Former Saco Mayor Mark Johnston/ Marlee Hayes photo Something strange is about to happen on the other side of the Saco River. It's as rare as a blue moon and perhaps more difficult to understand. Mark Johnston will not be running for mayor in Saco. Johnston, 61, says he has spent nearly 40 years in … Continue reading Mark Johnston: Rocket Man
Category: ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
Selected pieces from my newspaper column, All Along The Watchtower
Same as the old boss
Joanne Twomey: A "real" Democrat? Some things never change. Once again, we are on the verge of another election cycle in the fair city of Biddeford, where local political maneuvering is a blood sport. According to the City Clerk's office, some very familiar faces have taken out nomination papers for a variety of elected positions. But … Continue reading Same as the old boss
When you’re a stranger
Here's a picture now. Take a good look. Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant and I are standing in line outside the Biddeford Ice Area on a Saturday night. Considering the hundreds of other people waiting in line with us, we both feel very out of place. We didn't know what to expect. We had front-row, ringside … Continue reading When you’re a stranger
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Pop Quiz: Name at least one individual who signed the Declaration of Independence. If you answered John Hancock, congratulations: you are in the majority. John Hancock's famous signature has been immortalized over time, becoming synonymous with integrity, courage and conviction. When taking on the world's most powerful army and navy; when telling a temperamental king … Continue reading Dear Mr. Fantasy
We love dirty laundry
It's a strange time for the newspaper industry --- especially here in Maine, where we recently witnessed several seismic shifts in the media landscape. Yesterday it was announced that Donald Sussman's investor group will now own a 75 percent stake in the company that publishes the Portland Press Herald, Kennebec Journal, Waterville Morning Sentinel and … Continue reading We love dirty laundry
Are you experienced?
Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant is expected March 6 to announce his nomination for the Ward Seven city council seat that was vacated last week by Councilor David Flood's resignation. Newly elected mayor Alan Casavant (right) celebrates with his campaign manager on Election night Because of a serious flaw in the city's charter, the voters do … Continue reading Are you experienced?
Color Me Bad . . . with crayons
Of course, Councilor Rhames held up the vote with a 98-minute monologue about why the Council should remain "color neutral" and lambasted the influence of color in the black and white world of city politics.
Street fighting man
Some guys will do just about anything for attention. Such is the case with Biddeford City Councilor David Flood, the representative from Ward Seven who has returned to the council after a two-year sabbatical studying gymnastics. City Councilor David Flood will go to any lengths to get people's attention; best evidenced by his recent pledge … Continue reading Street fighting man
Like a virgin
A new mayor took the city's helm a little more than 60 days ago, but he's not the only one getting accustomed to the slow and tedious grind of public policy making in Biddeford, where even routine matters, such as liquor license applications or a purchase of road salt, can quickly morph into a an all-out, fist-to-cuffs … Continue reading Like a virgin
It’s not your 19th nervous breakdown
Come on, don't tell me you didn't see this one coming. That's right, word on the street, yet unconfirmed, is that former mayor Joanne Twomey is at least contemplating a bid to recapture her former District 135 House seat, and may challenge the incumbent, fellow Democrat Paulette Beaudoin for a chance to take on Republican Perry Aberle in … Continue reading It’s not your 19th nervous breakdown
