Democracy Forum 3/12/12

Issue: Participatory Democracy
Host: Ann Luther, League of Women Voters
Engineer: Amy Browne
Broadcast Time: 10-11:00 a.m.

Program Topic: Dysfunction in Congress: What Do We Need to Make It Work

Key Discussion Points:
a) What are the underlying, structural, or procedural problems that keep Congress from governing effectively: e.g., extreme partisanship, endless fundraising, erosion in the “regular order” of business, concentrated corporate and donor influence.
b) What do you think are the three most important things to change: for example, redistricting, campaign finance reform, return to regular order
c) What can citizens do?

Guests by name and affiliation:

A) Maine’s Second District Congressman, the Honorable Mike Michaud, 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud.
B) Arn Pearson, Vice President of Programs at Common Cause.

Call In Program: Yes

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Talk of the Towns 3/9/12

Host: Ron Beard, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Engineer: Amy Browne
Issue: Community concerns and opportunities for citizen involvement
Broadcast Time: 10- 11 AM
Program Topic: Food Security and Food Pantries
Key Discussion Points (list at least 3):
· How are you framing the question of food security (and difference from hunger)?
· What is the extent of food insecurity in this part of Maine? How does Maine compare to the nation or region?
· What factors lead or contribute to food insecurity / hunger in eastern Maine?
· How are communities, agencies and organizations responding?
· What are ways for addressing the issue in the short run?
· What are the longer term, structural solutions and policies needed to address food security?
· Where do local food pantries fit into the spectrum of short and longer run solutions?
· How are food pantries organized and supported in this part of Maine?
· What trends insure food pantry food provides needed calories but is also healthful?
Marjorie’s interview covered the basics of the food drive:
What led to the creation of this particular food drive?
What is different about this food drive (incentive for matching cash donations)?
How is the drive organized to achieve its goal of 10,000 plus items?
How do listeners get involved?
Beyond the food drive, how is Extension helping address food security? (education on growing, preparing and preserving food, support for food pantries, encouragement for Master Gardeners and others inMaine Harvest for Hunger)
Contact info for listeners wanting to learn more, get involved Beyond success in this and other food drives, what are your hopes for how we address the issue of food security as a community and as a nation?

Guests by name and affiliation:
A) Sara Yasner, United Way of Eastern Maine
B) Susan Farley, Washington-Hancock Community Agency
C) Jim Tintle, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
D) Marjorie Peronto, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
(in pre-recorded interview)

Call In Program: Yes
Political Broadcast: No

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