Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

Apr 01 2024 7
Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z Podcast artwork

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z is a podcast about municipalities in Maine and the people and policies that bring local government to your doorstep. Through stories, experiences, current events, and interviews with municipal officials this podcast will spotlight the everyday challenges and successes of local governments in our home state. Potholes & Politics is brought to you by Maine Municipal Association. Comments and suggested topics can be sent to [email protected]

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Easter Monday Emergency Episode

Apr 01 2024 9 mins  
In a surprise move, the legislature came into session today and upended the Governor’s supplemental budget request. After spending the weekend consulting with municipal officials in their home communities, the tone changed drastically. Rebecca Squared (Lambo & Grahambo) breakdown what is municipally relevant in Augusta as the Legislature returns and is full of Easter Chocolat

First Legislative Update of 2024 - 2nd Session, February 1

Feb 05 2024 47 mins  
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

Stormwater 101 with Maine Stormwater Rangers

Dec 13 2023 43 mins  
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 Coor

Measuring Municipal Mill Rates 101 - Shining the Light on Maine's Tax Assessors

Oct 25 2023 55 mins  
The sensationalized headlines around heated municipal meetings targeting municipal tax assessment changes, and property reevaluation haven't offered much in the way of educating the public around the root causes of Mill Rate and property tax bill increases.So Potholes & Politics is taking a deeper dive. Trust us...this is 58 minutes you won't want to miss. (Hint: It a

Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows at MMA's 87th Annual Convention

Oct 13 2023 14 mins  
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, Unive

Pumpkinfest Latte's and Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation (MLEAP) Programs

Sep 15 2023 49 mins  
While it seems like we may have been on vacation, the intersession work has been in full swing and Legislative Committees including Judiciary and Housing are back at it next week! This episode we dive into the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program managed by Dirigo Safety and speak with one chief in the tail end of the accreditation process; Jason Warlick of Damariscotta Poli

Senior Property Tax Stabilization, What Happened? What is Next?

Aug 11 2023 45 mins  
Last year, LD 290, An Act To Stabilize Property Taxes for Individuals 65 Years of Age or Older Who Own a Homestead for at Least 10 Years, was enacted with little discussion and a host of very expensive unintended consequences. This year, the law was amended to address those consequences and bring property tax relief where it was most needed. However, it will now be up to municipal

On The Road: Aroostook County

Jul 28 2023 57 mins  
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

Episode 16- The End is Not Here....YET!

Jun 26 2023 31 mins  
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”

Episode 15 - Special Session Winding Up - Updates & Action Calls

Jun 05 2023 35 mins  
Our necessary hiatus from our weekly podcast has been afforded a brief reprieve. Advocacy staff have been drinking from a firehouse of legislation and hearings on platform bills that have been waiting since cloture for printing and assignment to committee hearings. For the first time, MMA has needed to hold a May LPC meeting as bills are still cranking out with significant municipa