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
Category: BIDDEFORD POLITICS
Selected posts about local political machinations in my small hometown of Biddeford, Maine
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.
Bonnie Pothier: Interview
Bonita Pothier/ Seaver photo Bonnie Pothier has been breaking barriers since before breaking barriers was a thing. She was the first woman elected as mayor in Biddeford, but she also had to break a lot of other barriers and overcome many other challenges before then. Whether as a school teacher, a downtown business owner or … Continue reading Bonnie Pothier: Interview
Ryan Fecteau: Spotlight Interview
Originally published in Saco Bay News Although he majored in political science and eventually became the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Ryan Fecteau’s political journey had a rather innocuous and humble beginning. Fecteau, 30, said he first became interested in politics when he was appointed as a student representative to the Biddeford School … Continue reading Ryan Fecteau: Spotlight Interview
No woman, no cry in Biddeford
Critics of the Republican Party often say the GOP is the party of old, white men: a diminishing demographic in a nation with increasing diversity. Roger Hurtubise Clement Fleurent John McCurry Although I am hesitant to generalize the Republican Party, I can say with confidence that the Biddeford City Council is whiter than the Academy … Continue reading No woman, no cry in Biddeford
Mark Johnston: Rocket Man
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
Walking On Sunshine
Former mayor, state representative and city councilor Joanne Twomey announced Sunday that she would seek a return to the Maine House of Representatives. At the Biddeford Democratic caucus, Twomey told a sparse group of fellow Democrats that Dist. 135 needs a "real" Democrat to stand up to Republicans in Augusta. Twomey also said that she encouraged … Continue reading Walking On Sunshine
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?
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 