This is a story about a bitter, cake-baked politician, a police chief and a little, pink bicycle. During the most recent Biddeford City Council meeting, former Mayor Joanne Twomey, was once again full of rage and fury. As she does during most public meetings, she nearly tripped over herself as she stormed toward the podium … Continue reading Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
Tag: Biddeford
Third time is the charm?
While most people were picking out green outfits, drinking lots of beer or otherwise wasting time on St. Patrick's Day, one select group of folks were bracing for potential fame and fortune as hopeful members of the 2015 Maine Legislature. The deadline for wannabe state representatives and state senators came and went at 5 p.m. … Continue reading Third time is the charm?
The (not so) usual suspects
Another Biddeford politician has thrown his hat into the ring to replace State Rep. Paulette Beaudoin in the Maine Legislature. While some observers were thinking that newcomer Ryan Fecteau has all but clinched the June 2014 Democratic primary for the District 11 seat, it looks like voters could have several choices. Former Biddeford city councilor and … Continue reading The (not so) usual suspects
Detroit, rock city
Ward One City Councilor Mike Swanton Even with the best of intentions, it's too easy to screw up. Case in point: The way Biddeford City Councilor Mike Swanton objected to a state law that allows municipalities to share a portion of proceeds seized following the conviction of a drug crime. On Wednesday, fewer than 24 … Continue reading Detroit, rock city
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
Where are you going?
As he always does, General Wallace Nutting answered the door with a grin and his blue eyes sparkling. We agreed to meet at his home, and he apologized for "being a bit disheveled." He had just finished his daily workout, and was still wearing his workout sweats. He is 85 years old. To be in the … Continue reading Where are you going?
‘Round here
Obviously, there are a lot of correlations between politics and football. In both, I have been little more than a spectator. I know my limitations, but I admire those who suit up, take the field and are willing to take some hard hits to accomplish their objective. Today our community celebrates the annual Battle of … Continue reading ‘Round here
Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud
Every voice matters. Even the voices that have a hard time crafting their message. As my hometown of Biddeford braces for another political season, one of our city's mayoral candidates has opted to take his message to cyberspace by starting a blog. The blog seems intended as a platform to champion the plight of the … Continue reading Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud
When you’re a stranger
Here's a picture now. Take a good look. Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant and I are standing in line outside the Biddeford Ice Area on a Saturday night. Considering the hundreds of other people waiting in line with us, we both feel very out of place. We didn't know what to expect. We had front-row, ringside … Continue reading When you’re a stranger
Fool for the city
It's easy to forget the lessons of history. It's even easier to label others, take sides and compartmentalize ourselves within groups that match our own ideals, values or culture. This trend happens frequently in my hometown of Biddeford, one of Maine's most frequently maligned communities. In this town, there is a lot of talk about … Continue reading Fool for the city
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 