Platform Expansion, upcoming social medias

I have just walked past a public telephone. It reminded me of how rare those have become, and have been for basically my entire life. It’s something I have thought of before, but didn’t make it into the 1am need-to-get-the-platform-written session, and it’s also an area where Maine has recently stepped up a little bit: the Public Utilities Commission operates a network of public telephones across the state (34 at the moment, with a 35th about to be installed in Augusta according to their website), and I think this is something that would benefit every town in the country. No matter what town you are in, if you’re lost or your cellphone is broken, stolen, or out of juice, or if you don’t have one to begin with because you’re young or old or poor or can’t be bothered to buy one, you should be able to find a free telephone and get in touch with people who you care about and who can help you.

Having phone booths in public would also be a great opportunity for placing other public services: public internet connections for people who forgot to download their Important Document, public outlets for people who need to charge something, or even public bathrooms as those become increasingly difficult to find, because when you have to go you have to go.

As far as my schedule going forward, my goal is to be appearing in person in public across the district every day next week from May 17th-25th. On Sunday the 17th I will be at Mill Creek Park in South Portland painting benches from 9-noon, at Vessel and Vine in Brunswick for the birthday party of a local zine I edit for (also not a campaign event), and at Hi Fidelity Brewing Company in Portland for a candidate Q&A from 4-6pm. Bring your friends and bring your questions and bring your love for your communities with you; the Q&A at Hi Fi will also be accepting food donations for local food pantries.

Lastly, petitioning at Panacea in Wiscasset begins on Monday! If you live in Wiscasset or any town adjacent to there, go to Panacea if you want to be represented by a fellow who has a degree in engineering and works alongside you as a carpenter and mariner in Maine’s economy. Monday is also the last day Panacea is accepting donations for the Lincoln and Knox County Baby Shower, so bring your lightly used baby and toddler clothes, toys (NOT stuffed animals), maternity clothes, baby gear, and unused wipes and diapers to pass them along to folks who need them!