Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

Send us a text

This 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...

Send us a text

On 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 conven...

Send us a text

In 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.  

Send us a text

Join 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.

Send us a text

Join co-hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell in this episode of Potholes and Politics as they discuss their recent trip to the National League of Cities (NLC) workshop in Minneapolis. Amanda shares key takeaways, including innovative advocacy strategies and the recurrent challenge of housing issues. The hosts also tease their upcoming episode featuring special guests. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and tune in for more local Maine insights!

Send us a text

In 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...

Send us a text

In this episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' co-hosts dive into the messy world of local legislative sessions. They tackle intense debates about the state budget, revealing that the budget is safe and no government shutdown looms. Topics also include the dramatic Growth Management Act dialogues, General Assistance reforms, and jaw-dropping housing bills. Major highlights include a tussle over election reforms, public comment periods, and absurdly technical housing legislations. They humorously yet professionally dissect the implications for local governments and commiserate over the absurdities of legislative processes. Finally, the episode bids a heartfelt...

Send us a text

Dive into the complexities of Maine's legislative session with our latest podcast episode! 

This episode we break down key bills, budget battles, and the implications of citizens' vetoes. Join Rebecca, Kate, Rebecca & Amanda  for an insightful discussion on what has been happening this session of municipal interest, what you should pay attention to and maybe what you should contact your Legislator about! 

Topics include the state of the budget situation, General Assistance bills (GA), school funding and the EPS formula and housing. 

Send us a text

Potholes and Politics: Bills, Brawls, and Birthday Cupcakes!

Welcome to Potholes and Politics, where Rebecca Squared navigates the whirlwind of local legislation, tackling topics from voter registration to fire safety standards. Join Lambo and Grambo as they dive into the minutiae of obscure bills, from regulating corner caucuses to updating voter registration systems and debating cannabis laws—and yes, even the state of public hearings and emergency services funding. Stay tuned for insights on the challenging balance between maintaining transparency and managing thousands of legislative proposals. And don’t miss the chat...

Send us a text

In the return episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' hosts Rebecca Graham, Rebecca Lambert, and Amanda Campbell dive into the latest happenings as the Maine legislature kicks back into gear. At the time of this recording they've printed a whopping 139 bills already, with 29 needing immediate attention for their significant impact on municipalities. Now in week 2 we are at 293 bills printed.

The hosts discuss first week bills related to municipal operations, transparency, education, and military vehicles, among others. They delve into quirky anecdotes, from military tanks on highways to the symbolism of...

Send us a text

The Regional Meetings Podcast Episode:
At the taping of this podcast MMA's Advocacy Team had conducted 10 regional meetings with municipal and county officials around the state to discuss pressures on local government, possible solutions and meet with candidates for State office to understand better the needs of local government. 

From Presque Isle to Alfred, some issues are the same with a significant difference in the ability for local government to address them. It is abundantly clear that not all communities have access to regional planning resources, grant writers, or even f...

Send us a text

The Urgency of Building Resilient Communities
Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council, talks about the urgent importance of community action, planning and investments to build resilience to impacts of climate change following the devastating winter storms of December 2023 and January 2024. In response to these storms, Governor Mills proposed and authorized the largest recovery support package in Maine history -- $60 million for working waterfronts, business recovery, and public infrastructure projects -- and launched an expert Infrastructure Re...

Send us a text

In this episode, Rebecca Squared & Amanda the new kid continue the coversation with Stormwater Super Heros - Giants of municipal water protection activities; South Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Fred Dillon and Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Doug Roncarati and their state level partner Maine Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Engineer Cody Obropta to tackle issues around development pressures. 

Does regulation make development harder or does regulation and planning make development cheaper on the community in the long run? Get the one the ground facts from the front lines and learn about the theory of l...

Send us a text

While the statutory adjournment date for the 131st was officially April 17, officially the recessed and did not adjourn. This has implications because the clock to enactment on any non-emergency legislation, including the Supplemental Budget, does not start until they officially adjourn "Sine Die" - Latin for not coming back! 

What happened in the last chaotic hours, what suffered from the partisan arguments and late hours, and what is a glimmer of hope for when they finish their work... is covered in this episode. 

In this episode, Kate Dufour, Laura Ellis and Amanda Campbell join Rebecca Sq...

Send us a text

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 Chocolate chipping away at the Governor's Supplemental budget request in meaningful ways. 

Send us a text

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 end we encourage you to subscribe to the Legislative Bulletin and pay attention to calls for action. The initiatives discussed this week are:

General Assistance  bills L...

Send us a text

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 Coordinator Fred Dillon and Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Doug Roncarati and their state level partner Maine Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Engineer Cody Obropta to t...

Send us a text

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 ain't because of those "greedy" volunteer municipal select boards and councils.)

This episode is the first installment of many that could be renamed a new series c...

Send us a text

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, University of Chicago on "Civic Leadership and the Imperative of Effective Communication" and Yellow Light Breen, President & CEO, Maine Development Foundation on "Leading for Economic Innovation and Prosperity", and an uplifting reminder of why we...

Send us a text

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 Police Department on the benefits of being a certified MLEAP agency.

After talking about the process, we touch on what it is like to be Chief...

Send us a text

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 officials to address the fall out of public misunderstandings as one law sunsets and two more programs expand.

In this e...

Send us a text

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 of  the Augusta Bubble?

In this episode we introduce you to our newest colleague, and former Georgetown Town Administrator, Amanda Campbell. We also chat with St. Ag...

Send us a text

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” provided the Department of Public Safety with 10% of the $2 million grant for the administration of the program. The amendment was adopted and engro...

Send us a text

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 municipal impact, assigned short turn around public hearing dates and even shorter work session dates. This is the time of year when good public policy dies because of lack o...

Send us a text

Episode 14 - Planning for ADU's, School Board Election Timing, Funding Jail Health Care

Much delayed episode in a midst of a crazy session!
This week we break down the public hearings on MMA Platform bills on:
  LD 665 - An Act to Extend the Date by Which Compliance is Required for Affordable Housing Development, Increased Numbers of Dwelling Units and Accessory Dwelling Units, Sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler of Woolwich;
LD 1022 - An Act to Allow School Budget Referenda on the Same Day as Primary Elections, Sponsored by Rep. A...

Send us a text

Episode 13 - Public Safety Cardiac Health, Chicken Fingers & Weed

This week, Lambo & Grahambo breakdown legislation from March 23rd Legislative Bulletin;
Rebecca Graham has a sit down with Dr. Benjamin Stone of Sigma Tactical Wellness at the MFCA Professional Development Conference last week who discusses how to identify the real risks to public safety employees at greater risk to cardiac event and one way to address it by looking for the right red flags in health screenings.  (This section has poorer audio we apologize in ad...

Send us a text

As we prepare for Holocaust Remembrance Day, Maine Municipal Association, Maine Chiefs of Police Association, and several other stakeholders had the opportunity to receive an important history lesson in context from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.. In this episode, Rebecca Graham sits down with Noel March who facilitated  bringing a special law enforcement program out of D.C. to Maine through the Maine Community Policing Institute and the Maine Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine.

 The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was able to take pa...

Send us a text

Episode 12 - The Greed & Weed Episode
With surprise guest star, Dexter Kimball future MMA podcast host.

This week our Legislative Bulletin we cover MMA's platform bill for Cannabis Revenue Sharing LD 88 -An Act to Provide Qualifying Municipalities a Percentage of Adult Use Cannabis Sales and Excise Tax Revenues, sponsored by Rep. Sean Paulhus of Bath;

Provide and update on LD 422 - An Act to Eliminate the Requirement That Municipalities Provide Public Notice in Newspapers, sponsored by Rep. Daniel Newman of Belgrade;

Break down a bill to...

Send us a text

Episode 11- The Newspaper Empire Strikes Back!

This week we break down hearings on:
LD 422- An Act to Eliminate the Requirement That Municipalities Provide Public Notice in Newspapers, sponsored by Rep. Daniel Newman of Belgrade 
and preview:
LD 405 - An Act to Prevent False Reporting Leading to Evacuation , Shutdown or Lockdown sponsored by Sen. Ann Carney of Cumberland County
and MMA platform bill with an upcoming public hearing,
 LD 88- An Act to Provide Qualifying Municipalities a Percentage of Adult Use Cannabis Sales and Excise Ta...

Send us a text

Episode 10 - ELDT, What to do with Dead Bodies & Engineering Projects Over 100K

A Qui*t (We don't say that word out loud, just like actors refer to the "Scottish Play") week in Augusta on the municipal front except for our monthly LPC meeting, trainings targeting municipal public works and CDL training, and bills of interest. 

This week we break down Entry Level Driver Training work arounds, review some interesting legislative proposals for composting loved ones and tackling inflation on statutory project levels requiring engineering review. 

If yo...

Send us a text

Episode 9 - Tax Acquired Property, Elections & Cops Oh My!

 This week, an exhausted Potholes Crew, Rebecca Squared, break down legislative proposals around: 

LD 101 - An Act to Return to the Former Owner Any Excess Funds Remaining After the Sale of Foreclosed Property 

LD 34 - An Act to Require a Person to Show Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting

 LD 237- An Act to Require a Registered Voter to Update the Registration

 LD 26- An Act to Provide Postage Prepaid Return Envelopes to Voter...

Send us a text

The Legislature is back in session and back in person! 
What has changed since Covid? What has remained? How does it effect the public policy debate? These will be the continued questions we explore. 

This week our podcast and Legislative Bulletin covered bills effecting municipal operations and the public hearings that happened. 

5:00 - LD 202 - Clarifies the rules on sales of cannabis products at outdoor events. 
 8:00 - LD 96 - Disclosing background checks back to a current employer for police officers applying to another agency.
12:30 - LD 23 - Mak...

Send us a text

Episode 7 - New Year, New Legislature, New Co-Host

How does the Advocacy Team determine what bills to place before the Legislative Policy Committee to determine the municipal position on any Legislative proposal? 

What is more important than a title of a bill?

What is in store for our newest Co-Host and part-time advocate full time Municipal Issues Specialist, Rebecca Lambert? 

Will Potholes & Politics stop  when everyone is too busy at the State House? Or will the episodes become shorter and punchier? How will we stay san...

Send us a text

Housing and Homelessness in Maine is primarily discussed through the lens of Maine's largest cities. This episode Potholes and Politics features three local government leaders, Aroostook County Administrator, Ryan Pelletier, Madawaska Town Manager, Gary Picard and Presque Isle City Manager, Martin Puckett discussing the housing crisis, and growth in homelessness in Maine's largest county, and the collaborative way local government leaders are responding.

In this episode we also say goodbye to co-host Neal Goldberg, and hello to new co-host Rebecca (Becky) Lambert who will join Rebecca Graham for our future episodes...

Send us a text

As Maine prepares for elections next week, Rebecca sits down with, current Deputy Director of the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council and former 2020 Director of Elections for the State of Georgia, Chris Harvey, to discuss the increasingly hostile environment for those delivering democracy in our towns and cities. 

Chris and Rebecca discuss the tendency for municipal officials to develop “thick skins” over years of fielding with public complaints, and how it might be time to set aside their hardiness to encourage reporting of threats.  The discussion also touches on the wa...

Send us a text

Join us on the exhibit floor at MMA’s annual convention, where your podcasts hosts capture the sounds and energy from members, vendors, and partners in attendance. 
Check out this bonus episode to find out who sat down at Potholes & Politics’ recording booth and what was on their mind during this celebratory two-day event.  

Interview Timestamps: 

7.05 Debbie Laurie – Bangor City Manager 

11.10 Jim Bennett – MMA President and Biddeford City Manager

18.20 Elaine Aloes – Incoming MMA President and First Selectperson i...

Send us a text

Episode 4 - How We Get There From Here: Step 1
Join us as we “drive” around the topic of Maine’s road. In the course of three interviews, Episode 4 travels from the Town of Jackman, through Augusta to chat with MDOT, all the way south to Town of Gray.  

In Jackman we explore the local reality of maintaining a network of roads. The conversation covers state-local partnerships, the budget crunch for public works departments, and a local hero who came to the rescue to save drivers from a 163-mile detour...

Send us a text

Episode 3 – The Invisible Blue Line
Episode 3 of Potholes & Politics examines a vital state and local partnership, “the invisible blue line”, in which state law enforcement support the operations of local police departments. Examining the cooperation between state law enforcement and local officials to safely host “Maine Day” in Orono highlights when and how this partnership works and why it is needed and available not only in times of crisis. The episode features officials from the Town of Orono, Orono Police Department and Maine State Police. Stick around at the end for the mu...

Send us a text

Episode 2 - MMA 101 – What is MMA and What do They Do?

Episode 2 of Potholes & Politics offers listeners an overview of the Maine Municipal Association, our services, governance structures, and plans for enhanced support of municipalities as they face unprecedented challenges. This episode will be good to revisit for new listeners who may want to understand the function and purpose of MMA, and the many services available to our nearly 500 member municipalities. 

Episode breakdown:

00:00 - Opening Introduction by front desk Ambassador Jo-Ann Lar...