AUGUSTA – State Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Androscoggin County, of Lewiston will participate in the Legislative Conflict Resolution and Citizen Input Project, which is being hosted by the National Conference of State Legislators in Denver on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 8 and 9.

The project is designed to develop ways to get more citizen input in the legislative process and to help groups involved in lawmaking reach consensus. Sen. Rotundo will be one of seven legislators from around the country who have been asked to participate in this project.

“Senator Rotundo showed a thoughtful, creative and productive approach to legislative work; a wide range of interests; and a dedication to civic activities,” said Bruce Feustel, who is heading up the project for NCSL.

“I am honored to be a part of this effort to encourage greater communication and collaboration between legislators and the people they serve. I have spent my years in public service trying to engage citizens in their government and helping people with differing points of view to collaborate,” said Rotundo, who serves as Senate chair of the State and Local Government Committee and as a member of the Appropriations Committee.

The group will use the December meeting to develop descriptions of best practices and ideas on how to build legislator skills, improve procedures, take advantage of technological advances and identify resources. Group members will create a plan to share this information with their colleagues and select a state for a pilot project for conflict resolution training for both legislators and citizens.

The Legislative Conflict Resolution and Citizen Input Project is funded by a grant from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

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