Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues From A To Z podcast

#Science #Tech #Social Sciences #Government #Maine Municipal Association #Municipal #Maine #Town #Augusta #Neal Goldberg #Rebecca Graham #MMA

32:09

Learn how to build a simple estate plan and lend or repay family money without hurting your relationships. What’s the first thing to do when creating an estate plan? What’s the smartest way to handle loans between friends or family? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola break down estate-planning basics like wills, revocable trusts, living wills/advance healthcare directives, and durable powers of attorney — tools that can ensure your wishes are carried out and help your loved ones avoid probate. They also share when to update your documents, how beneficiary designations can override your will, and three simple to-dos to get started without feeling overwhelmed. Then, mortgage and student loans writer Kate Wood joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer a listener’s question about paying a loan back to her parents. They explore how family loans and lending circles work, why it’s important to put agreements in writing (and when notarizing helps), and the impact informal loans can have on your credit. They also weigh different ways to set money aside, comparing high-yield savings accounts with taxable brokerage accounts invested in ETFs and considering timelines, growth potential, and tax trade-offs. Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: estate planning, will vs trust, revocable trust, living will, durable power of attorney, healthcare proxy, advance healthcare directive, probate explained, beneficiary designation vs will, update beneficiaries after marriage, how often to update a will, intestate meaning, avoid probate, family loan agreement, lend money to family safely, informal lending, lending circle, saving circle, notarized loan contract, pros and cons of family loans, protect relationships when lending money, credit score and informal loans, high-yield savings accounts, taxable brokerage accounts, ETF basics for beginners, repaying parents for college, fiduciary roles in estate planning, power dynamics of lending to friends, writing a repayment schedule, when to use a trust for minors, and retitling assets into a trust. To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com . Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z is a podcast about municipalities in Maine and the people and policies that bring local government to your doorstep. Through stories, experiences, current events, and interviews with municipal officials this podcast will spotlight the everyday challenges and successes of local governments in our home state. Potholes & Politics is brought to you by Maine Municipal Association. Comments and suggested topics can be sent to mmapodcast@memun.org

41 епізодів

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

updated 10 днів тому

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41 епізодів

#Science #Tech #Social Sciences #Government #Maine Municipal Association #Municipal #Maine #Town #Augusta #Neal Goldberg #Rebecca Graham #MMA

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Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

1
MMA’s One-Stop Shop for HR Information 10:05

10 днів тому10:05

10:05

Send us a text This week, Rebecca Lamabert and Amanda Campbell are joined by Janet Kelle, MMA’s Human Resources Director. With more than 30 years of HR experience, most recently with Husson University, Janet quickly made her presence known at MMA. In this edition, Rebecca, Amanda and Janet dive into the wide range of human resource services available to MMA member municipalities. These include succession planning, employee handbook reviews, and compliance guidance, as well as a variety of fee-based services, such as recruitment assistance, background checks and budget consultation. Janet also highlights the many resources available on the MMA website, which she describes as a “one stop shop for all things HR.” Municipal officials will have an opportunity to meet Janet at the MMA Annual Convention on October 8 & 9 in Bangor. Be sure to stop in to say hello and participate in an opportunity to win a prize.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Property Tax Study Talk 12:44

23 дні тому12:44

12:44

Send us a text This week Carollynn Lear, Bangor City Manager joins Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell to discuss the first meeting of the Legislature's newly established Real Estate Property Tax Relief Tax Force. Of the task force’s 13 voting members, Carollynn was appointed by Governor Mills to represent the interests of larger communities. Having served as the deputy commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Revenue, she brings to the table an in-depth knowledge of the issues associated with the over-reliance on the property taxpayers to fund a variety of government programs and services. To learn what Carollynn hopes to accomplish over the course of the study, please click here. Listeners interested in receiving task force updates are encouraged to subscribe to MMA’s opt-in study summary email list by emailing Laura Ellis at lellis@memun.org or visiting the Maine State Legislature’s website here for the official task force interested parties email list.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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MMA’s 89th Annual Convention – From Partnership to Progress 13:32

5 weeks тому13:32

13:32

Send us a text On October 8-9, 2025, Maine’s municipal leaders will gather at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for MMA’s Annual Convention. This year’s theme, From Partnership to Progress , highlights how collaboration can lead to the implementation of successful and sustainable solutions. This week, Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell are joined by Peter Osborne, MMA Education Services Director to discuss the planning that goes behind the convention. They are also joined by Shiloh LaFreniere, Jay Town Manager and MMA Executive Committee member, who discusses how the Planning for Tomorrow Together session dovetails with the convention theme. Municipal officials looking to reconnect with peers, engage with vendors, and explore a wide range of topics that impact the delivery of municipal services, are encouraged to visit MMA’s website here .…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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AI Leveling the Municipal Playing Field 25:12

7 weeks тому25:12

25:12

Send us a text In this edition of MMA’s Potholes & Politics hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell are joined by Audra Caler, Camden Town Manager; Kyle Hadyniak, Gray IT & Communications Director; Brian McDonald, MMA IT Director, and Anthony Wilson, Winthrop Town Manager to discuss how AI can support municipal work and services. The key takeaway from this session is that with practice, policies and responsible use, AI can level the playing field among municipalities by providing access to cost effective professional resources.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Navigating State & Local Politics with Representatives Caruso and Ray 27:19

9 weeks тому27:19

27:19

Send us a text Join Potholes and Politics with co-hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell as they sit down with Representatives Elizabeth Caruso and Michael Ray. The conversation delves into the differences and challenges between serving at the state and local levels, the importance of municipal officials' voices in legislative processes, and key concerns and accomplishments from their first legislative session. With insights on property taxes, legislative compromise, and the fast-paced nature of state decision-making, this episode sheds light on the intricate dynamics of state and local governance.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Insights from the NLC Workshop and Special Guest Teasers 11:40

11 weeks тому11:40

11:40

Send us a text Join co-hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell in this episode of Potholes and Politics as they discuss their recent trip to the National League of Cities (NLC) workshop in Minneapolis. Amanda shares key takeaways, including innovative advocacy strategies and the recurrent challenge of housing issues. The hosts also tease their upcoming episode featuring special guests. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and tune in for more local Maine insights!…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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A Sneak Peek at Studies 17:27

13 weeks тому17:27

17:27

Send us a text In this brief episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' hosts Rebecca Lambert and Amanda Campbell dive into key legislative updates and study bills of municipal interest in Maine. They discuss the recent legislative adjournment, the upcoming issue of the Maine Town and City magazine, and various significant study bills, including those on property taxation, unfunded mandates, unregulated stormwater pollution, and school funding. The episode also touches on their upcoming trip to the NLC Staff League Summer Conference in Minneapolis and the importance of networking with municipal colleagues nationwide. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of current legislative efforts and future plans to address critical municipal issues.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Legislative Update & Farewell Grambo 34:24

15 weeks тому34:24

34:24

Send us a text In this episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' co-hosts dive into the messy world of local legislative sessions. They tackle intense debates about the state budget, revealing that the budget is safe and no government shutdown looms. Topics also include the dramatic Growth Management Act dialogues, General Assistance reforms, and jaw-dropping housing bills. Major highlights include a tussle over election reforms, public comment periods, and absurdly technical housing legislations. They humorously yet professionally dissect the implications for local governments and commiserate over the absurdities of legislative processes. Finally, the episode bids a heartfelt farewell to colleague Rebecca (aka the Notorious RG) with laughs, reflections, and promises of future guest appearances.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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The People's Veto and Beyond: Key Legislative Updates in 132nd Maine Legislature 36:44

19 weeks тому36:44

36:44

Send us a text Dive into the complexities of Maine's legislative session with our latest podcast episode! This episode we break down key bills, budget battles, and the implications of citizens' vetoes. Join Rebecca, Kate, Rebecca & Amanda for an insightful discussion on what has been happening this session of municipal interest, what you should pay attention to and maybe what you should contact your Legislator about! Topics include the state of the budget situation, General Assistance bills (GA), school funding and the EPS formula and housing.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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March Madness Episode, 2025 36:06

29 weeks тому36:06

36:06

Send us a text Potholes and Politics: Bills, Brawls, and Birthday Cupcakes! Welcome to Potholes and Politics, where Rebecca Squared navigates the whirlwind of local legislation, tackling topics from voter registration to fire safety standards. Join Lambo and Grambo as they dive into the minutiae of obscure bills, from regulating corner caucuses to updating voter registration systems and debating cannabis laws—and yes, even the state of public hearings and emergency services funding. Stay tuned for insights on the challenging balance between maintaining transparency and managing thousands of legislative proposals. And don’t miss the chat about the woes of Academy training, fire codes, and the nuances of implied consent. All this while celebrating a co-host's birthday with cupcakes and cookies—could there be a sweeter way to discuss politics? 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:36 Legislative Overload: Bills and Meetings 01:27 Transparency in Legislative Processes 05:27 Election and Voter Registration Bills 07:37 Gambling and Liquor Legislation 09:33 Public Safety and Fire Training 13:07 Fire Safety Standards Debate 20:52 Police Training and Non-Residential Academy 28:06 Implied Consent and Driver's License Suspensions 31:03 Civics Education and Voter Registration in Schools 33:26 Cannabis Legislation Updates 35:01 Conclusion and Personal Notes…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Opening Week of the 132nd and We're back.... 23:01

37 weeks тому23:01

23:01

Send us a text In the return episode of 'Potholes and Politics,' hosts Rebecca Graham, Rebecca Lambert, and Amanda Campbell dive into the latest happenings as the Maine legislature kicks back into gear. At the time of this recording they've printed a whopping 139 bills already, with 29 needing immediate attention for their significant impact on municipalities. Now in week 2 we are at 293 bills printed. The hosts discuss first week bills related to municipal operations, transparency, education, and military vehicles, among others. They delve into quirky anecdotes, from military tanks on highways to the symbolism of the Maine State House architecture. They also joke about interpretive dance and limericks as a fun way to present at committee meetings. To read an on going list of the bills we are watching check out our website here: MMA LD List Subscribe to our Legislative Bulletin by emailing our Advocacy Associate Laura Ellis at lellis@memun.org…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Advocacy on the road - Regional Meetings with Local Government 50:35

46 weeks тому50:35

50:35

Send us a text The Regional Meetings Podcast Episode: At the taping of this podcast MMA's Advocacy Team had conducted 10 regional meetings with municipal and county officials around the state to discuss pressures on local government, possible solutions and meet with candidates for State office to understand better the needs of local government. From Presque Isle to Alfred, some issues are the same with a significant difference in the ability for local government to address them. It is abundantly clear that not all communities have access to regional planning resources, grant writers, or even full time staff but are using what few tools they have to try to answer the biggest challenges facing local government. What can legislators do better to understand capacity? Can they work more closely with local government to provide tools not rules and achieve their goals? One thing is certain, all legislators need local government to deliver on their most desired policies and many legislators need to understand that efforts with a view from York County have more available resources than Franklin or Aroostook County but are no less important to those communities and the people they serve. Hopefully, these local conversations will generate a lot more local voices providing comments on policy in Augusta! The conversations and interactions between local and state government leaders are more important than ever and we appreciate the time you took to make these recent conversations meaningful. Whether it’s tax policy, education funding, mandates or public safety, local contributions only strengthen the discussions and help to inform the decisions being made in Augusta. In the following months, MMA’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) and Advocacy Team will be shaping the association’s legislative platform. Your local LPC members are a valuable resource for both giving and receiving information. Count on them when you need information about a bill the LPC has up for debate, or if you have information about how a measure will impact your community. Find the full list of LPC members HERE Learn more about MMA’s 5-Member Advocacy Team HERE Additional resources can be found at the Advocacy & Communications tab on MMA’s website. There you can access past editions of the Maine Town & City magazine, read the latest issues of the Legislative Bulletin , or stream the latest episode of the Potholes & Politics podcast. If you would like to receive an electronic version of the Legislative Bulletin, Maine Town & City magazine or subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter please contact MMA’s Personify database team at: PersonifyRequests@memun.org .…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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MMA Annual Convention Featured Speaker, Hannah Pingree 59:50

52 weeks тому59:50

59:50

Send us a text The Urgency of Building Resilient Communities Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and co-chair of the Maine Climate Council, talks about the urgent importance of community action, planning and investments to build resilience to impacts of climate change following the devastating winter storms of December 2023 and January 2024. In response to these storms, Governor Mills proposed and authorized the largest recovery support package in Maine history -- $60 million for working waterfronts, business recovery, and public infrastructure projects -- and launched an expert Infrastructure Rebuilding and Recovery Commission to help develop Maine’s first long-term plan for safeguarding Maine communities and people from climate effects like extreme storms, flooding, and storm surge. Hannah will talk about the need for state, regional and local partnerships to address this challenge and efforts underway through her office to support lasting investments in Maine communities, such as through her office’s landmark Community Resilience Partnership program, which in two years has grown to include more than 225 Maine cities, towns, and tribal governments.…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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The Return of the Stormwater Rangers: Tackling Urban Stormwater and Statewide Solutions 1:14:45

1 year тому1:14:45

1:14:45

Send us a text In this episode, Rebecca Squared & Amanda the new kid continue the coversation with Stormwater Super Heros - Giants of municipal water protection activities; South Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Fred Dillon and Portland's Stormwater Coordinator Doug Roncarati and their state level partner Maine Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Engineer Cody Obropta to tackle issues around development pressures. Does regulation make development harder or does regulation and planning make development cheaper on the community in the long run? Get the one the ground facts from the front lines and learn about the theory of low impact development versus use of green infrastructure and why those buzzwords are coming to an ordinance near you soon. Ever wondered about the intricate dance between stormwater law and water quality standards? Using the Long Creek Watershed as our case study, we delve into the stringent mandates of MS4 permits and the herculean efforts required to restore urban impaired stream habitats. Our discussion extends to the significance of maintaining viable aquatic ecosystems and a closer look at the progressively stricter requirements every five years. You'll gain insights into the benefits of educating service contractors, the impact of clearer statewide standards, and the promising potential of green infrastructure projects. Lastly, explore the innovative ways Portland’s stormwater utility credit program incentivizes redevelopment while addressing pollutant-specific approaches for stormwater management. We highlight how these strategies benefit developers and the broader implications of climate change on future MS4 communities. Tune in to hear about Maine’s unique phosphorus control strategies in lake watersheds and the persistent challenges posed by historical land use and climate change. Wrapping up, we stress the importance of expert consultation and community involvement, all while celebrating the camaraderie and shared humor of those dedicated to tackling these complex environmental issues. "Urbanized and developed municipalities and other large public entities require Clean Water Act permits to send stormwater to nearby water bodies due to an increased likelihood of stormwater pollutants." "Stormwater is precipitation that does not soak into the ground. Runoff accumulates in large quantities as it flows off of rooftops, driveways, roads and other impervious surfaces, picking up soil and polluting chemicals in its wake. It then flows into a storm drain, through an underground network of pipes, where it discharges into local rivers and streams, untreated." Think Blue Maine https://thinkbluemaine.org/ Map of urban impaired streams: https://maine.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7f8f40a744ad49f3a6cccc7f1330872a Non-Point Source Training Center -…

Potholes & Politics: Local Maine Issues from A to Z

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Inside the Eleventh-Hour Legislative Scramble: Budget Battles, Housing Solutions, and the Quest for Transparent Governance 45:16

1 year тому45:16