Young Voters group trying to 're-ignite' community

The dismal economy, a lack of progress on climate change policy and the repeal of Maine's gay marriage law were just a few of the reasons 2009 "sucked" for many at Maine's chapter of the national The League of Young Voters organization.

But with a full slate of city, state and federal elections just eight months away, the Portland-based advocacy group is launching a new monthly meeting to make sure 2010 ends on a stronger note.

The first forum, "Re-ignite: still pissed off after all these years," is a chance for Portlanders to get involved in local issues and help steer the debate ahead of June's primary elections and the November general elections, said Will Everitt, The League's state director for Maine.

"Re-ignite" will be held tonight from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at North Star Music Cafe on Congress Street.

"We're kicking it off this year, because if you think about it ... if you go back a year, we're still fighting and dealing with a lot of the same issues," Everitt said. "For example, gay people still can't marry in Maine. For example, the economy is still sputtering along. Not much has been done on climate change in making the city or society more sustainable in measurable ways."

Everitt says the goal of this first meeting is to begin the conversation on "those (and other) issues and what people can in the community can do about them."

Since forming six years ago as the "League of Pissed Off Voters," Maine's chapter of the League of Young Voters has become a force in city politics. Each election season, the group comprised of young and "the young at heart" hosts several candidate forums that focus on issues important to Portlanders between 18 and 35 years old. The League's voter guides are also a common sight around town and at polling places on Election Day.

Everitt says tonight's event is "harkening back (to the founding ideals) with an eye to the future." Issues like equality, government transparency and the environment, issues that have been in focus for The League since its inception, will be discussed, and participants are also welcome to introduce topics they feel merit action in the months and years ahead, he said.

"This is your chance to come tell us what's going on, voice your concerns, and get involved," The League said in a Facebook ad for the "Re-Ignite" event. "Plus, you can meet other people who share your interests and actually take action together to make our communities and state a better place to live this year."

Everitt says the event will follow a basic format that includes "intros" to various issues and then break out into small groups to dig deeper into different issues. In the future, he predicted the monthly forums may be be more targeted to one or more issues.

While The League focuses on issues as well as candidates and elections, Everitt says the two are connected. With Washington in a protracted state of gridlock, he says its increasingly up to the states to solve problems and "getting good people elected makes the job that much easier."

For more information on tonight's meeting, visit theleague.com/me