Originally published in Saco Bay News Although he wears many hats, Richard Rhames of Biddeford could probably best be described with just three words: authentic, passionate and persistent. Rhames, 78, is a well-known commodity at City Hall. He is an outspoken member of the public, a former city councilor and a tireless member of the … Continue reading Richard Rhames: A Dying Breed, Biddeford’s last dirt farmer
Tag: BIDDEFORD POLITICS
Controversy surrounds UNE Pier
Originally published in Saco Bay News, May 30, 2024 By RANDY SEAVER Although the University of New England earlier this month formally submitted its plan to build a new pier on the Saco River, that plan still remains mired in controversy. Both the university (UNE) and Biddeford’s harbormaster seem to have their heels dug in … Continue reading Controversy surrounds UNE Pier
City manager quashes Biddeford harbormaster
Originally published on the Saco Bay News website, May 2024 By RANDY SEAVER Tensions about a proposed pier that the University of New England wants to construct on the Saco River prompted Biddeford City Manager James Bennett to remove the city’s harbormaster from the review process of UNE’s proposed pier. The pending application from UNE … Continue reading City manager quashes Biddeford harbormaster
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
Interview: Michael Cantara
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
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
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.
That’s Some Bad Hat, Harry
Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard and I have a long and somewhat tangled history that goes back more than two decades. Lessard -- who holds one of the two at-large seats on the council -- is the longest serving elected member in the Biddeford-Saco area, and he can always be counted upon for a good … Continue reading That’s Some Bad Hat, Harry
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 