The League of Women Voters of Maine encourages citizens to get more involved with local government. We have prepared this Local Government educational session to inform residents of various ways that they can step into local government as well as participate in the long-term. 

A nonpartisan presentation, this educational session will first review the very basics of how Maine communities govern themselves. Participants will gain a better understanding of chartered versus unchartered communities, how cities and counties are governed, how statewide representation is set up, and more.

Rick Lyles is a professor emeritus at Michigan State University with broad experience in urban planning and transportation engineering/planning.  A resident of Ellsworth, he is active in local civic affairs, principally related to city planning and housing and with the League of Women Voters-Downeast. He “discovered” MDI/Acadia in 1971 on his way to Nova Scotia in a VW van—ANP was a tent/tree symbol on a fold-up map and looked like a good place to stay overnight.

Ruth Eveland wisely settled here with her family in 1993.  She has been an active volunteer with a number of organizations, served three terms on the Bar Harbor Town Council, currently serves on the Planning Board, and loved beyond belief her twelve years as the library director of the Jesup.