It’s really not that surprising, and I’m not so sure that I disagree with Maine Governor Janet Mills. Here’s the set-up: Maine Democrats – who have majority control of both chambers in the State House – are in a tough spot. Why? Because there is a possible and significant state budget shortfall on the horizon. … Continue reading Smokin’ In The Boys’ Room
Tag: Maine
Hello, Goodbye
Dear readers, Once again, I have some good news and some bad news. Let’s start with the good news. Roughly 24 hours ago, Laura told me it was time for me to get a bit more serious about the Biddeford Gazette, an online multi-media news source focused on the city of Biddeford. Instead of trying … Continue reading Hello, Goodbye
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
Smoke on the water
Attitudes regarding marijuana have dramatically changed during the past two decades. Those in favor of legalizing the drug are finding increasing support from an expanding constituency, including millenials who can now vote and health care providers who say the drug can benefit their patients. Even retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens --- not a likely … Continue reading Smoke on the water
Social media and Maine’s gubernatorial campaign
Despite all the hoopla about the power of social media tools in political campaigns, what metrics can we use to determine if those tools are effective? While just about anyone can set up a Twitter account or create a Facebook page, social media tools are only as effective as those who are using them. Although … Continue reading Social media and Maine’s gubernatorial campaign
Feeling gravity’s pull
At first glance, the two men who represent the city of Saco in the Maine Legislature seem worlds apart. One is 22 years old and openly gay; the other is 62 and married with children. While Justin Chenette is serving his first term in the Maine House of Representatives, Barry Hobbins is serving his seventh term in … Continue reading Feeling gravity’s pull
Smoking in the boys’ room
I have a friend --- let's call him Todd --- who thinks that the city of Portland, Maine is so hip, so cool and oh so wonderful. Todd fled the pace and grind of Boston in order to raise his family in place that is consistently ranked as one of the country's most "livable" cities, whatever that … Continue reading Smoking in the boys’ room
Constant Craving
Much has been said about Maine's quality of place, a subject that hit me like a brick this weekend as I once again travel the roads of rural Maine. But what is the value of a quality place without a quality life? GrowSmart Maine describes quality of place as: ". . . our majestic mountains, … Continue reading Constant Craving
Street fighting man
While many of us were obsessing this week about whether Big Brother is monitoring that silly cat video we posted on Facebook or whether the IRS will now audit Tim Tebow, Maine's newest senator quietly announced that he was consolidating two of his southern Maine field offices. Although the news of Senator Angus King closing his … Continue reading Street fighting man
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 