Book Talk: “Transformational: Ken Curtis, Maine’s Reform Governor”, with author Doug Rooks

Veteran journalist and author Douglas Rooks, with assistance from Prof. James Melcher, will present at UMF on Wednesday, Oct. 21, a talk and discussion of his new book on Gov. Ken Curtis (1967-75), who overturned a century of Republican orthodoxy and ushered in a liberal, progressive administration that reshaped Maine government into the form it still has today. Rooks will include excerpts from his book, “Transformational,” on the elections of 1964 and 1966, which brought to power the nation’s youngest governor, at age 35, with discussion of the contrasts and similarities between Maine politics then and now. The event will be held at C23 Roberts from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing. The event is sponsored by UMF’s Political Science and History Departments. It is free and open to the public. .