Another Biddeford politician has thrown his hat into the ring to replace State Rep. Paulette Beaudoin in the Maine Legislature. While some observers were thinking that newcomer Ryan Fecteau has all but clinched the June 2014 Democratic primary for the District 11 seat, it looks like voters could have several choices. Former Biddeford city councilor and … Continue reading The (not so) usual suspects
With a little help from my friends
A few weeks ago I decided to try a social media experiment. Given that many of my Facebook friends are fellow political junkies who cross the full spectrum of political affiliation, and given that discussions about "income equality" and minimum wage standards are becoming more frequent, I decided to sample my friends' opinions in an amateur … Continue reading With a little help from my friends
Let’s stick together
I have some dueling feelings, and would like to know what you are doing today? Are you headed to the Maine Mall for some holiday shopping? Putting up your Christmas tree? Football game? Browse social media and offer your political opinions? How are you making the world around you a better place? I am not … Continue reading Let’s stick together
Meet the ‘new’ boss
In about 24 hours, I will have the privilege and honor of being the first to introduce members of my community to the new members of the Biddeford City Council. I will be the master of ceremonies at the inauguration of Mayor Alan Casavant, the nine members of the city council and the seven members … Continue reading Meet the ‘new’ boss
Thanksgiving 2013
What I am thankful for this year . . .
Dangerous Type
During the last official meeting of the 2011-2013 Biddeford City Council, Mayor Alan Casavant said, " . . . history will look favorably upon this council." I think he was right, but that may be a hard pill to swallow for the four councilors who lost their re-election bids: Roch Angers, David Bourque, Rick Laverriere … Continue reading Dangerous Type
Feeling gravity’s pull
At first glance, the two men who represent the city of Saco in the Maine Legislature seem worlds apart. One is 22 years old and openly gay; the other is 62 and married with children. While Justin Chenette is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives, Barry Hobbins is serving his seventh term in … Continue reading Feeling gravity’s pull
Another Tricky Day
It was -- at best -- a bit of a stretch. The Maine Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards ceremony Friday and landed U.S. Senator Angus King as its keynote speaker. Thus, the event's theme was Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. You probably remember the 1939 movie that made actor Jimmy Stewart … Continue reading Another Tricky Day
A whiter shade of pale
I found it in the most unlikely of places. It was written by the most unlikely of authors. It intrigued me, and its aftermath terrified me. It was a column headlined: "Let's talk limits," a well-written and balanced piece about the hype and rhetoric that surrounds our nation's gun control debate. It was published in Guns … Continue reading A whiter shade of pale
Detroit, rock city
Ward One City Councilor Mike Swanton Even with the best of intentions, it's too easy to screw up. Case in point: The way Biddeford City Councilor Mike Swanton objected to a state law that allows municipalities to share a portion of proceeds seized following the conviction of a drug crime. On Wednesday, fewer than 24 … Continue reading Detroit, rock city
