Over the last few days, I have become increasingly convinced that I could possibly die sometime later this year, so please just bear with me for a moment. Over the last few days, I have spent roughly 17 hours per day in front of my computer. That’s just too much, for anyone. It wasn’t for … Continue reading Paperback Writer
Alan Casavant: Interview
If you ask Alan Casavant to describe his time as Biddeford’s mayor, he’ll tell you he used the same basic approach that he used as a high school teacher for more than 35 years. Casavant, 71, is now completely retired as both a teacher and politician. He served 12 years (six consecutive terms) as the … Continue reading Alan Casavant: Interview
Exile in Guyville, Part II
Talk seems to be what we do best. We talk. We write white papers and convene focus groups. We talk some more. We spend money on consultants and form more committees. We pontificate and bloviate in newspaper editorials and at the podium in the City Council Chambers.
A Conversation with Santa Claus
The 'Jolly Old Elf' offers some sage advice about unconditional love, magic and the true meaning of Christmas He’s known by many names. Some call him Father Christmas; others call him St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle. But here in North America, he is best known as Santa Claus. Just two days before the Christmas holiday … Continue reading A Conversation with Santa Claus
Interview: Michael Cantara
A retired judge, district attorney, state commissioner and former mayor from Biddeford reflects on his career and the changes in his community. Hollywood movies often rely on stereotypes. Lawyers are frequently depicted as corrupt and self-serving. The district attorneys in those movies are not much better, using their power as glorified crime fighters for political … Continue reading Interview: Michael Cantara
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Two rather interesting events happened this week, each painting a troubling picture for loyal, solid Democrats at both the national and local level: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced he would not seek reelection, and City Councilor Marty Grohman was elected to become Biddeford’s next mayor. What do Manchin and Grohman have in common? … Continue reading I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
Several people were less than pleased about something I posted yesterday on Facebook regarding Biddeford mayoral candidate Susan Deschambault. Several of Deschambault's supporters questioned my take-away observations of Monday's mayoral debate, in which I wrote that candidate Susan Deschambault tripped over herself and made a big "gaffe." Some folks speculated that I was supporting the … Continue reading Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
I Am The Walrus
I have been covering Biddeford City Hall for nearly a quarter century, and I don’t recall seeing anything so silly and inane as what I witnessed during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
The Deadbeat Club
I grew up in a working-class family during the early 1970s. Actually, we were probably only one half-step above the poverty line, but both my parents worked very hard to give my sister and me a blissful and happy childhood with all the trappings of middle class America. Despite the popularity of the rebellious, love-the-one-your-with … Continue reading The Deadbeat Club
Promises In The Dark
Breathlessly, city leaders in Saco extolled the virtues of the new facility, congratulating themselves for being such good stewards of the environment. The facility was hailed as state-of-the-art, dedicated to be a giant leap forward in the pursuit of a better world, where every boy and girl has a pet unicorn and we all actually enjoy eating kale.
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 