The Sept. 23 Chris Wolf chat with Leonard Lookner, a Camden Select Board member, was lively, honest and meaningful. If you missed it, fear not: You can watch it now, on Public Access Channel 7.

One of Lookner’s focus points on the Chris Wolf Show was the contention that governments have become huge, growing beasts with ever increasing appetites that must continually be fed with ever increasing amounts money and effort. The problem now is the need to continue to “Feed the Beast!”

This is true on all levels of government, but local governments particularly affect Maine communities.

Lookner has a long background in local communities and local politics. He has lived in Maine for 45 years has been a truck driver, a dairy farmer, and a co-owner of the Waterfront restaurant. He raised a family of four kids three who still call Maine home. Leonard has lived in Camden for 35 years, and have been involved in numerous political battles.

Lookner has been on the Select Board three different times in two communities, serving as a selectman, assessor, and overseer of the poor. He has also served on the zoning board and numerous other boards. 

Lookner covered many topics, including the Camden Middle School and the Rockport Library.

He talked about “retirement” being an exciting part of life, giving one time to be involved in all sorts of interesting activities.

Most importantly, Lookner talked about communities and how their growth should be “organic” and not “contrived.”

The show was broadcast live Sept. 23, but is now online at http://www.mainecoast.tv/2015/09/28/chris-wolf-09-23-2015-leonard-lookner-camden-select-board/.

The show is a production of PenBay Pilot, WRFR Community Radio and Maine Coast TV Community Television.