DOWN EAST NOTES

For the second year in a row, Portland city councilors ignored their own tradition of picking a mostly honorary mayor based on seniority because the persons in those slots were Green.

Augusta Insider - Although it is still only 2009 on the calendar, in the budget world, 2010 has already begun: with a deficit. Initial projections pegged the shortfall at around $200 million, but expectations now are that it will be much more. When the Legislature reconvenes in January it may be asked to pass a supplemental budget to fill as much as a $400-$500 million shortfall

Maine View - Congresswoman Chellie Pingree secured $473,000 for developing video conferencing in Maine schools. Twelve vocational schools and technical centers in 11 counties will receive part of the grant. The video conferencing technology allows a class to be broadcast to anyone over the network.