By Ryan Michaels | The Maine Mirror

CLINTON, Maine — Residents of Clinton will have an opportunity to weigh in on several local issues during the upcoming Select Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Ahead of the meeting, Selectman Ken Paul published a detailed public Facebook post encouraging residents to review the agenda, attend if possible, and take part in discussions that could help shape the town’s future. Alongside sharing the official meeting agenda, Paul also highlighted several topics he believes deserve community attention while emphasizing the importance of hearing from a broad range of residents.

(Image: A public Facebook post from Clinton Selectman Ken Paul announcing the July 28, 2026 Select Board meeting. The post features the official meeting agenda and introduces his message encouraging residents to become involved in local government, attend the meeting if possible, and participate in community discussions.)

Meeting Agenda Covers a Variety of Community Issues

According to the published agenda, the Clinton Select Board is expected to consider or discuss several matters during the meeting, including:

• Approval of the July 14 Select Board meeting minutes
• Food Sovereignty Ordinance update
• FY26 Budget Overages Resolution
• Police cruiser purchase
• Hill Road Public Safety Tower lease
• Winn Avenue report
• Waterville Humane Society contract
• School Property Plan
• Fire Station update
• Public comments on matters not listed on the agenda

(Image: The official Town of Clinton Selectmen’s Meeting Agenda for July 28, 2026, listing the evening’s action and discussion items, including the Food Sovereignty Ordinance update, FY26 budget overages resolution, police cruiser purchase, school property plan, fire station update, and opportunities for public comment.)

Each item represents an opportunity for residents to learn more about issues affecting their community while hearing directly from local officials before decisions are made.

Encouraging More Voices at the Table

In his public post, Paul said he was encouraged by the level of online participation during the previous Select Board meeting livestream, noting that more residents appear to be taking an interest in local government.

At the same time, he reminded readers that while livestreams make meetings more accessible, comments submitted during the livestream cannot realistically be addressed during the meeting itself. For residents wishing to ask questions or provide feedback, Paul encouraged attending in person whenever possible or submitting comments to the Town Manager or Town Clerk before the meeting.

He also reflected on the importance of broad community participation, writing that elected officials naturally hear from people within their own social circles unless others choose to become involved.

Paul noted that understanding the priorities, concerns, and ideas of the wider community is essential to effective local governance and expressed appreciation for residents who have reached out through his public page.

(Image: A public Facebook post from Selectman Ken Paul discussing the importance of civic participation, encouraging residents to attend meetings in person when possible, submit comments if they cannot attend, and emphasizing that local government benefits from hearing a wide range of community perspectives.)

Agenda Items Receiving Additional Attention

Paul also offered additional context regarding several agenda items he expects will generate community interest.

Regarding the Food Sovereignty Ordinance, he noted that members of the Harrington family are expected to return to continue discussing the proposal and encouraged supporters to attend if they wish to lend their voices to the conversation.

On the topic of a potential police cruiser purchase, Paul expressed his personal support for purchasing another Chevrolet Tahoe while emphasizing the importance of ensuring local law enforcement has reliable transportation to respond to calls throughout the community.

He also devoted significant attention to the discussion surrounding the School Property Plan and the future Community Enrichment Center, describing it as one of the most discussed topics during the previous meeting.

According to Paul, town officials have continued refining plans for the Community Enrichment Center and are seeking additional public input. He encouraged residents to share not only whether they support the project, but also what they hope to see become of the property moving forward.

Paul noted that the town previously voted in favor of pursuing the initiative and encouraged residents to remain engaged as planning continues.

(Image: A continuation of Selectman Ken Paul’s public Facebook post highlighting several agenda items, including the proposed Food Sovereignty Ordinance, a potential police cruiser purchase, and the future of the Community Enrichment Center. Throughout the post, Paul shares his personal observations while encouraging residents to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion.)

Local Government Begins With Community Participation

Regardless of where residents stand on the issues scheduled for discussion, meetings like these provide an opportunity to hear directly from local officials, better understand how decisions are made, and participate in shaping the future of the community.

Whether attending in person, submitting comments ahead of time, or simply staying informed, civic engagement remains one of the most direct ways residents can contribute to local government.

For those interested in following the discussion firsthand, the Clinton Select Board is scheduled to meet Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

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Have an upcoming municipal meeting, public hearing, or community event others should know about? The Maine Mirror welcomes tips about opportunities for civic engagement across Maine. If your town has an upcoming meeting or issue that deserves broader awareness, email editor@themainemirror.com.