My wife, Governor Paul Lepage, Bill Nemitz, a charity auction and the in-patient psychiatric unit at Maine Medical Center. How did these random things become connected last week, causing a bit of a stir on my Facebook page last night? Let's start at the top. Last week, just days before the election, Governor Paul LePage joked … Continue reading Take Five
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
Lido Shuffle
The experiment is over, and it was a bittersweet experience letting it go. As it is with so many things in life, it occurs to me that my endeavor to create a diverse group to debate differing political ideas with civility was both a phenomenal success and an utter failure. We called this group "Thinking Politics" … Continue reading Lido Shuffle
Does anyone really care?
For those of you who are excited that the Lincoln Mill Clock Tower has been "saved," it's a bit early to put on your party hats and break out the champagne. Sure, the clock tower was moved from the ground where it sat rotting for seven years, but it's hardly saved. It will likely … Continue reading Does anyone really care?
The boys of summer
I remember it well. It was the summer of 1985. I was 21 years old and working for the Maine Peoples Alliance, a progressive, citizens action organization that was then working to raise public awareness about a proposed Community Right-To-Know law that would require small and large companies to publicly disclose to their neighbors what … Continue reading The boys of summer
Talking in your sleep
Oftentimes, it's not so much what you say but rather how you say it. It's an important lesson for all of us, but especially important for those who aspire to be our leaders. Think: "Social Security is Welfare" Earlier today, I was interviewed for a locally produced talk show in my community. I was pitched … Continue reading Talking in your sleep
Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
This is a story about a bitter, cake-baked politician, a police chief and a little, pink bicycle. During the most recent Biddeford City Council meeting, former Mayor Joanne Twomey, was once again full of rage and fury. As she does during most public meetings, she nearly tripped over herself as she stormed toward the podium … Continue reading Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
Two for the show
Of the 151 seats in the Maine House of Representatives, only 19 of them will offer a primary option for voters on June 10. One of those 19 Primary Election challenges is taking place right here in Biddeford, and I know both of the Democrats who are battling for their party's favor. Of course, since … Continue reading Two for the show
How not to use social media in a campaign
There is a right way to use social media in a campaign. And there is a wrong way to use social media in a campaign. The following could be forgiven if it came from a political novice, but not when it comes from the governor's re-election team. Here's a game you can play at home. … Continue reading How not to use social media in a campaign
Eight days a week
I am simultaneously annoyed and grateful. It's that time of year again, and I still want to ignore it. I still want to wish it away, block it from my reality. But this will be the fifth consecutive year of having family and friends gather for a walk in nearby Kennebunkport. Maybe that's not such a … Continue reading Eight days a week
Silver and Gold
I don't know what metric you use to measure your life, but I learned something valuable last night as the hours counted down toward my 50th birthday. Despite all the material benchmarks and the conventional wisdom about what a man should accomplish in the first 50 years of his life, there is no better metric … Continue reading Silver and Gold
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 