Public water consumers in the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach area will soon see a moderate spike in their monthly water bills. According to Maine Water, a rate increase of 77 percent will be spread out over a three-year period and be used to help fund the upgrade of existing infrastructure and build a new treatment plant … Continue reading Local water rates set to increase
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
A new era begins
It was almost exactly 12 years ago today when I found myself in Washington, D.C. as part of a massive crowd converging on the Capitol Building. We were hoping to get a glimpse of profound history: the inauguration of President Barack Obama. I remember that it was bitterly cold but the crowd was joyous. Beyond … Continue reading A new era begins
More than this . . .
I have made more than my fair share of bad decisions -- from thinking I could drive just a few more miles to the next rest stop, to throwing some kerosene onto a campfire. For more than nearly 30 years, I lived my life with no clear direction, no purpose, no meaning. Failure, it seemed, … Continue reading More than this . . .
Joe Biden: The Comeback Kid?
A few days ago, I was drawn into yet another Facebook political debate. I can't help it. I'm a political junkie and off my meds. The debate was about the 2020 presidential campaign, and I made the comment that I identify as a "right-leaning moderate" Within a few seconds after writing that post, some guy … Continue reading Joe Biden: The Comeback Kid?
Outrageous Fortune
Every time I start to feel a bit of optimism about the future, the reality hammer drops on my head. Today, we learned that restaurants in southern Maine will not be able to re-open as originally scheduled because of ongoing concerns about the Cov-19 epidemic. The social media reaction to this news has been swift … Continue reading Outrageous Fortune
The war of the words
I am 56 years-old. I am a white man. I live in the suburbs. I have two healthy sons and an amazing wife. I have nothing to complain about. But still I have a knack for finding political fights on social media platforms. I used to be a journalist, and then a columnist. I put … Continue reading The war of the words
A sheep speaks out
I wear a mask when I go to the grocery store or any other place where large numbers of people congregate. I am not a sheep. I am not afraid of Covid-19. I do not wear a mask to keep myself safe. I wear a mask because it may lower the odds (if only a … Continue reading A sheep speaks out
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
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
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 