Democratic senators plan town hall series

5 years ago

AUGUSTA,  Maine — A group of Democratic leaders in the Maine Senate will host a series of town hall meetings around the state, including one in Aroostook County.

Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Senate Majority Leader Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic announced the meeting series Oct. 15. 

Jackson and Sen. Mike Carpenter, D-Houlton, will host the local session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center Allagash Room.

Meetings are also planned in Auburn, Gardiner, Topsham and Winterport.

According to officials at Jackson’s office, after hearing from Mainers all across the state, the lawmakers developed a plan which they called the Fighting for Maine Agenda, which aims to improve the lives of Maine families, workers, seniors, businesses and communities in the upcoming session. 

The agenda responds to the biggest challenges facing Maine people, with six core objectives: fixing the broken health care system; standing up for Maine workers and businesses; providing property tax relief; protecting Maine families; continuing proud traditions; and working toward energy independence.

“Too many people feel like our government isn’t working for them. We’re setting out to change that. The Fighting for Maine Agenda is about making sure our priorities reflect the priorities of hardworking Mainers, families and seniors, and then following through for the people of Maine,” said Jackson.

“I’m eager to get back to the State House, and work on ambitious, smart policies that will help grow our economy by attracting and retaining a well-trained workforce, investing in infrastructure that connects our state to the world marketplace, and supporting new growth in our heritage industries,” said Sen. Libby.

“We accomplished much last session, but our work is far from over,” said Sen. Vitelli. “We’re well-positioned to build on our successes. There are still problems holding too many Mainers back. By ensuring affordable access to quality health care, and pushing for energy independence, we can lay the foundation for a bright, healthy future for our state.”

The town halls will all feature brief comments from lawmakers and extended question-and-answer sessions. An online version of the agenda is available at www.fightingformaine.com.