Occupation: Senior staff attorney, The Wilderness Society; director, Pinnacle Risk Strategies PLLC
Political and/or civic experience: New Gloucester Planning Board; New Gloucester Comprehensive Plan Update Committee; board member and governance chairperson, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Management Committee member, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Certification Services LLC
The town government operates now with a select board, town manager and Town Meeting, without a town charter. The purpose of a charter, in general, is to define the powers, functions and procedures of municipal government. New Gloucester supporters of a town charter said previously that it will give residents more oversight of their local government and increase transparency in town affairs.
New Gloucester Charter Commission race draws 11 candidates
New Gloucester residents will vote for six residents to join the Charter Commission, which holds a term of up to 24 months.
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Joining an already packed June 8 ballot in New Gloucester, 11 candidates are vying for six spots on the Charter Commission, a position that carries a term of one year to 24 months.
Michael Arata
Family: Married, three children
Education: Master’s of science in mechanical engineering, California State University Sacramento; bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering, University of California Davis
Occupation: Licensed professional engineer; owner, East West Mechanical Engineering LLC
Political and/or civic experience: Treasurer, Connections Community Group; Sunday school teacher, East Auburn Baptist Church; volunteer, New Gloucester Cub Scouts; member, New Commandment organization; volunteer, Bread of Life Food Pantry, Gray; member, Maine Society of Professional Engineers
Organic certification application period open
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UNITY MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association) Certification Services is accepting applications for organic certification from crop and livestock producers until June 1.
Adult use and medical cannabis producers interested in certification can apply to the MOFGA Certified Clean Cannabis program through June 30. Application materials and supporting documents can be downloaded at mofgacertification.org and also are available by calling 207-568-6030.
Nationwide interest in certified organic products continues to grow. A recent study from the Organic Produce Network showed 12.7% growth in organic produce sales in the northeast region in 2020.
“The pandemic has exposed the need for resilient local food systems and at the same time consumers are turning to certified organic products more than ever before,” said Chris Grigsby, director of MOFGA Certification Services, according to a news release from the associatio