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District 2 seat on Portland Charter Commission is uncontested
One of two candidates on the ballot for the District 2 seat dropped out earlier this month for personal and professional reasons.
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Two names will appear on the ballot for the District 2 seat on the Portland Charter Commission, but only one candidate – Robert O’Brien – is still in the race.
Robert O’Brien
Em Burnett, who uses they/them pronouns, announced on May 2 that they were dropping out of the race for personal and professional reasons. Burnett noted that they and their opponent agree on many issues.
“After two candidate forums, it became clear that he and I agree on many of the biggest issues that this 12-person, unpaid commission will look at,” Burnett said. “He’s thinking about the charter and city process deeply and seems open to new ideas. He’s volunteered to do the job and has the time and space to do it. I will maintain an open line of communication with him, an
Portland Charter Commission candidates in District 1 differ on strong mayor
Three candidates running to represent District 1 on the commission appear to have distinct approaches to the year-long process of reviewing and recommending any changes to the structure of city government.
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Three candidates running to represent District 1 on the Portland Charter Commission appear to have distinct approaches to the year-long process of reviewing and recommending any changes to the structure of city government.
Only one candidate, Shamika (Shay) Stewart-Bouley, is running on a detailed platform of potential changes, including investing more power in the elected mayor’s office. Karen Snyder and David Cowie, however, have concerns that such a move would make city government and services more partisan.
Portland council votes to put $125.2 million school budget on June ballot
The councilors voted 7-2 to approve the total budget after an amendment seeking to reduce the amount to be raised from taxes failed 5-4.
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The Portland City Council voted 7-2 Monday night to send a proposed $125.2 million school budget to voters for final approval, taking the action after councilors rejected an amendment seeking to reduce the amount of funds to be raised from taxes by $1.48 million.
The proposed amendment, made at the recommendation of the finance committee, was rejected 5-4. Councilors Belinda Ray, Nick Mavodones, Spencer Thibodeau and Mayor Kate Snyder voted in favor of the amendment.
Meet the at-large candidates for Portland’s charter commission
Ten candidates are seeking four at-large seats on the Portland Charter Commission, which will review and recommend changes to the basic form of government in Maine s largest city.
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The election of a commission to review Portland’s City Charter might be a low-key affair under more normal circumstances. Not this year.
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A convergence of political forces, including impacts of the pandemic and demands for racial equity, has focused energy and attention on the new charter commission and the potential for historic reforms. It also has led to a profusion of lawn signs around town ahead of the June 8 election.