RECORD UPDATE: State Explains One Abstention, Says Reason for Recusal Is “Unknown” — M.A.I.N.E. Analyzer Updates Its Assessment
Maine licensing officials have answered The Maine Mirror’s questions about two non-votes during the dismissal of five OCFS-related complaints. Lee D’Attilio’s abstention now has a documented procedural explanation, while OPOR says the reason for Ben Strick’s recusal is “Unknown” and was not entered into the public record. The new evidence prompts the M.A.I.N.E. Analyzer to update its assessment from 30/100 to 32/100 while a follow-up inquiry seeks answers about Maine’s recusal disclosure requirements.
RECORD UPDATE: The Maine Mirror Seeks Answers After Recusal and Abstention in Five OCFS Complaint Dismissals
Following the dismissal of five OCFS-related licensing complaints on August 14, 2026, The Maine Mirror is seeking clarification from Maine’s Board of Social Worker Licensure about one member’s recusal and another’s abstention. Rather than speculate about their reasons, a written request asks what was stated, what the official minutes will show, and whether supporting public records exist.
SUNDAY REFLECTION · NO. 01
What if the walls we face were never meant to be overcome alone? This Sunday Reflection explores resilience, community, healing, and how the obstacles that once stood in our way can become the foundation for something better.
Maine OCFS Director Bobbi Johnson Faces Professional Licensing Complaint: Episode 017 of The Maine Mirror Deep Dive
Episode 017 of The Maine Mirror Deep Dive examines the professional licensing complaint filed against Maine OCFS Director Bobbi Johnson, what the complaint alleges, and the broader questions it raises about child welfare leadership, professional accountability, government oversight, transparency, and public trust in Maine.
Candidate Spotlight Update: Rep. Alicia Collins Responds to The Maine Mirror Questionnaire
Rep. Alicia Collins, the Republican incumbent seeking reelection in Maine House District 61, has responded to The Maine Mirror’s Candidate Spotlight questionnaire. Read her answers to the same five questions asked of every candidate, published exactly as submitted.
Belgrade Select Board Delays Decision on Citizen Petition, Seeks Additional Legal Guidance
The Belgrade Select Board unanimously voted to delay a decision on a citizen petition signed by 276 registered voters, opting instead to seek additional legal guidance before determining whether the proposed ordinance will appear on the November ballot. The discussion focused on municipal authority, voter rights, and the legal questions surrounding the petition.
Five Maine OCFS Social Workers Face State Licensing Board Following Individual Professional Complaints
Five licensed Maine OCFS social workers—including Director Bobbi Johnson—are scheduled to appear before the Maine Board of Social Worker Licensure following five individual professional complaints. Official notices confirm all five complaints will be presented during the Board’s August 14, 2026 meeting.
North Berwick Receives Provisional 0/100 in Maine Accessibility Project Election Information Review
The Town of North Berwick received a provisional 0/100 in The Maine Mirror’s Maine Accessibility Project after failing to respond to a standardized request for public election information nearly three weeks after the email was opened. Learn how the MAP evaluates municipal accessibility and why scores may change over time.
What Belgrade Residents Should Know Before Tuesday’s Select Board Meeting on the Citizen Petition
Belgrade’s Select Board is scheduled to continue discussion of a taxpayer-initiated ordinance during its August 4 meeting. Before the meeting, The Maine Mirror reviewed the official meeting packet, including the petition, the Budget Committee’s recommendation, and the legal opinion prepared by Bernstein Shur, to help residents better understand the issues expected to come before the Board.
Why I Created The Maine Mirror
Why does The Maine Mirror exist? Founder Ryan Michaels shares the deeply personal story behind its creation, the mission to pursue truth, transparency, and accountability, and the hope that continues to drive the Truth Train forward for his children and the people of Maine.