Once again, We the People Maine, whomever they may be, are promoting the idea of taking away the constitutional right of corporations to exercise free speech. Calling corporate campaign contributions “dark money,” the organization wants the U.S. Congress to call a Constitutional Convention to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” ruling of 2010 affirming […]
elections
Posted inLocal & State
Maine committee votes to tighten campaign finance laws
AUGUSTA — A legislative panel Wednesday rejected a bill that would change the way Maine replaces a U.S. senator in the the case of an absence. On a nearly unanimous vote, the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee shot down a bill offered by state Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland, that would have stripped from the […]
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Posted inLocal & State
Lawmaker says bill is not about Collins running for governor
AUGUSTA — State Rep. Matt Moonen, D-Portland, said Monday that a bill he’s authored to change the way the state selects a replacement U.S. senator in the event of a vacancy has nothing to do with gubernatorial politics. Moonen’s bill was the source of speculation that Democrats were concerned U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, might […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Proposed budget $100,000 less than budget for current year
POLAND — Voters at Saturday’s annual town meeting will be asked to approve a $5.5 million municipal budget, an amount that is about $100,000 less than the current year’s budget. “The operational budget is a little less than a year ago,” Town Manager Bradley Plante said. “The Budget Committee and selectmen worked very hard to […]
Posted inFranklin
Caldwell, Gray elected Chesterville selectmen
CHESTERVILLE — Voters elected Paul Caldwell and incumbent Scott Gray to represent them as selectmen Monday at the polls at the Town Office. Caldwell won the three-year term by a vote of 107-81 over incumbent William Hastings, according to Town Clerk Heather Wheeler. Scott Gray retained his seat by a 124-73 vote over challenger Patricia […]
Posted inFranklin
Nomination papers available for Jay selectpersons seats, RSU 73 terms
JAY — No one has taken out nomination papers for one of two positions on the Regional School Unit 73 board, Town Clerk Ronda Palmer said Friday. Director Michael Morrell has returned papers for one of the three-year terms, she said. The second position is held by Darcie Calden. Elections will be held April 28. […]
Posted inOp-Eds
John Brautigam: Legislators can abolish leadership PACs
The proliferation of leadership PACs in Maine is detrimental to public confidence in the democratic process. Legislation now pending would ban such PACs. The Legislature should seize the opportunity. Maine voters have long demanded a campaign funding system that ensures accountability and honors democratic ideals. Through the years, many steps have been taken to reduce […]
Posted inFranklin
Chesterville voters to elect two selectmen
CHESTERVILLE — Voters have two selectmen races to decide at the polls from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the Town Office. Incumbent William Hastings and Paul Caldwell are vying for a three-year term on the board. Incumbent Scott Gray and Patricia Hastings are seeking election to a one-year term. Residents will take […]
Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers seek reform for Maine’s Clean Election law
AUGUSTA — A stack of bills aimed at cleaning up Maine’s Clean Election finance law holds the potential to rankle political leaders on both sides of the aisle. State Rep. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, said he knows leadership is displeased with his efforts to stop candidates who are seeking state office from also running political action […]
Posted inOxford Hills
Newry town meeting warrant, budget finalized
NEWRY — Town elections will be held Monday, March 2, at the Town Office. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to choose a moderator, a selectman and two school board members. Administrator Loretta Powers said Wednesday that Selectman Brooks Morton is seeking re-election in a contested race with former Selectman Jim […]