Turn your dial to NXT radio, where we promise none of the hits, none of the commercials, none of the giveaways...actually, what do we promise again?

Oh, right, interviews.

This week we've got Justin Alfond, former state director for the League of Young Voters.

Since the League of Young Voters was founded in Maine in 2004, Justin Alfond was there, whipping up interest as well as volunteers.
Alfond, the grandson of the late philanthropist Harold Alfond and a former professional golfer, started the local League from the bottom up, basically talking to anyone who would listen about the issues affecting young voters as well as all voters.

If you remember the 2004 election cycle, there was a lot going on, and a lot of advocacy groups springing up to do work getting out voters, raising awareness, and organizing campaigns. But most of them disappeared after a while. The league set up shop and started holding pot lucks, parties, and it grew from there.

Over the last four years they've had their hands in a number of initiatives, such as Opportunity Maine, the No on Question 1 campaign to keep the state's banning discrimination on sexual orientation, and more recently alternative transportation and the future of Interstate 295.

In the Portland area they've kept busy (and vocal) over issues like the last year's nightlife crackdowns, the formula business debate, and renters rights. Along the way they've also helped launch a few young political careers.

But in February Alfond hung it up, stepping down from his position in the league.

He plans to hop the fence and work on the other side and is running for state senate as a Democrat. Alfond is just one of several Democratic candidates who will face off in the June primary, including Clifford Ginn - the two worked together on Opportunity Maine, and Rep. Anne Rand of House District 120.

Alfond said his time with the league has given him a lot of experience organizing, but also the realization that you have a better chance to affect change from the inside.

Thanks again to DJ Graymatter for the music in this week's show.

We're finally starting to get suggestions for new shows and music to feature. If you've got an idea, or want to come on, send me e-mail me or you can find me most days on AIM at JustinNXT.

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