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
Tag: Joanne Twomey
Meet your candidates
Hear ye, hear ye . . . I have just returned from Biddeford City Hall with the official list of mayoral and city council candidates. The deadline for filing nomination papers has come and gone; and these are the names you will find on your November 3 ballot. Let's start at the top . . … Continue reading Meet your candidates
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
Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
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)
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
Space Oddity
The city of Biddeford takes its politics seriously. Elections in this city are complex and vibrant, and they too often reveal a community at odds with itself. Biddeford is a city in transition during difficult economic times. It is a city brimming with potential and possibility, yet it too often remains as one of its own … Continue reading Space Oddity
Same as the old boss
Joanne Twomey: A "real" Democrat? Some things never change. Once again, we are on the verge of another election cycle in the fair city of Biddeford, where local political maneuvering is a blood sport. According to the City Clerk's office, some very familiar faces have taken out nomination papers for a variety of elected positions. But … Continue reading Same as the old boss
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
Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
Mike Michaud. Eliot Cutler. Larry Gilbert. Joanne Twomey. Whaaattt? Every year it seems as if the NHL playoffs stretch closer to summer, as if football starts sooner --- and like everything else, those who love politics and speculating about those playoff games, the political season no longer seems to have a beginning or an end. We used … Continue reading Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
Just around midnight
Within 24 hours the family feud will be over but political tensions in Biddeford will likely remain high long after the ballots from the June 12 Primary Elections are counted. For the first time in more than 25 years, incumbents in each of the city's three legislative districts are facing primary challenges. Now for a few predictions … Continue reading Just around midnight
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 