Following the unexpected announcement that State Sen. Linda Valentino (D) will not seek re-election for a third term in the senate, there has been a seismic shift in the city of Saco's political landscape. State Rep. Justin Chenette -- Valentino's protegé -- announced simultaneously that he would seek Valentino's seat. Both moves were kept secret … Continue reading Political shakeup in Saco
Bad News for Saco, Good News for Saco
BREAKING NEWS . . . And this just in from over the transom: According to multiple sources, State Senator Linda Valentino, a Democrat, is expected to announce Sunday (March 6) that she will not seek reelection to the Maine State Senate. Valentino, who has served two terms in the Senate and is now a member … Continue reading Bad News for Saco, Good News for Saco
So long, and thanks for all the fish
I have a lot in common with my hometown of Biddeford. I am at a crossroads, and I have decided that all good things must come to an end. It's been an incredibly fun ride, but it's time for me to make some changes. You may have already noticed, but last week I put All … Continue reading So long, and thanks for all the fish
What would you do?
Many moons ago, when I was an editor at a weekly newspaper, we used to run a section in the paper that was known as the Police Notes. It's a common practice for smaller, local newspapers to run such police blotters, but we used to have a little fun with ours by giving each blurb … Continue reading What would you do?
The Outsiders
Up until two months ago, most political consultants within the DC Beltway would tell you that you need a "moderate" candidate in order to win an election. That candidate, the consultants would tell you, should be a centrist, an establishment-type, someone who makes most people safe and secure. Someone predictable. Outsiders, consultants explain, are unknown … Continue reading The Outsiders
Gimme back my bullets
There is a good article in today's Portland Press Herald: Maine boosts reporting to FBI database to prevent gun purchases by mentally ill. As an advocate of both mentally ill people and the Second Amendment, I was pleased to see that the newspaper approached the issue is such a comprehensive manner. During gun control debates, … Continue reading Gimme back my bullets
She’s a maniac
Earlier this week, I sensed a disturbance in the force, and sure enough there was significant shift taking place in the city of Biddeford's political landscape. On Thursday afternoon, State Senator David Dutremble, a Democrat from Biddeford, announced that he will not seek a third consecutive term in the Maine Legislature. Within 30 minutes of … Continue reading She’s a maniac
Maine Satire: The good and the bad
There has been a lot of talk lately about satire in Maine. Much of that discussion was prompted by a recent post on GQ magazine's web site, Maine: Do we really need it? I'm not a regular GQ reader. Hell, I don't even consider myself a "gentleman," so why should I be bothered, irked or … Continue reading Maine Satire: The good and the bad
Space Oddity
On Tuesday, the new Biddeford City Council voted 8-1 (Mike Ready) to reduce the public comment portion of its municipal officers' meetings from five minutes to three minutes. The reaction from some members of the public would make you think that the council had just approved a trade agreement with North Korea. Now mind you, … Continue reading Space Oddity
Who’s your daddy? Student loans, step parents & the government
I sometimes wonder if it would have been better for my youngest son if I had not married Laura. Well, technically speaking, he is not my son. His biological father lives somewhere in Aroostook County and is averse to both work and financial responsibility. For more than 15 years, I have consistently treated Tim and … Continue reading Who’s your daddy? Student loans, step parents & the government
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 