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Castine postpones Food Sovereignty listening session; clerk outlines referendum timing
Summary
The Selectboard postponed a Food Sovereignty listening session to Aug. 26; Town Clerk Susan Macomber reminded residents that a referendum requires a public hearing and absentee voting must be ready at least 30 days before the election.
Chair Gordon MacArthur opened the Aug. 19 meeting of the Town of Castine Selectboard and announced that the Listening Session on Food Sovereignty was postponed to Monday, Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. because Selectboard member Roberta Boczkiewicz, the board’s point person on the sessions, was unexpectedly absent.
Why it matters: residents and advocacy groups often use listening sessions to shape referendum language and to demonstrate public support ahead of any ballot question. With the session delayed, the board and residents have less time to finalize citizen information and any formal referendum language before the fall election calendar tightens.
What was said: Gordon MacArthur explained the postponement and the board booked a work session to follow the rescheduled listening session. Town Clerk Susan Macomber told the board that the two main procedural requirements the town must meet to place a referendum on the ballot are holding a public hearing and being prepared to offer absentee voting at least 30 days before Election Day. She said she needed to confirm a few timeline details.
What’s next: the listening session is scheduled for Aug. 26 at 9 a.m.; the Selectboard will discuss next steps at a work session immediately after. Residents interested in ballot language or the referendum process should plan to attend the Aug. 26 session and watch for any formal public‑hearing notices from the Town Clerk’s office.
