On Wednesday evening, Aug. 2, the gavel finally came down on the first session of the 128th Legislature.
All Maine legislators, representatives and senators are elected to a two-year term. The first session, which just concluded, is the longer of the two and typically ends in late June. But a state government shutdown, numerous vetoes by the governor and other issues extended the first session into early August.
In January 2018, we will begin the second session of the 128th Legislature. Work for that session is expected to be wrapped up in late April. The second session is typically reserved for legislation considered to be of an emergency nature, therefore there are far fewer bills for lawmakers to consider.
A disappointment during this past session was an unsuccessful effort to give Rumford residents more voice on all proposed commercial contracts for water resale. After being approached by many constituents, it became clear to me that residents wanted the opportunity to weigh in on a proposal by Poland Spring for a long term water contract in Rumford. Many citizens did not feel that their concerns were being heard.
That is why I sponsored LD 90, “An Act to Amend the Charter of the Rumford Water District.” It would have stipulated that all proposed commercial water extraction contracts with the Rumford Water District for the purpose of water resale be subject to a vote of the townspeople. This bill also required a minimum voter turnout for the vote to be valid. In short, it would have given Rumford residents a choice in managing this very important natural resource.
The bill went before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, which held a very well attended public hearing on the proposal. At that hearing, experts and local citizens, alike, had the opportunity to share their perspective. Based on the information presented and the committee’s own deliberation, changes were made to the bill. Ultimately, the Senate and House adopted different versions of the bill, could not agree on a compromise, and LD 90 died in nonconcurrence.
However, this does not mean it’s the last hope to change the Rumford Water District’s charter. There was a lot of conversation in Augusta regarding this charter, and commercial water extraction in general, and though decisions are made cautiously, much ground was covered in changing minds. It may be possible to submit a modified version of LD 90 in the second session that will have a better chance of passage.
Before submitting another bill to change the Rumford Water District Charter, I need to hear from citizens.
The modified version of LD 90, agreed upon in the Senate, would have given the people of Rumford greater voice over their water resource by changing the method in which trustees are selected to be on the Rumford Water District board. Currently RWD trustees are appointed by the town selectmen. The suggested change would have the RWD trustees be elected by popular vote of the Rumford townspeople to their position on the board.
Elected positions have increased accountability to the public, removing a layer of insulation.
I would like to hear from Rumford voters on whether they believe this change will be helpful in addressing the RWD and extraction concerns. Residents may contact me by phone at 207-562-6023 (home); 207-287-1505 (Senate Republican office); or e-mail me at: [email protected].
It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the citizens of District 18 in the Maine Senate these past months. With the session now over, I have more time to be out and about our local area. I would enjoy the opportunity to tour local businesses and participate in events, so please invite me.
As the last month of another classic Maine summer is upon us, I hope people are enjoying the plentiful opportunities for outdoor activity that our beautiful neck of the woods affords.
Sen. Lisa Keim, R-Oxford, is serving her first term in the Maine Senate. She is the chair of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee and also serves on the State and Local Government Committee.
