RadioActive 9/29/16

Producer/Host: Meredith DeFrancesco

Issue: Environmental and Social Justice

Program Topic: Juniper Ridge Landfill Expansion Public Forum

Key Discussion Points:
1) On Tuesday, October 18th, Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing on the renewed attempt to expand the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town, which is sate owned, but run by Casella Waste Systems. Casella and the State are looking to double the size of Juniper Ridge.
2) On September 27th, opponents of the landfill expansion held an informational forum at the Old Town high school. Organizers say it is usual for applicants of major projects, such as this, would be expected to hold a public information session. As Casella and the Bureau of General Services did not, local activist held their own forum.
There has been long opposition to the expansion of the landfill, including for it’s impact on water, it’s impact on local communities, including the Penobscot Nation, and the state’s operational policy to avoid restrictions to take out of state waste by minimal processing that re-classifies it as in state waste.
3) The Board of Environmental Protection will hold it’s public hearing on Tuesday, October 18th at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Starting at 9am applicants and intervenors will present. At 6pm the public may comment. Written comments are accepted until October 19th.

Guests:
Ed Spencer, Old Town resident and intervenor
Sarah Lakeman, Natural Resources Council of Maine
Cheryl Spencer, Old Town Resident
Paul Schroeder, Old Town resident
other participants

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 9/29/16

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

Let’s continue with some items that might have gotten missed over Maine’s lovely summer ranging from computers that can identify trees to a new Kuwaiti law requiring all citizens and foreign residents to provide a sample of their DNA to a central government database.

Maine Currents 9/28/16

Producer/Host: Amy Browne
Studio Engineer: John Greenman

In November Mainers will have an opportunity to vote to legalize marijuana in the state– but the details of the ballot question are raising concerns for some folks who are otherwise pro-legalization. Today we continue the conversation about this topic from our Sept 7th show. We again hear from both sides and then take calls from listeners.

Guests:
Hillary Lister, advocate/activist, patient & caregiver
Don Christen, Founder of the Maine Vocals
Paul McCarrier, President of Legalize Maine

FMI:
www.state.me.us/sos/cec/elec/upcoming/index.html
http://www.noon1.me/
legalizemaine.net/
mevocals.weebly.com/

Family Corner 9/28/16

Producer/Host: Sue Mackey Andrews
Engineer: John Greenman

Program Topic: Access to high quality health care for all Mainers

Key Discussion Points:
a) federally qualified health centers throughout Maine provide access to a full range of high quality health care – medical, dental and behavioral health services
b) services are àvailable regardless of insurance status or ability to pay
c) Mainers of all ages are served through 20 FQHCs with 70 sites statewide

Guests:
Vanessa Santarelli, CEO Maine Primary Health Care
Carol Carew, CEO Bucksport Regional Center