Augusta Legislators Invite Public to Community Forum

January 29, 2007

AUGUSTA – Augusta’s legislative delegation will begin a series of monthly listening sessions open to all members of the public Wednesday January 31st from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Cony High School auditorium. The public forum will be open for discussion on any issue; however, there will be a focus on the numerous educational proposals facing the Education Committee and full Legislature. All Augusta residents are encouraged to attend.

The intent of the upcoming forum is to provide area residents with more information about the proposed school district consolidation plans and to give residents the opportunity to voice their opinion.

“I hope to take the comments I hear from the forum back to the Legislature as we move forward with this proposal. There are many options and we all need to work together for what is best for the people of Maine,” said Representative Patsy Crockett, D – Augusta.

“The Legislature has an opportunity to address two issues that are near and dear to every citizen of this state – education and the tax burden. It is important that we listen to what the communities want and bring home the kind of results that work for all Mainer’s,” added Senate Majority Leader Elizabeth Mitchell, D – Kennebec County.

"On the campaign trail, I had an opportunity to talk with lots of Augusta's citizens. To ensure that this communication doesn't stop with the campaign trail, the Augusta Delegation is sponsoring monthly Community Forums. I hope we have a number of citizens who come to share their thoughts!" said Representative Kim Silsby, D – Augusta.

Sponsors of educational proposals include:

Governor John Baldacci; Senator Libby Mitchell; Senate President Beth Edmonds, D – Cumberland County; Senator Peter Mills, R – Somerset County; Senator Peggy Rotundo, D – Androscoggin County; Senator Karl Turner, R – Cumberland County; and Representative Kim Silsby.

Senate Majority Leader Elizabeth H. Mitchell represents Kennebec County in Senate District 24 which includes the communities of Augusta, China, Oakland, Sidney, and Vassalboro. Senate Majority Leader Mitchell is Chair of the Government Oversight Committee and serves on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.

Representative Kim Silsby represents House District 56 which includes part of Augusta. Rep. Silsby serves as a member of the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee.

Representative Patsy Crockett represents House District 57 which includes part of Augusta. Rep. Crockett serves as a member of the Insurance and Financial Services Committee.

Representative Bill Browne represents House District 58 which includes part of Augusta, Vassalboro, and Windsor. Rep. Browne serves as a member of the Transportation Committee.