The structure of higher education in Maine and the relationship between postsecondary education leaders and legislators are considered. Maine's state system has a single governing board and a chancellor. It is suggested that the jobs of the chancellor and college presidents do not involve duplication. A postsecondary education commission was recently created in Maine to promote interinstitutional communication, which was also addressed through the medium of a 1202 commission. It is suggested that there is a need for: cooperative planning between colleges in close geographical proximity in relation to program offerings and services; long-range planning; information relevant to the specific issue being addressed; and mutual confidence between political and postsecondary education leaders. It is proposed that the best way to avoid conflict between institutions is to have a voluntary system of cooperation and that the best way to avoid program duplication is for colleges to voluntarily negotiate. (SW)