Some of the speeches at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner on TV last Saturday night tipped a hat to local news and reminded me of some of the reasons reporters do what they, we, do, including the privilege of reporting local news, and the value it holds to all. 

Without as many stories as possible on local government, from the budgets to the town boards, ordinances and more, the public would know less about all of that, and sometimes would know about it later. Not exciting stuff, most of it, and not exciting to write about, and much of it gets fewer reads online than our articles about accidents and incidents, and that is understandable; and those spot news stories tend to take us far less time, but those meeting stories and related ones can generally be found only in local print and web outlets, which, along with towns’ own websites or other communications, are the reason we all as readers do not have to ask: “If a board decides something and nobody hears it, what is wrong with that?”

Speaking of local boards, we were happy to share Wiscasset’s announcement this week that it needs nine people for its new climate action team. What will develop from it? We shall see. But if you want a hand in it, besides whatever public comment people can make along the way, consider asking to be considered for a seat at the table.

Week’s positive parting thought: May your May be one of your best ever, in all things.