The city of Biddeford is now seeking public input about the hiring of a new city manager. You can take a quick, anonymous online survey by clicking this link to share your thoughts about the hiring process. Our current city manager, Jim Bennett, announced his resignation in October. His last day on the job will … Continue reading World Leader Pretend
Tag: Alan Casavant
Stop Making Sense: the birth and resurrection of a monster in Biddeford
Over the just the past few days, two journalists have reached out to me in order to criticize some things I’ve said on social media. Ted Cohen, a former and respected reporter from the Portland Press Herald, and Ed Pierce, now the editor of the weekly Windham Eagle, both think I need some guidance. Cohen … Continue reading Stop Making Sense: the birth and resurrection of a monster in Biddeford
Top-20 local, political movers and shakers
After more than 12 years, I have finally gotten around to publishing an update about who I consider to be the most influential politicians, policy makers and staffers in the Biddeford-Saco area. The Top-20.
Alan Casavant: Interview
If you ask Alan Casavant to describe his time as Biddeford’s mayor, he’ll tell you he used the same basic approach that he used as a high school teacher for more than 35 years. Casavant, 71, is now completely retired as both a teacher and politician. He served 12 years (six consecutive terms) as the … Continue reading Alan Casavant: Interview
Exile in Guyville, Part II
Talk seems to be what we do best. We talk. We write white papers and convene focus groups. We talk some more. We spend money on consultants and form more committees. We pontificate and bloviate in newspaper editorials and at the podium in the City Council Chambers.
Werewolves of London
It is a well-known fact that participation in the world of politics – whether it is national, statewide or local -- is often a rough and tumble affair. But here in my hometown of Biddeford, politics is a blood sport and its machinations are not for the faint of heart, those with thin skin or … Continue reading Werewolves of London
Meet your candidates
Hear ye, hear ye . . . I have just returned from Biddeford City Hall with the official list of mayoral and city council candidates. The deadline for filing nomination papers has come and gone; and these are the names you will find on your November 3 ballot. Let's start at the top . . … Continue reading Meet your candidates
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
Smoke on the water
Attitudes regarding marijuana have dramatically changed during the past two decades. Those in favor of legalizing the drug are finding increasing support from an expanding constituency, including millenials who can now vote and health care providers who say the drug can benefit their patients. Even retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens --- not a likely … Continue reading Smoke on the water
My Picks: Biddeford 2013
While a handful of folks have put a lot of energy into telling the world who not to vote for, I decided to share who I am going to vote for in Biddeford's municipal election on Tuesday. All of the 29 candidates on the ballot deserve our thanks and appreciation for their willingness to step up to the plate and serve their … Continue reading My Picks: Biddeford 2013
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 