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
Tag: Biddeford
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.
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
Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
Several people were less than pleased about something I posted yesterday on Facebook regarding Biddeford mayoral candidate Susan Deschambault. Several of Deschambault's supporters questioned my take-away observations of Monday's mayoral debate, in which I wrote that candidate Susan Deschambault tripped over herself and made a big "gaffe." Some folks speculated that I was supporting the … Continue reading Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
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
Even the losers get lucky sometimes
Recently, someone on social media asked me why I think I’m “so smart” and “why should anyone listen or care about what I say (or write)?” My answer is rather simple. In all seriousness, I’m actually not very smart. In fact: I don’t know how to change my own oil; I often get lost while … Continue reading Even the losers get lucky sometimes
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
‘Don’t Waste Your Time With Saco’
Biddeford City Manager vents his frustration regarding the issue of homelessness and the neighboring city of Saco City Manager Jim Bennett did not hold back his opinions about the neighboring city of Saco during a March 7 Biddeford City Council meeting. City Manager James Bennett The Biddeford council was in the midst of debating the … Continue reading ‘Don’t Waste Your Time With Saco’
