AARP Maine Presents: A Virtual Discussion of Ballot Question 3
A recording of this event is now available to view on demand using the following link and passcode.
Click here to view the recording
Passcode: *K%8NN&1
There is also detailed information about Question 3 provided on the website of Maine’s Office of the Public Advocate.
Are you confused about Question 3 on this November’s ballot? Not sure what a consumer-owned utility might look like? If you’re looking for straight answers on what could happen after the election, join us for an in-depth discussion of the issue!
On Friday, October 13th at 10AM, AARP Maine will hold a virtual discussion to help clear up this complicated issue. Representatives from both sides of the issue will join us to answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision when you cast your ballot.
Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link to the event.
Event details
The question, as it appears on the ballot:
QUESTION 3: 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?
Discussion participants:
AARP Maine State Director Noël Bonam will moderate the discussion.
Presenting the “NO” side of the question:
Maine Affordable Energy is a ballot question committee formed to help educate Mainers about the risks associated with Pine Tree Power, Question 3 on the November ballot. Coalition partners of Maine Affordable Energy include labor groups such as the Maine AFL-CIO and the IBEW, business groups like the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Water Utilities Association, the Maine Water Environment Association, 140 individual businesses, 81 former legislators from both sides of the aisle, and over 11,000 individual Mainers – and growing.
Jim Cohen is a partner with the law firm Verrill Dana where he has been practicing utilities and energy law for over 30 years on behalf of solar developers, utilities, and consumers. Jim is also a former mayor of Portland and a board member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Jim received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, and his law degree from the Columbia University School of Law.
Charlotte Warren is a social worker and an educator. She is the owner and principal consultant for C Warren Consulting Services. Charlotte is a former state legislator and a former city councilor and mayor of Hallowell. Charlotte earned an undergraduate degree from UMF, a Master’s Degree in Education from USM, and a Master of Social Work degree from UNE.
Presenting the “YES” side of the question:
Our Power is a group of Maine ratepayers, business leaders, energy experts, conservationists, and others committed to putting the Pine Tree State’s energy future in the hands of Mainers.
Lucy Hochschartner is the deputy campaign manager with Pine Tree Power and is passionate about supporting people to create meaningful change. Her background in utility accountability and utility regulator campaigns showed her the failings of the investor-owned utility model firsthand. She knows that we won't have a power company that works for Mainers until it is owned by Mainers.
Jonathan Fulford co-founded the Yes on Question 3 campaign in 2019 in order to address climate change by transforming Maine’s last two Investor Owned Utilities into Pine Tree Power, an independent nonprofit. He has served as a volunteer board member and grassroots organizer, working on all aspects of the campaign.
Click here to register. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link to the event.
