S2 E35 Madam Secretary

Bob Cutler welcomes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to the Bistro for a convo about Real ID, the switch from Maine’s Chickadee to the Pine Tree license plate, and America’s upcoming 250th birthday celebrations. Bellows provides insight into Maine’s stance on privacy, the regulation of vanity plates, and the importance of bipartisan community efforts. They discuss Paul Revere’s ride, Maine’s role in early American history, and a new cocktail featuring local ingredients that could officially represent the state!

Key Topics

• Maine’s Real ID Transition and License Plate Changes and the impact of federal regulations and how Maine is adapting.

• Historical Commemorations and Maine’s Role in American History, including Paul Revere’s ride to Benedict Arnold’s march and how Maine’s rich past plays into its present.

• Crafting the Ultimate Maine Cocktail: Exploring how local flavors can define what Bob think should be Maine’s official drink.

• [00:02:30] – Real ID and Maine’s Resistance

Bellows explains Maine’s historical opposition to Real ID due to privacy concerns, how federal pressure led to compliance, and what Mainers need to do before the May deadline.

• [00:10:45] – Taming Naughty License Plates

Maine is retiring the chickadee plate, replacing it with a pine tree version, and enforcing stricter vanity plate regulations, sparking mixed reactions among residents.

• [00:20:10] – Paul Revere and America’s 250th Birthday

Statehouses nationwide will commemorate Paul Revere’s ride by lighting two lanterns on April 18th, tying Maine into the broader national celebration.

• [00:32:15] – The Power of Community and Bipartisanship

Bellows and Bob discuss how Mainers work together beyond party lines, emphasizing shared goals like education, infrastructure, and local business support.

• [00:40:50] – Creating Maine’s Signature Cocktail

Bob and Bellows brainstorm a drink that captures Maine’s essence, considering ingredients like Blue Baron gin, Wyman’s blueberry syrup, and fresh lemon juice.