education from the Maine Municipal Association here. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin, Maggie Harling, Ann Luther, Maryann Ogonowski, Pam Person, Leah Taylor, Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org

State Preemption: From Guns to Garbage, Who’s Got the Power? Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters of Maine Engineer: Amy Browne Key Discussion Points: a) how federalism protects and constrains states’ rights and? b) how states can both protect and commandeer local control. c) from guns and garbage to water quality and pesticides, how much control do states and towns have to protect their assets or advance their values Guests: Garrett Crobin, a Legislative Advocate for the Maine Municipal Association www.memun.org/Legislative-Advocacy/Contact-Information Lauren E. Phillips, newly-minted JD from Columbia Law and authored an important article on state pre-emption for the Columbia Law Review. To learn more about this topic: –Impeding Innovation: State Preemption of Progressive Local Regulations, Lauren Phillips in the Columbia Law Review, Volume 117, No. 8, December 2017. –Blue Cities Want to Make Their Own Rules. Red States Won’t Let Them. more from TheUpshot at the New York Times, July, 2017. –From Fracking Bans To Paid Sick Leave: How States Are Overruling Local Laws, PR Watch’s Lisa Graves on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April, 2016. –Soda And Fast Food Lobbyists Push State Preemption Laws To Prevent Local Regulation, Robb Waters in Forbes Magazine, June, 21, 2017. –Municipal Approaches in Maine to Reduce Single-use Consumer Products, Travis Wagner in the Maine Policy Review, 2016. –Preemption Watch Newsletter, –Preemption Doctrine, by Ellerbe P. Cole, Maine Municipal Association in Maine Townsman,” Legal Notes,” June 1991. The all-volunteer team at the League of Women Voters – Downeast who plan and coordinate this series includes: Starr Gilmartin Maggie Harling Linda Hoskins Sheil Kirby Ann Luther Maryann Ogonowski Pam Person Leah Taylor Linda Washburn FMI re League of Women Voters of Maine: www.lwvme.org

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Issue: Community concerns and opportunities Program Topic: Governor LePage's Tax Reform Plan and its impacts on Maine towns and Non-Profit Organizations Key Discussion Points: • Michelle describes Ellsworth… its economy and tax base, with reference to the number/relative size of non-profits, role of city manager and city council in making decisions about property taxes • Josh describes the mission and programs of Woodlawn Museum, brief history and current estimate of property valuation, if known (land and improvements) • We review (from published source that Ron will share/bring) a summary of the sorts of changes in Maine's tax system, as envisioned in the Governor's budget and other sources. Reminder of the role of the legislature in reviewing Governor's proposals • Michelle describes the Maine Municipal Association, its policy review process and shares some of the potential impacts of the proposed tax system changes on municipalities, and the position(s) MMA has taken/is taking on these changes • Josh describes the potential impacts of proposed change for non-profits—what he has heard from his non-profit colleagues, and potential impact for Woodlawn • By Phone Joel Johnson, from Maine Center for Economic Policy, describes other potential impacts from the proposed tax reform, especially the reduction or elimination of income tax, shifting of tax burden, concept of tax progressivity, who would benefit and who would be disadvantaged by the Governor's proposals • Michelle/Josh shares where listeners can learn more, track the legislative process from MMA and Maine Association of Non Profits points of view Guests: Michelle Beal, City Manager, Ellsworth & President, Maine Municipal Association Joshua Torrance, Executive Director, Woodlawn Museum, Ellsworth Joel Johnson, Maine Center for Economic Policy The post Talk of the Towns 3/13/15 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

Producer/Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Studio Engineer: Amy Browne Topic: Looking Ahead: Municipal concerns for Maine's Legislative Agenda What is the Maine Municipal Association (MMA)'s history and its role in creating a legislative agenda with the help of its Legislative Policy Committee? Given the make up of this legislature and the election of Governor LePage, what do you see as your most important opportunities and challenges over the next two years? In general, what strategies have proven effective in helping legislators understand municipal concerns? What are your hopes for the relationship between municipal and state government, in this session and going forward? Guests: Geoff Herman, Director of State and Federal Relations, Maine Municipal Association; Michelle Beal, City Manager, Ellsworth; Gary Fortier, Ellsworth City Council Member; Jim Schatz, Selectman, Town of Blue Hill The post Talk of the Towns 2/11/11 first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.