The panelists have been announced for the discussion “Views from Both Ends of the CMP Corridor.” The Lincoln County Community Conversations event focuses on the Nov. 2 referendum Question 1 and takes place online on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Question 1 reads, “Do you want to ban the construction of high-impact electric transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec Region and to require the Legislature to approve all other such projects anywhere in Maine, both retroactively to 2020, and to require the Legislature, retroactively to 2014, to approve by a two-thirds vote such projects using public land?”

Sandra “Sandi” Howard is a volunteer for the grassroots effort opposed to the CMP Corridor. She is an eighth generation Mainer, a registered Maine guide of 25 years, and a professor of music education. Howard is the director of the nonprofit Say NO to NECEC and No CMP Corridor. She will discuss why Mainers should vote yes on Question 1 to reject the CMP Corridor.

Lincoln “Linc” Jeffers is the economic and community development director for the City of Lewiston. Lewiston has supported the NECEC project from the beginning and it is where a $250 million converter station will be built along the 145-mile corridor. Jeffers has worked to create and promote economic development in Lewiston since 2000. During his tenure the city has had more than $941.8 million invested in economic development projects that have created 4,200 new jobs and retained 1,880 jobs. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Middlebury College, and has completed graduate work in economic and community development at the Muskie School of Public Service. Jeffers will share why voters should vote no on Question 1.

The public is invited to participate by watching the live stream online or by joining the Zoom meeting. Anyone who joins the email list, will be sent a Zoom URL. For more information, to sign up for the email list, to watch the event live on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m., or to watch the recording, visit https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/communityconversations. 

Because this event cannot be held in person and to keep the online audio uninterrupted, the audience should submit questions and succinct comments ahead of time through an online form found at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/questions.

Lincoln County Community Conversations events are opportunities for constructive dialog sponsored by the Lincoln County Democratic Committee. This series of community forums and discussions on topics of concern to Lincoln County residents was founded in the belief that friendly discussion and sharing of facts and opinions is a bridge to a stronger community. To sign up for our email list, please complete the form found here https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/communityconversations or for more information, please contact John at janjohn1us@yahoo.com or 207-529-6502.