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
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
Mayor picks new resident to fill council vacancy
Originally posted in Saco Bay News The wait is over. Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is expected today to formally announce his nomination to fill one of the two vacant seats on the city council. According to multiple sources, Grohman has selected Neva Gross to take over the Ward Five council seat that was vacated by … Continue reading Mayor picks new resident to fill council vacancy
Don’t Do Me Like That
For better or worse, I have a reputation in my hometown. I am the guy who holds local and state politicians' feet to the fire. I rarely hesitate to publicly criticize elected officials when I think they have screwed up or acted inappropriately. Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman My column, All Along The Watchtower, debuted on … Continue reading Don’t Do Me Like That
No More Mister Nice Guy
There is a right way and a wrong way to resign from public office. Over just the past few days, folks in Biddeford and surrounding communities got to see examples of how to; and how not to act when you get caught with your fingers in the pudding. In many ways, being a reporter in … Continue reading No More Mister Nice Guy
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. This list is a bit different from my original 2012 list. Most notably, I have shortened the list from 25 names … Continue reading Top-20 local, political movers and shakers
Don’t Steal My Sunshine
Note: This is the unedited version of my March 8, 2024 installment of All Along the Watchtower that originally appeared on the Saco Bay News website. It probably would not come as much of a surprise if I were to tell you that a lot of people don’t like me very much. Chief among those … Continue reading Don’t Steal My Sunshine
A Hard Day’s Night
No one can deny that the city of Biddeford – once derided as “Trash-town U.S.A.” -- has today become an unlikely hip destination for young adults and others who enjoy an eclectic array of craft breweries, a diverse culinary scene and dozens of boutique shops and businesses that offer everything from gourmet cheeses to hand-crafted … Continue reading A Hard Day’s Night
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 