Debate on national park

Event scheduled in E. Millinocket

Contributed Article

 EAST MILLINOCKET – Proponents and opponents of a proposal to create a new national park and national recreation area will meet for a moderated debate on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. at Schenck High School in East Millinocket.

 The debate will be moderated by Anthony Ronzio, the director of news and new media for the Bangor Daily News. The event is open to the public.

 In addition to questions from the moderator, members of the audience will have an opportunity to submit written questions before the start of the debate. The debate will begin with opening remarks and then proceed to questions and answers at the discretion of the moderator. Each side will have an opportunity to briefly rebut statements made by the other side.

 Questions from the audience will be collected by town staff and should be turned in no later than 5:45 p.m. on June 18.

 Each side will be represented by two people, who will be seated on a stage with the moderator.

 Both sides will have informational tables set up outside of the gymnasium to provide attendees with information and answer questions.

 The debate is an opportunity for voters to learn about a proposal to create a roughly 75,000-acre national park and adjacent 75,000-acre national recreation area east of Baxter State Park.

 The debate is being held prior to non-binding straw votes this month in East Millinocket and Medway.