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
Tag: Biddeford
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
She’s a maniac
Earlier this week, I sensed a disturbance in the force, and sure enough there was significant shift taking place in the city of Biddeford's political landscape. On Thursday afternoon, State Senator David Dutremble, a Democrat from Biddeford, announced that he will not seek a third consecutive term in the Maine Legislature. Within 30 minutes of … Continue reading She’s a maniac
So proud of my wife
Running for elected office is not easy; not by a long shot. But I am so proud of my wife; proud of her courage, her determination and her fiercely independent spirit. It's the two-week stretch, and no matter the outcome, I have enjoyed watching Laura grow and face her challenges head-on. She'll make one hell … Continue reading So proud of my wife
When love comes to town
And, they're off! The 2015 municipal election season in Biddeford has started with a bang, according to this story from the Portland Press Herald. As someone who has worked professionally on local, statewide and federal campaigns over the last several years, I find all of this somewhat fascinating. I have been covering Biddeford's political landscape … Continue reading When love comes to town
Boys Don’t Cry
Maybe it was the heat. Maybe it was that more than 150 people had packed themselves into the tiny and cramped Biddeford City Council Chambers. More than likely, it was because tensions remain high between the city council and the Teamsters union that represents the city's police, fire and public works department in ongoing contract … Continue reading Boys Don’t Cry
Dog Day Afternoon
Like everyone else in Biddeford, State senator David Dutremble is troubled by the allegations of child sexual abuse that has roiled this city for the past several weeks. On June 23, Dutremble wrote on Facebook: “The more we dig, the sicker I become with my city!!” https://www.facebook.com/#!/ddutremble/posts/10153347027281590?pnref=story I called him out on that post because … Continue reading Dog Day Afternoon
Ship of fools
There's a right way and a wrong way to handle social media, and in the city of Biddeford, orange can now step aside because Facebook is the new black. Biddeford's political machinations have always been colorful and somewhat interesting. But lately, our city's colorful political landscape has gone from an interesting mix of pastels to a nightmarish blend … Continue reading Ship of fools
Dime Store Mystery
Moments after learning that she had been ousted from the mayor's seat, Joanne Twomey declared that the citizens of Biddeford "don't deserve me." She was right. We deserve better. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mON5exIv60Q In my last newspaper column, published in December 2005, I tried to explain what motivated that column for so many years. "Political bullies are very … Continue reading Dime Store Mystery
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
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 