Welcome to Potholes & Politics

07/06/22 • 29 min

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

Join us for MMA’s first podcast episode! This episode summarizes the themes and purpose of the podcast and introduces its hosts Rebecca Graham and Neal Goldberg. Email the show hosts with your ideas at at [email protected] .

Corrections and Clarifications
6.55: While the MMA office does have two levels, with many wonderful people working on both floors, Peter and Alicia work “down the hall” rather than “downstairs.”
15:35: MMA’s Legislative Policy Committee is comprised of 70 voting members, two members from each of the 35 State Senate Districts.

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Next Episode

Episode 2 - MMA 101 – What is MMA and What do They Do?

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Episode 2 - MMA 101 – What is MMA and What do They Do?

Episode 2 of Potholes & Politics offers listeners an overview of the Maine Municipal Association, our services, governance structures, and plans for enhanced support of municipalities as they face unprecedented challenges. This episode will be good to revisit for new listeners who may want to understand the function and purpose of MMA, and the many services available to our nearly 500 member municipalities.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 - Opening Introduction by front desk Ambassador Jo-Ann Larino-Greves.

7:00 - Introduction to available services by Neal Goldberg and Rebecca Graham.

8:05 - Introduction to Risk Management by Member Services Supervisor, Marcus Ballou.

13:00 - Interview with Director of Educational Services, Peter Osborne covering MMA’s training offerings, Annual Convention, and the future.

30:50 - Introduction to Legal Services and the unique free advice municipalities receive from Staff Attorney, Breana Gerson.

39:29 - Interview with past MMA President, Linda Cohen on the Association’s Legislative Policy Committee, and municipal officials from across the state working together for the betterment of all communities.

52:30 - Municipal Good News Picks of the Pod.

Episode Facts and Corrections:

First “Town Meeting”: In 1654, at what is now called Thwing’s Point in Woolwich (previously Dresden Mills), residents met at the house of Thomas Ashley to elect local officials and for general public purpose (Plymouth Colony Court Records pg. 57-61).

Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust (MMEHT): To clarify, MMEHT is not a healthcare provider, rather the Trust provides health insurance plans.