Updated the Hollis Select Board around the latest initiatives at the county level and how our county agencies are serving the community at large.
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Shout out to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for awarding York County a grant in the amount of $36,750! The York County Commissioners approved the usage of the money for the Sheriff’s Office to outfit each of our patrol cruisers with a defibrillator and a carrying case for each device. This will help save lives.
During this season of giving, it’s important to stop and reflect on those in our community who give of themselves to lift up those around them.
There are countless volunteers who don’t ask for anything in return. They just give selflessly of their time, resources, and energy to make a difference. Throughout York County, we are blessed to have many amazing individuals and groups using their unique skills, talent, and passions for causes they wholeheartedly believe in. One of my favorite parts of being your County Commissioner is the opportunity to recognize the unsung heroes among us. This year, York County Commissioners recognized 18 individuals and groups with a Spirit of America award based on their municipal nominations. In our commission district, we had 5 recipients. Here is a little information about each of them. Mainebiz has named York County Commissioner Justin Chenette to their 40 Under 40 list, which highlights the next generation of leaders.
This is the third year the outlet has published a list of individuals they deem as Maine’s ‘up-and-comers who are changing Maine and the economy for the better.’ “My purpose-driven adventures spanning media, government, nonprofit management, and communications have all led me to this moment to make the biggest impact in my community and for our state,” says Chenette. “This helps fuel the next chapter of my story.” Chenette accepted the award at a ceremony at Brick South on Thompson’s Point last month, where they recognized his efforts professionally at Sweetser, as their Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement, and his years in public service. Chenette was elected to the Maine House of Representatives at age 21, the Maine Senate at age 25, and to the York County Commission at age 31, each time becoming the youngest or the only openly LGBTQ+ individual to serve. He began his career as the first student member on the Maine State Board of Education at age 17, after being appointed by Governor Baldacci. One of the questions Mainebiz asked in their profile was where Chenette sees himself at age 60. His response? “I hope to be giving back in a way that’s impactful, purpose-driven, and meaningfully improves the lives of others. Service is in my blood. It’s a part of who I am.” Profiles of award recipients are available online at Mainebiz.biz. During my 8 years as a State Senator and Representative for our area, I took on the political establishment, the engrained special interests, and high-paid lobbyists to shake up a broken system. While it didn’t always make me the most popular legislator in Augusta, someone needed to stand up and do what was right over what was easy. I worked every single day to reduce the corrupting influence of money in our politics and specifically, where that money was coming from that sought to pad their bottom line through policy change. My crowning legislative achievement was introducing and passing a comprehensive campaign finance and ethics reform package in my final term in the Senate. It took many years of educating, prodding, and begging my colleagues to finally make it happen. It’s something the public has been wanting for quite some time, but was opposed by those with any semblance of power. People with power tend to want to hold onto that power by the same means that put them there. That usually means keeping a pay-for-play system in place that benefits them. The package that ultimately became law included banning lobbyist contributions to sitting lawmakers and candidates, ending the use of PACs (political action committees) as private slush funds, ensure enforcement of ethics rules around legislator-led caucus PACs, and shutting the revolving door of lawmakers becoming lobbyists by banning lobbyist activity for a full year after legislative service ends. In total, I was able to shepherd four campaign finance and ethics reforms bills across the finish line, representing some of the biggest victories on this front in recent memory. Our policymakers, as with our elections, should not be dictated by those who write the biggest checks. While we’ve made monumental progress on this front, there is always more work to do. It was an honor to present the Hollis Selectboard nomination of the Spirit of America Award 2024 to Charles ‘Chip’ Currier for all he does for the Hollis community, especially as an active member of Hollis Parks & Recreation team. Congrats Chip!
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an annual reminder to look out for one other and our own mental state.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US. According to the CDC, suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022. While the national rate grew, Maine's suicide death rate actually dropped in recent years. It’s still the second-highest rate in New England though, behind only Vermont. We are starting to see the stigma break when it comes to talking about mental illness while seeking out professional help is becoming normalized. Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document. County Commissioner Justin Chenette, of Saco, has been reappointed by Senate President Troy Jackson to a government agency responsible for improving Freedom of Access laws.
Chenette will remain on Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee for another 3 years, after serving an initial term since 2021. The committee is an on-going advisory council with oversight authority to make recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, and local governments regarding best practices in providing the public and press access to records and proceedings and to maintain the integrity of Freedom of Access laws. “It’s critical that we have all levels of government operate in the sunshine to be held accountable by the press and the public alike,” says Chenette. “The work we do helps build public trust and confidence through actionable improvements to government transparency and open decision-making." One of my favorite times of the year is high school graduation season. It’s such a special time to
celebrate the hard work and dedication of student achievement with the excitement of further career preparation ahead. I have fond memories of donning my maroon and gold at Thornton Academy, as I walked across the stage on the football field to get my well-earned diploma, while my family looked on in the stands of Hill Stadium. It’s an important life milestone that sticks with you. Since 2015, I’ve had the pleasure of awarding college scholarships to some very deserving students, not just at my alma mater, but at surrounding communities as well. I established a nonprofit foundation to help amplify the qualities of good civic leadership and community service in Maine’s next generation. With your help and generosity, 26 students at Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, and Bonny Eagle High School have received a combined total of over $12,000 in scholarship support. This year, three area high school students have been awarded the Chenette Leadership Scholarship, totaling $1,500. This year’s recipients are Tyler MacVane, Derrick Webber, and Gregory Brunk. |
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