Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

Send us Fan Mail
In the immortal words of the 4 Non Blondes, an iconic late 80s rock band, hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell provide an overview of “What’s Up” by describing what legislatively created working groups have been up to since the Maine State Legislature adjourned in May. Rick Petrie, town manager Jackman, Emily Cole-Prescott, deputy city administrator Saco, and Tanya Emery, MMA advocacy manager, join the conversation, as MMA’s advocacy team delves into the policy issues under review, from housing and property tax reform to inland moorings, data centers and beyond.  With final reports due between late November and mid-January, these expert-led groups are hard at work shaping the conversations that could influence future legislation.

Send us Fan Mail
*You may experience some minor audio issues with this episode. Should you have trouble, the transcript will provide an accurate reflection of what was said.*
On October 7-8, municipal leaders from across Maine will gather in Augusta for MMA's Annual Convention and a celebration of 90 years of serving Maine's municipalities. Attendees will enjoy keynote speakers, training sessions, networking opportunities, and a festive evening featuring the Ethel N. Kelley Memorial Award, a champagne toast, birthday cake, trivia, a '90s dance party, and late-night snacks. But before the celebration begins, months of planning are already underway. In this episode, hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell go behind the scenes with MMA staff to explore the work, creativity, and coordination required to bring one of the association's largest events to life.

Send us Fan Mail
What do Maine's gubernatorial candidates think about local control, property taxes, and the future of the state-municipal partnership? In this episode, hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell are joined by members of MMA's Executive Committee to discuss their July 27 interviews with gubernatorial candidates Rick Bennett, Bobby Charles, and Hannah Pingree. Asked the same questions and given equal time to respond, the candidates shared their visions for addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Maine's cities and towns. Listen in for an informative look at where the candidates stand and what their leadership could mean for municipal government across Maine. (https://www.memun.org/Training/Video-Library/acat/2/tag/gubernatorial-candidates)

Send us Fan Mail
It’s a celebration 250 years in the making.  In this festive edition of the Potholes & Politics podcast, hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell shine a spotlight on how municipalities around Maine are marking this milestone quarter-millennial anniversary.

Send us Fan Mail
Kerry Leichtman, Camden and Rockport tax assessor and newly appointed member of the Real Estate Property Tax Relief Task Force, shares his first impressions of the Progress and Poverty Institute‘s interim report. While Kerry found the data to be thoughtfully presented and thoroughly analyzed, he believes further study is needed to fully understand the core issue.  As he puts it, the central question remains—do property owners simply dislike paying taxes, or as he suspects, are many genuinely unable to afford their tax bills.  Podcast hosts, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell discuss the key issues Kerry believes the task force should prioritize as it enters its second year of work.