Talk of the Towns 2/11/11

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