Beyond Labels

In recent years (decades), there has been a lot of discussion about improving the standard of living for the least fortunate (?) Americans.

On Monday, we’ll examine more carefully what that really means

Note: The library has adopted a policy requiring all participants in group meetings to sign in at the Circulation Desk in the event COVID-19 contract tracing becomes necessary. Please sign in if you are joining us in oerson.

We’ll discuss the results of last Tuesday’s elections:

• Maine Question 1 (CMP Corridor)
• Maine Question 3 (Right to Food)
• Virginia Gubernatorial
• New Jersey Gubernatorial
• and more

Maine’s is the “oldest state in the Union” with a median age of 45.0 years, almost two years older than the next two states, New Hampshire and Vermont. Hancock County’s median age is 48.8 years. Blue Hill is 50.3 years; Brooksville is 53.0 years.

There has been a lot of discussion on the Peninsula about how to attract younger, working-age residents to fill the many open jobs and opportunities—from discussions centered on affordable housing, to improved community events for younger adults, to higher wages across the board.

To some degree, higher pay and greater “perks” can attract younger workers. But the Peninsula’s fire departments and EMS organizations are typically run, if not staffed, entirely by volunteers.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll discuss the current state and future of the Peninsula’s emergency services in this context.

• Will the Peninsula have to wean itself from relying on volunteers for these essential services?
• Is there a reasonable strategy for addressing the increasing lack of volunteers willing to, or capable of, staffing these activities?
• If not, can a “regionalization” strategy work?
• Or are we destined to abandon the volunteer model and adopt the “big-city” paradigm of full-time, paid staff in these key roles?