Mr. Capello, You Say Berwick Will Remember Your Transparency. I Remember Something Different.
Arthur Capello says he hopes Berwick remembers his transparency and willingness to talk with anybody. One Berwick resident looks back at the documented record—including the very budget meeting Capello references—and describes a very different experience with access, answers and local government.
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.
Belgrade to Host Seasonal Residents Meeting on August 12
The Belgrade Board of Selectpersons will host a Seasonal Residents Meeting on August 12, giving residents an opportunity to connect with local officials, ask questions, share concerns, and stay engaged with their community.
From the Newsroom: What Should We Be Looking Into Next?
The Maine Mirror is asking readers across Maine to help shape future coverage. Share the stories, local issues, public concerns, and community voices you believe deserve greater attention from an independent newsroom committed to truth, transparency, and accountability.
A Community Doing It Right: South Berwick’s Commitment to Transparency and Accessibility
What does true transparency look like in local government? South Berwick is providing a strong example. By creating clear, community-friendly meeting recaps that help residents understand what happened, what’s coming next, and why it matters, the town is making public information more accessible and civic engagement easier for everyone.
Can the Public Record and Livestream Maine Government Meetings?
When Ryan Michaels was instructed to stop livestreaming a public Government Oversight Committee meeting, he assumed there must be a policy he didn’t understand. Four months, six emails, and a public discussion later, Maine lawmakers acknowledged that members of the public have the right to record and livestream public proceedings. This installment of The Paper Trail follows the complete documentary record from the initial question to the final clarification.
Sanford’s Latest Agenda Packet Tops 900 Pages: A Reminder of How Much Happens Behind the Scenes
While reviewing Sanford’s June 16, 2026 City Council meeting materials, one detail immediately stood out: the agenda packet exceeded 900 pages. That discovery sparked a closer look at what agenda packets are, why they matter, and what this mountain of documentation reveals about transparency, public engagement, and the often-unseen work taking place behind local government decisions.
The Maine Mirror Network: Building a Stronger Maine, One Town at a Time
The Maine Mirror Network is a statewide initiative designed to strengthen local journalism, civic engagement, and community connection through a growing network of Town Hubs. Built on the belief that every community deserves a voice, the network empowers residents to share stories, promote transparency, celebrate local achievements, and help shape a stronger future for Maine—one town at a time.
The Budget Discussion That Ended Before the Answer Arrived
A Berwick resident asked about virtual participation before a public budget discussion. The answer didn’t arrive until after the discussion had ended and residents had already voted, raising broader questions about accessibility, civic engagement, and government responsiveness.
Opinion: What LD 2150 Taught Me About Citizen Participation in Maine Government
Ryan Michaels shares the story of LD 2150, a Maine bill he publicly opposed, and how citizen participation, public testimony, legislative amendments, and government accountability became central themes in the final law. This firsthand look at the Maine legislative process explores transparency, due process, public involvement, and the power of ordinary citizens to become part of the public record.