PARIS – Local businesspeople and others will have their legislators’ attention next week at a forum at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

“With the changes taking place in Augusta, this is probably as good a time as any for legislators to meet with businesses and let (businesspeople) say, ‘Here are the issues,’” said John Williams, executive director of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The Oxford County session will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8,  at the school on Route 26 in Paris.

“Businesses all over the county are being invited to participate,” said Mia Purcell, program manager for the Western Maine Economic Development Council in Paris, one of several organizations sponsoring legislative forums in three counties.

Billed as “listening sessions,” Purcell said the forums are intended to attract businesspeople who will articulate their concerns to their legislators. Issues such as labor, taxes and regulations are expected to be discussed.

“The purpose is to give businesses an opportunity to speak with legislators and to be heard by legislators,” Purcell said.

She said the goal is to turn the issues into solutions through legislation in the upcoming session.

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses and legislators,” she said.

Williams said he is waiting to get a response from the 365 businesses in the county that make up membership in the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce. He said he’s expecting a good turnout.

“I hope businesses get engaged in this,” he said. “What’s the old saying? ‘You can’t complain if don’t get involved.’”

Forums are being sponsored by the Greater Franklin Development Corp., Somerset Economic Development Corp., Western Maine Economic Development Council, Western Mountains Alliance and area chambers of commerce.

Businesspeople are asked to come prepared to talk about concerns with specific ideas for resolution.

For general information on the forums, contact Tanya Swain, Western Mountains Alliance, (207) 778-3885 or [email protected].

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