With fried shiitake mushrooms, pie cones, empanadas and egg rolls in hand, hundreds of Mainers stopped by The Maine Monitor’s booth at the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity over the weekend.
Many shared issues happening in their communities that they think deserve more attention, and highlighted the need for local independent journalism.
Gubernatorial candidates Hannah Pingree, Angus King III and Troy Jackson were among the Mainers who came by to speak with The Monitor team.
Gov. Janet Mills also made an appearance at the fair, and government accountability reporter Josh Keefe asked the governor for her thoughts on a recent Maine Monitor/Bangor Daily News investigation into a violent arrest by the Maine State Police.
When asked how they see Maine changing, fairgoers offered a variety of thoughts, with many pointing to rising housing costs as one of the biggest problems facing the state.
Some lamented the influx of “people from away,” saying it is eroding Maine’s unique character. “It’s easier to make friends + harder to find housing,” one offered. “More expensive, more diverse, more change in rural towns,” another said.
“We are getting older,” one wrote. “Need affordable housing, child care, health care to attract and rebuild workforce.”
Others pointed to what they saw as positive changes, citing an increase in solar cooperatives and “young people taking action + engaging in their communities.” Another celebrated the growing understanding that Maine agriculture is important to all Mainers.
On Saturday, The Monitor’s environmental reporter Emmett Gartner gave a talk about how Maine towns are rebuilding after the severe storms of December 2023 and January 2024, and how federal funding cuts are impacting climate resiliency work.
After a brief interruption by the joyful, jangly hullabaloo of the bicycle parade, those listening in the Railcar Speakers Tent asked several questions about the state’s flood preparedness and said the talk prompted them to realize they should familiarize themselves with their towns’ emergency plans.
The Monitor team also distributed free totes and stickers featuring moose, loons and other Maine creatures reading and listening to the news, designed by local Maine artist Ashley Megquier.
