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*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.

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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)

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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. 

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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.     

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In the May 11 edition, your podcast hosts, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell met with members of MMA’s Legislative Policy Committee to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the illustrious committee.  This edition continues that conversation with Elaine Aloes (Solon) and Roberta Boczkiewicz (Castine), who bring the elected official’s perspective to the discussion.  

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MMA’s 70-member Legislative Policy Committee, comprised of two members elected by the councils and selectboards in each of Maine’s Senate districts, plays a critical role in shaping the association’s priorities on the issues before the Maine State Legislature.  As the election of the 2026-2028 LPC gets underway, current members Steven Buck, Marc Meyers, and Dwayne Young join Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell to discuss the process and its importance.    

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With the Legislature poised to finally adjourn after veto day on April 29, Tanya Emery joins Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell to highlight the successes, disappointments and near misses of the 2026 session.  

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With committee work wrapped up, the supplemental General Fund budget finalized, and the last edition of MMA’s Legislative Bulletin published and emailed on March 27, the Legislature is on pace for an April 15 adjournment.  In this episode of the podcast, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell discuss how bills move between the chambers, highlight the municipally relevant components of the supplemental budget, and provide updates on the legislation debated this week.   

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In a brief, yet informative podcast, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell highlight several municipal issues moving toward final action as legislative committees conclude their work. With the April 15 adjournment date approaching, committees are finalizing amendments to bills affecting county jail funding, the Essential Programs & Services formula, interim recommendations from the Real Estate Property Tax Relief Task Force, and housing.  These, and other proposals, will soon advance to the House and Senate for debate and final votes.  

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As the Legislature’s appropriators continue to work on the supplemental budget, committees are establishing their funding priorities.  So far, lawmakers have supported state funding for 55% of pre-K to grade 12 education costs, additional funding for county jail operations, and resources to retrofit school buses with critical safety features.  Additionally, Tanya Emery joins podcast co-hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell to discuss a wide range of legislative issues, including updates on mandatory reporter provisions, new protections for certain public officials, and emerging questions regarding the authority of municipalities to regulate clean energy developments.