Advocacy: The power of testimonials

How do you build support for your project, business or campaign? There are a lot of tools at your disposal, but one of the most effective tools is garnering support via third-party testimonials. Third-party voices reinforce your own messaging and they build credibility for your project. The most powerful persuader in the marketplace, apart from … Continue reading Advocacy: The power of testimonials

Political shakeup in Saco

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