Senator Christine Savage and Representative Chris Rector Announce Education Committee Hearings at Augusta Civic Center

Public Welcome to Observe, Testify at February 5^th Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 25, 2007

AUGUSTA – Senator Christine Savage, of Union, and Representative Chris Rector, of Thomaston, would like to inform concerned members of the public about Education Committee hearings taking place on February 5^th at the Augusta Civic Center. The agenda is expected to include at least five education bills submitted by legislators, as well as the governor’s education consolidation plan, which would reduce the current 290 school districts into 26 regional school administrative units. The hearings will begin at 9:00 a.m. and last all day.

As is the case with all committee hearings, members of the public are encouraged to observe proceedings and testify before committee members. Sen. Savage has invited constituents to send written testimony to her if they are unable to attend the hearing in Augusta and testify in person. The senator has made arrangements for these testimonies to be read before the committee.

“This committee meeting will take up some controversial proposals that would affect Knox County schools,” Sen. Savage said. “I am duty-bound to inform my constituents about this important event, as well as provide them with an opportunity to deliver their opinions and concerns to the committee. The governor has laid out many plans that he claims are in the best interests of Mainers, and I think it is important that we allow those Mainers a chance to be heard.”

Rep. Rector also stressed the importance of keeping constituents well informed. “The primary responsibility of a legislator is to do whatever is in the best interests of his or her community,” he said. “Providing the people with a constant flow of information, as well as opportunities to be heard, is, as I see it, simply another aspect of this job. I encourage my constituents to attend this meeting, and speak their minds.”

Sen. Christine Savage represents Senate District 22, which includes all of Knox County. She can be reached in Augusta at 287-1505, in Union at 785-4632, or by e-mail at csavage@midcoast.com.

Rep. Chris Rector represents House District 48, which includes part of Owl's Head, South Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston, Matinicus Isle Plantation, and the unorganized territory of Criehaven. He can be reached in Augusta at 287-1440, in Thomaston at 354-6571, or by e-mail at cwrector@hotmail.com.

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