Bridging the Augusta Divide

On Saturday, August 15, Grand Lake Hunt opened its doors for an afternoon of conversation, food, fellowship and a chance for local residents to spend some time with two of the people representing northern and eastern Maine in Augusta.

State Representatives Tracy Quint of Hodgdon and Billy Bob Faulkingham of Winter Harbor joined residents at Grand Lake Hunt in Danforth for a meet-and-greet that quickly became a relaxed community gathering.

People from several corners of the community came out. Representatives of the Greater East Grand Economic Council, Danforth Public Library, Danforth Food Pantry, Seiders Variety and the Danforth Water Board were among those attending, along with local residents who simply wanted to stop by, meet the representatives and enjoy the afternoon.

The group also had an opportunity to tour the Grand Lake Hunt preserve. At one point, Faulkingham sat shoulder to shoulder with Danforth residents as the UTV traveled across the property, bouncing over rocks and ruts in the fields. Conversations continued along the way.

Back at the lodge, people shared finger foods and talked about all sorts of things. Children and homeschooling came up. So did land rights, business development and social media. Some conversations naturally touched on matters connected to state government, while others were the kinds of conversations people regularly have when they happen to be spending an afternoon together.

That informal setting seemed to make it easier for people to talk.

There can be a certain distance between residents and the people who represent them. Elected officials can seem like people who belong to another world, particularly when their work takes place in Augusta. An afternoon like this offers an opportunity to close that distance by simply spending time together.

For a representative, getting to know a community involves more than hearing a list of concerns. It means meeting the people who live and work there and getting a sense of the families, businesses, organizations and everyday experiences that make up the community.

Quint seemed willing to give the afternoon plenty of time. She and her son Clayton stayed at Grand Lake Hunt for approximately seven hours, allowing conversations to continue long after the initial meet-and-greet had begun.

That kind of time creates opportunities that a brief stop cannot. People can talk, listen, ask questions, wander into another conversation and gradually become more comfortable with one another.

For those who attended, the afternoon also provided a reminder that communication with elected officials can happen in ordinary places and ordinary circumstances. A conversation can begin over a plate of food, during a ride across a field or while standing around talking with neighbors.

By the end of the day, the gathering had brought together people from local organizations, local businesses and the community at large, along with two state representatives who had taken the time to come to Danforth.

Augusta may be where the work of the Legislature takes place, but representation begins much closer to home.