Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

• Property Tax Study Talk

  Send us a textThis week Carollynn Lear, Bangor City Manager joins Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell to discuss the first meeting of the Legislature's newly established Real Estate Property Tax Relief Tax Force.  Of the task force’s 13 voting members, Carollynn was appointed by Governor Mills to represent the interests of larger communities.  Having served as the deputy commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Revenue, she brings to the table an in-depth knowledge of the issues associated with the over-reliance on the property taxpayers to fund a variety of government programs and services.  To learn what Carollynn hopes to accomplish over the course of the study, please click here.  Listeners interested in receiving task force updates are encouraged to subscribe to MMA’s opt-in study summary email list by emailing Laura Ellis at [email protected] or visiting the Maine State Legislature’s website here for the official task force interested parties email list.  

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• MMA’s 89th Annual Convention – From Partnership to Progress

  Send us a textOn October 8-9, 2025, Maine’s municipal leaders will gather at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for MMA’s Annual Convention.  This year’s theme, From Partnership to Progress, highlights how collaboration can lead to the implementation of successful and sustainable solutions.  This week, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell are joined by Peter Osborne, MMA  Education Services Director to discuss the planning that goes behind the convention.  They are also joined by Shiloh LaFreniere, Jay Town Manager and MMA Executive Committee member, who discusses how the Planning for Tomorrow Together session dovetails with the convention theme. Municipal officials looking to reconnect with peers, engage with vendors, and explore a wide range of topics that impact the delivery of municipal services, are encouraged to visit MMA’s website here.  

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• AI Leveling the Municipal Playing Field

  Send us a textIn this edition of MMA’s Potholes & Politics hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell are joined by Audra Caler, Camden Town Manager; Kyle Hadyniak, Gray IT & Communications Director; Brian McDonald, MMA IT Director, and Anthony Wilson, Winthrop Town Manager to discuss how AI can support municipal work and services.  The key takeaway from this session is that with practice, policies and responsible use, AI can level the playing field among municipalities by providing access to cost effective professional resources.  

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• Navigating State & Local Politics with Representatives Caruso and Ray

  Send us a textJoin Potholes and Politics with co-hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell as they sit down with Representatives Elizabeth Caruso and Michael Ray. The conversation delves into the differences and challenges between serving at the state and local levels, the importance of municipal officials' voices in legislative processes, and key concerns and accomplishments from their first legislative session. With insights on property taxes, legislative compromise, and the fast-paced nature of state decision-making, this episode sheds light on the intricate dynamics of state and local governance.

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• A Sneak Peek at Studies

  Send us a textIn this brief episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell dive into key legislative updates and study bills of municipal interest in Maine. They discuss the recent legislative adjournment, the upcoming issue of the Maine Town and City magazine, and various significant study bills, including those on property taxation, unfunded mandates, unregulated stormwater pollution, and school funding. The episode also touches on their upcoming trip to the NLC Staff League Summer Conference in Minneapolis and the importance of networking with municipal colleagues nationwide. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of current legislative efforts and future plans to address critical municipal issues.

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