A Lincoln County Community Conversations panel discussion on the Nov. 7 Referendum Ballot Question 3 will take place on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the American Legion Post 42, 527 Main St. (Business Rte. 1) in Damariscotta. The doors will open at 6 p.m. with refreshments. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will end at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

Perhaps the most controversial of the eight referendum questions on this November’s Maine referendum ballot, question 3 reads: An Act to Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit, Customer-owned Utility. Do you want to create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine?

“If you are not sure whether you want to answer Yes or No on this question, you should consider joining the discussion. Without taking sides ourselves, we plan to uncover the facts and will offer our panelists an opportunity to present their cases in a clear and comprehensive manner before opening it up for questions from the audience,” shared Jan John, organizer of the event.

Moderated by the impartial Maine Public Advocate William Harwood, the panelists include Al Cleveland from Pine Tree Power who will explain what voting yes means and former Maine State Legislator Charlotte Warren who will present why Mainers should vote no. Others may be added.

The Maine Office of the Public Advocate which works to help voters make informed decisions will also share a specially prepared document with attendees.

While an informative, educational, and lively discussion is expected, the organizers of the event have zero tolerance for bullying or abusive language. Attendees who engage in such behavior will be asked to leave.

The public is welcome to attend Lincoln County Community Conversations events which are opportunities for constructive dialog sponsored by the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC). 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. Sign up for the email list by completing the form here https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/communityconversations or for more information or to share topic ideas for future events, please contact LCDC Outreach Leader Jan John at janjohn1us@yahoo.com or 207-529-6502.