The Electrifying Question of Private vs. Public Ownership of Our Power Companies in Maine

This is a FREE ticketed event. Please reserve your tickets on Eventbrite. Donations are welcome for this event and will benefit Meetinghouse Arts. 

We thank our Lead Sponsors, Joe & Carol Wishcamper , for their generous support of this event and Meetinghouse Arts.

Enjoy pre-lecture music by Shaina Graff and her ensemble, Shaina's strings, for 30 minutes before each performance.

Question 3 on the Maine ballot in November’s election asks Maine voters to establish a new statewide consumer-owned power company in place of the current two investor-owned utilities that service about 96% of Maine’s electric demand. We will hear from a proponent of each side of the question and entertain questions from the audience.

On behalf of staying with Private Ownership: James Cohen

Jim Cohen is a partner with Verrill Dana, LLP, where he has been practicing energy law for over 30 years. Jim is also a former City Councilor and Mayor of Portland, and currently serves on the board of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

On behalf of going to Public Ownership: Al Cleveland

Al Cleveland is the Campaign Manager for the Yes on Question 3 campaign, Pine Tree Power. Their work has been focused on strengthening Maine’s democracy.

Moderated by: Jeff Thaler, Energy and Environmental Attorney, Preti Flaherty