Tag: Randy Seaver

A Fork in the Road: Sympathy for the Devil

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

As Chaucer once said, all good things must come to an end.

And that’s where I find myself today: another fork in the road, another pivot point in my career.

Over the past few days, several people have asked me why I started the Biddeford Gazette, and why I am no longer writing for Saco Bay News.

Some have speculated that I had a “falling out” with Liz Gotthelf, the publisher of Saco Bay News. Nothing could be further from the truth – at least from my perspective.

In fact, I consider Liz to be a good friend, and I very much respect and admire what she has built from the ashes of the Journal Tribune, once this area’s daily newspaper.

With grit, determination and maybe a prayer, Liz launched Saco Bay News only weeks after the Tribune closed its doors forever in 2019. Since then, she has almost single-handedly built her business into an active and respected local news source.

A couple of years ago, Liz approached me and asked if I would be interested in being a contributing writer for her publication. Although I had given up professional journalism many years prior, I thought that the idea would be a good side hustle.

I was already writing a blog about Biddeford politics, and I missed the dynamic ebb and flow of the news business. I would only need to avoid writing about my PR clients.

Liz could not afford to pay me very much, but that was okay. One of the benefits was that she would publish my All Along The Watchtower satire column once a month.

Over the next two years, I wrote more than 140 stories for Saco Bay News, including breaking crime stories, political coverage, feature stories and 12 of my opinion columns.

I gave Liz her money’s worth in coverage, often breaking news stories well ahead of the Portland Press Herald, the Biddeford-Saco Courier and Portland’s television stations.

Liz gave me a lot of latitude, and I like to think that I helped her solidify the reputation of Saco Bay News as a serious and respected news outlet that left no stone unturned.

I was especially proud of an in-depth, three-part series I wrote about the region’s growing problem regarding our unhoused population.

I also received many accolades from colleagues across the state for another three-part series I wrote earlier this year regarding the University of New England’s controversial proposal to build a new, massive pier on the Saco River.

I am an old-fashioned reporter. I ask hard questions and do not shy from controversy, but not everyone likes a reporter with lots of questions, especially those who had become comfortable in an environment of comfortable journalism.

This is where it ends

Things seemed to be going well. Summer was quickly approaching and news stories were popping all over the place.

Writer George Orwell reportedly once said that “journalism is printing something that someone does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.”

That distinction was apparently lost on those who control the campuses of the University of New England and Thornton Academy, a public-private high school in Saco.

The PR folks at both institutions were less than impressed with my reporting of their activities. They didn’t complain to me. They went straight to Liz and suggested that it would be best if I don’t publish any more stories about them.

They didn’t offer any corrections or additional perspective. They just didn’t like the idea of me shaking the bushes. Liz — who had only days before lost her husband to a sudden illness — quickly agreed to their requests. I was not part of the meeting. I was not asked for input or clarification.

I was pissed with the intimidation tactics deployed by both UNE and Thornton Academy, but I also understood that Liz is running a media outlet on a shoe-string budget. She is alone at the helm of the ship. She decided it wasn’t a battle worth fighting.

Fine. Let’s just move on. There’s plenty of other stuff to cover. At the same time, more and more people were reaching out to me, telling me stories of dysfunction at Biddeford City Hall.

For better or worse, I have a reputation for digging up news in places that would rather remain darkened.

Former city councilors, current city employees, former city employees, business people, civic groups and municipal leaders from other communities were all calling and texting me, complaining with one central theme: Biddeford City Manager James Bennett was acting like Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire.

The complaints kept coming. I had people meeting me in my backyard, breaking down in tears as they described what it’s like to work in City Hall, afraid that Bennett would find out they were talking to me.

I never liked Bennett anyway. I had nothing to lose. No one else was willing to step up, so I decided to take on the task, even though by doing so I had to relinquish what I loved: covering Biddeford City Hall.

Liz and I met at Garside’s Ice Cream. I told her that I would begin an organized effort to oust the city manager. Further complicating things, my stepsister had become Saco’s new mayor. I was up to my eyeballs in conflicts of interest. I told Liz that I would still write feature stories for her.

She agreed. I then turned my attention on ousting Bennett. It took me less than eleven weeks before he finally announced his resignation.

But now, with Bennett finally put in place, how am I supposed to be an unbiased reporter again? I can’t, and that’s why I decided to launch the Biddeford Gazette, especially since it was becoming increasingly clear that Liz was pulling further away, wanting to avoid ruffling feathers and steering clear of any controversy.

Liz and I are friends, but we have very different styles in pursuing news stories. Both styles are necessary and equally valid, which is why Woodward and Bernstein made such a good pair at the Washington Post. Liz is more like Woodward, curious but cautious. I’m more like Bernstein, brash and impatient.

A few weeks ago, I pitched a story idea about a high-profile real estate developer filing bankruptcy. She said she was not sure she wanted the story. A couple of days later, she asked if I had any related files. She was giving the story to someone else.

I politely forwarded the files, and Saco Bay News published the story with absolutely no mention of my contributing work. It was now crystal clear to me. It was time for me to move on.

A man of wealth and taste

A few months ago, I started re-reading Outlaw Journalist, a biography of one of my favorite writers, Hunter S. Thompson.

Thompson worked as a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine and several other publications across the country, and he is the one who coined the phrase “Gonzo Journalism.”

Wikipedia describes Gonzo-style journalism as “an approach to news reporting that represents a notable departure from traditional media protocols. Gonzo journalism offers readers a ‘more personal approach’ to news reporting. This style of reporting is not limited by the standards of objectivity and often includes the reporter providing a first-person narrative of the story.”

Common trademarks of Gonzo Journalism include sarcasm, humor and profanity.

I suddenly had what alcoholics describe as a “moment of clarity.”

I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and how I wanted to do it. I am now semi-retired, and I have more years behind me than I have in front of me.

If I’m going to be broke, frustrated and full of discontent, why not move forward on my own terms? Why not write and publish whatever I want, whenever I want?

The Biddeford Gazette is NOT intended to compete with Saco Bay News, the Courier or the Press Herald. I’ll be leaving traditional coverage to them..

In my mind, the Biddeford Gazette will serve three primary functions.

  • We will use social media tools to collect and share news about Biddeford from other media outlets. We will only publish their headlines and provide our readers a direct link to their news site. This gives people in Biddeford, a convenient one-stop destination to find out what’s happening in their community. It also helps other media outlets by driving more traffic to their sites.
  • We will fill some notable gaps in local news coverage by publishing limited, original content in a non-traditional manner, Gonzo Journalism. Unlike other media outlets, we will focus solely on the city of Biddeford.
  • Finally, the Biddeford Gazette will track and monitor the actions and maneuvers of our city’s legislative delegation, something that is not being regularly reported on by existing media outlets.
State Rep. Ryan Fecteau

For example, this week I am working on a story that will provide a preview of the upcoming legislative session and what our Biddeford delegation is planning. We will interview each of them and ask hard questions.

State Rep. Ryan Fecteau has once again been named as Speaker of the Maine House. That’s great news. But is Fecteau skirting at least the spirit of Maine’s term limits law? He already served four terms in the House before moving to a new district a few blocks away from his former home.? As Speaker, can he give his full attention to his Biddeford constituents?

State Rep. Marc Malon

State Rep. Marc Malon is returning for a second term. Congratulations! I put one of his campaign signs on my lawn, but how does he plan to separate his full-time job with the Maine Democratic Party from his service to constituents who might not be Democrats?

Hang on, things are going to be fun. We’re dusting off our keyboards and putting fresh batteries in our flashlights. We’re working for you. If you have a news tip, question or concern, please let me know. biddefordgazette@gmail.com

Cheers!

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Saco’s finance director returning to Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

As Biddeford’s municipal finance department continues to face internal challenges, Geraldine Matherne, the city of Saco’s finance director, is poised to become Biddeford’s next finance director.

Matherne previously served as the Biddeford’s deputy finance director for nearly 10 years, between 2013 and 2022 before leaving to take the finance director job in Saco.

If approved by the Biddeford City Council, Matherne will become Biddeford’s seventh finance director in just the last five years.

Sasha Pavlak, the city’s current finance director, was hired several months ago but announced her resignation on November 19. Pavlak indicated that she would remain in her current job until December 31, if necessary.

In her email to members of the Biddeford City Council, Pavlak said the job was not a “good fit” for her.

Although most city operations are running smoothly, the Finance Department has been plagued by high employee turnover and controversies, including delayed tax and sewer bills, delayed vendor payments and other challenges.

The city council is expected to vote Tuesday (Dec. 3) to confirm Matherne’s employment.

According to her resume, Matherne holds a Graduate Certificate in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Endicott College.

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Biddeford loses another finance director, making plans to replace city manager

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

The Biddeford Gazette learned Tuesday that the city of Biddeford is losing yet another Finance Department director.


According to Mayor Marty Grohman, Sasha Pavlak submitted her resignation letter yesterday. Pavlak provided the city with ample notice. Her resignation will be effective Dec. 31, 2024
Pavlak, hired just a few months ago, was the city’s sixth finance director in just the last five years.


Grohman said Pavlak decided that the job was “not a good fit.” The mayor also said, Pavlak was able to accomplish “many good things for the city.”


Pavlak’s resignation follows on the heels of some chaos in City Hall, including delayed tax and sewer bills and “cash flow” issues. In October, Biddeford City Manager James Bennett announced his own resignation, effective April 26, 2025, roughly 16 months before his contract was set to expire.

Grohman said he is optimistic that city can find a well-qualified persons for both positions.
Grohman said the city has issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) in order to hire a national search firm. So far, nine national firms have responded.


On December 10, the Biddeford City Council will host a public workshop to solicit public input about what they want in a new city manager. Grohman said two members of the public will be invited to join selected city councilors in the interview process.

“I think we’re going to land in a good space,” Grohman said, “I’m optimistic. I think we’ll be okay.”

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A Campus Set Apart?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Originally published in Saco Bay News August 24, 2024

A Campus Set Apart

George Orwell once wrote “Journalism is printing what somebody else doesn’t want printed. Everything else is public relations.”

Since I have worked as both a journalist and as a public relations professional, I can tell you that quotation from Orwell often rings quite true, especially in a small town where some things are considered off-limits for pesky reporters.

Since this is a column about the city of Saco and Thornton Academy, and since I graduated from T.A., I lifted the title for this column from my senior year yearbook: “A Campus Set Apart.”

Sounds nice, doesn’t it? A Campus Set Apart. A distinguished honor, a trumpeting of high achievement.

But what I want to know is this: A campus set apart from what, exactly?

Let’s pause here for a moment for some very necessary disclosure: I graduated from Thornton Academy in 1982. My sister also graduated from T.A., as did my father and both of my aunts. In fact, my grandfather taught there briefly before teaching at Biddeford High School.

So, I know a little bit about Thornton Academy, its reputation and its history.

More disclosure, since we’re also talking about the city of Saco: My youngest step sister, Jodi MacPhail also graduated from Thornton and is today the mayor of Saco.

A Social Media Firestorm

Last week, just a day before Laura and I were set to leave for our annual trip to Moosehead Lake, I published what I thought was a rather innocuous news story regarding the ongoing contract negotiations between Saco and Thornton.

Although Thornton Academy is a private school, it has also served as Saco’s default high school for nearly 200 years. That’s quite a history.

But despite this long-standing relationship between the city and Thornton, and the fact that these negotiations happen every few years, there seems to be a fair amount of friction between the two parties.

I posted the story on the Biddeford-Saco Community Facebook page on Wednesday morning. Within just a couple of hours, the accusations and fervent defense of one side’s position went almost off the rails.

That Facebook post reached more than 2,000 viewers within the first 24 hours, and it generated more than 117 comments.

I was stunned by the commentary, the bulk of which was aimed at defending Thornton Academy and criticizing the city’s negotiating team.

Honestly, I expected the reverse. As someone who tracks local issues very closely, I wrongly assumed that Saco taxpayers would naturally align closer to the city’s negotiating position.

Then again, the city of Saco does not employ a public relations professional, but Thornton Academy does. And it appears to be money well spent.

Maybe I’m a cynic, but it appeared that Thornton Academy had rallied their troops and circled their wagons even before the story was published. Many of the commenters didn’t disclose their own connections to the private school, including teachers and other employees.

Commentary in support of Thornton Academy pummeled the opposition by a margin of close to 9-1.

Wow, I thought. I better be careful about what I write about Thornton, especially if I have the temerity to tackle some of the school’s beloved mythology.

 I was born in a small town

Sometimes it can be weird: being a reporter in a small town. Reporters are supposed to be objective and unbiased. Sometimes, it’s a bit tougher to accomplish those high ideals of journalism than it looks, especially when you bump into the people you write about at the grocery store or if your kids play on the same Little League team.

Simply questioning Thornton Academy or sympathizing with the city’s negotiating team feels almost treasonous to me. I am an alum, after all.

But unlike almost all of my 1982 classmates, I have a rather unique view of Thornton Academy.

It’s no secret that I was experiencing some difficulties during my teenage years. When things got too far out of control, my mother sent me to live with my uncle in West Peru. That transition happened just a few weeks into my sophomore year at Thornton.

Kids from the town of Peru were sent to Rumford High School, now Mountain Valley High School. I finished my sophomore year and then attended my entire junior year in Rumford.

But I begged my mother to let me return to Thornton so that I could graduate with all my “friends” from Saco before heading off to basic training in the U.S. Air Force.

In retrospect, I should have stayed at Rumford. I never really fit in at either Thornton or Rumford. It may surprise you – and I now find it quite ironic – that many kids from Rumford looked down their noses at kids from Peru. Imagine a snobby kid from Rumford. A contradiction of terms.

At least the undercurrents of elitism at Thornton were based on some measure of reality. But kids are kids, no matter where they go to school. Still, I was able to compare two high schools as a student of both.

Oh, the places you’ll go

The defense of Thornton on social media followed two very basic themes. 1.) Thornton Academy is a top-notch school, and 2.) Saco should just be grateful, stop asking questions and shut up. Thornton Academy, after all, is a private school. They answer to no one except their own self-appointed Board of Trustees, a virtual who’s who in Saco’s power structure.

But here’s one of the main rubbing points in this current negotiation: Saco representatives want just a bit of accountability and transparency from Thornton, including a proposal to have a city representative appointed as a non-voting member to the Board of Trustees.

Sounds reasonable, right?

Yeah, not so much. It was as if the city asked Thornton to change its name to Saco High School.

Make no mistake. The city of Saco is damned fortunate to have Thornton Academy as the primary option for all its public high school students.

But it should also be noted that Thornton Academy is also quite fortunate to have such a close relationship to the city, a steady, reliable and predictable source of income.

Many private schools struggle when the economy disrupts the ability of parents to pay private tuition costs. Thornton has a healthy buffer from those recession and inflationary woes: a buffer to the tune of more than $17 million per year in tuition costs from Saco taxpayers.

Furthermore, even though Thornton Academy can charge prime market tuition for its private students, it is still a non-profit entity and does not pay any property taxes on its acres and acres of manicured lawns and the several brick buildings that make up its campus; a campus set apart.

 Let’s make a deal

From all accounts, the ongoing negotiations between Saco and Thornton Academy are based upon something that both sides agree upon. Both Thornton and Saco ultimately want what is best for Saco kids.

In any negotiating situation, both sides have to come to the table in good faith. Both sides have to give a little and both sides have to get a little. Otherwise, it’s not negotiating. It’s blackmail.

But let’s remember something for all of the people bragging about the success of their kids who went to Thornton and later got into very good colleges and universities: not every kid is college bound.

In fact, several Thornton Academy students take vocational classes at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

However, according to Saco City Attorney Tim Murphy (who also serves on Thornton’s Board of Trustees), use of the word ‘Biddeford” anywhere on Thornton’s campus is a felony offense that carries a minimum two-year prison term in the town of Dayton.

Relax, Tim Murphy never really said that.

All kidding aside, some Saco school kids also require special-ed services. Not every kid is college bound. Saco has a responsibility to advocate for ALL of its students, not just the college-bound students or the outstanding athletes.

Eight of the 11 private high schools in Maine provide all their students with free lunch, consistent with a new state law that requires all public schools to offer free lunch. Thornton is one of the three private schools that does not offer that option. Why?

Although private schools like Thornton are exempt from the new law, it creates a dividing line between the haves and the have nots. Remember high school? Now imagine being one of just a few kids who has to ask for a free lunch.

To their credit, Thornton has a policy to expand free lunch for any student within 260 percent of the federal poverty rate, but it still forces students and their parents to go through the humiliation of asking for financial help.

The city of Saco is not looking to “take over” a private high school with an exemplary reputation, but if I’m going to fork over $17 million for something you can bet your sweet ass that I’m going to want something in return.

For comparison purposes, the city of Biddeford has a contract with a private firm that handles repair, maintenance and operations of all its photocopiers. That annual contract is roughly $150,000 a year and includes the school department.

Biddeford’s contract with that private firm has more transparency and accountability for photocopiers than Saco has for all of its high school students.

If Thornton doesn’t want public accountability, then maybe it should stop taking public funds. Many private companies across the country have government contracts, but they also have to follow certain rules including accountability and transparency.

Bath Iron Works strikes me as an exceptional shipyard, but when the Senate Appropriations Committee comes sniffing around for accountability and transparency regarding federal contracts, you can bet that BIW doesn’t tell Sen. Angus King to go pound sand.

Thornton Academy: Myth, Legend or Reality?

On a final note, while Thornton certainly has the prettiest high school campus in southern Maine, how does it stack up against other high schools when it comes to things other than landscaping?

As I said previously, I went to Thornton and Rumford High School. I would be hard-pressed to come up with any objective measure of which school was better.

I was one of those college-prep kids. In my sophomore year at Rumford High School, we were studying the works of Marcus Aurelius – in Latin. English teacher Richard Mullins – one of my favorite high school teachers – required us to do a deep-dive into Orwell’s Animal Farm, requiring essays and research to critique that work’s inspiration: the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.

Thornton also had amazing and dedicated faculty who pushed us hard. One of my favorites was Norman Trottier, who adamantly refused to let me drop French IV during my senior year so that I could just coast toward basic training.

Phil Curtis was such a passionate and dedicated teacher at Thornton. He was so incredibly patient and kind towards me, even though I barely understood the mathematical foundation of two-plus-two.

There were so many other fine teachers at both Rumford and Thornton. How do you objectively measure which school is better? You really can’t.

Public schools in Maine are required by law to publicly post their MEA (Maine Educational Assessment) scores.  Not Thornton.

So how do Saco taxpayers really know what they’re getting for their $17 million per year? Do taxpayers just have to blindly accept what the cheerleaders are screaming on the sidelines?

Maybe, but it would appear that there is also more than landscaping that “sets Thornton apart.” They also have a pretty good public relations department.

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What do you expect?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

And now I’m depressed. No joke.

I was just talking with one of my closest friends about how quickly summer is fading. We talked about time, and the error of counting the days; but we also talked about politics. (It’s expected. We’re both self-described political junkies.)

I commented, “I’m so ready for this election to over. Just 72 days until Nov. 6, the day after the election.”

And he said, “Over?” Nope.”

And then I realized he was right.

On November 6, – – no matter who wins the election — many of my friends will be celebrating and filled with happiness and satisfaction. On the other side of aisle, many of my friends will be feeling somewhat hopeless, disconnected and fearful.

A wise man once told me: “Expectations are pre-mediated resentments.”

What are we expecting from this election? After CNN tallies the results, do we all walk out onto the playing field and shake hands with the opposing team? Hardly.

So, I am now tempering my expectations and reminded of the fact that the Reality Fairy doesn’t carry a wand. She carries a 2 x4.

Thus, here are a few of my expectations about what life will be like on November 6 (the day after the election), regardless of who wins.

1.) We will still fight with one another. People will still weaponize social media in order to push and cement their own political narrative.

2.) Too many of our neighbors will still be living in tents, mostly forgotten.

3.) We will still be easily distracted by celebrity “news” and gossip. We will continue paying some people millions of dollars simply because they are really good at running and catching a leather ball.

4.) Our political leaders will still fight and offer us plenty of finger-pointing, blame and derision, but few — if any — solutions will be built upon innovation and collaboration: bipartisanship.

5.) People will continue using credit cards for the things they really cannot afford, whether it’s a vacation or a new tattoo.

6.) We will not be satisfied with anything. The cost of housing, utilities and food will continue to climb, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.

7.) Global hunger will continue and actually get worse.

8.) The rattling of war sabers will continue in Gaza, Ukraine and so many other places around the globe.

9.) Many other nations (North Korea, Iran, China, Russia and so many others) will still hate us and seek to weaken us.

10.) Poor people will still be poor and rich people will still be rich (That’s actually a constant that dates back more than 200,000 years)

My advice? Don’t count the days. Don’t expect things to be fundamentally different. We are all — all of us — Republicans and Democrats — saddled with the same unfortunate reality: that everyone is human, and thus we are all somewhat flawed.

May God have mercy on our souls.

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Turn You Inside Out

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

When Biddeford City Manager James Bennett first unveiled his proposed FY 2025 municipal budget last week, he made a point of reminding the city council and the public that the city is not operated like a business.

Bennett’s remarks were likely intended to get ahead of a frequent refrain often heard from beleaguered and stressed taxpayers. Almost like clockwork, municipal officials hear the same mantra: that the city should be run like a business.

Bennett says comparing the city to a privately operated business is not comparing apples to apples.

Biddeford City Manager James Bennett; photo from the city’s website.

For the most part, I agree with him.

A business is incorporated to make profit and provide a steady revenue stream to its shareholders.

In the private sector, businesses do not face several restrictions and other obligations that must be endured by public sector operations such as local and state governments.

For example, if an annoying reporter like me wants a printed copy of some internal inter-office memo within city government, then the government must accommodate my request for that information. I do not, however, have the same access to inter-office memos generated by companies such as Boeing, General Dynamics or even Pizza by Alex.

Those businesses are allowed to keep and defend trade secrets, whether it’s the design of a new landing gear or a new recipe for making calzones. They are not accountable to the media.

If the city chooses to build a new piece of infrastructure, such as a new road, bridge or sewer connection, it must jump through several hoops in order to ensure transparency and strict adherence to state and local laws. Every member of the public (property taxpayers and non-property taxpayers) gets to have a say in the plan. There must be ample public input and advertised public hearings.

Although the private sector cannot simply do whatever it wants, they can make things happen more efficiently because they are not hamstrung by all sorts of obligations in the public sector.

During his presentation, Bennett also pointed out that city is facing the very same inflationary pressures that are being faced by you, me and every other consumer.

I am paying more for heating oil. I am paying more for water, electricity and even internet service. My grocery bills have exploded even though our household consumption remains somewhat flat (unlike my stomach)

I understand that we are in an election year, but the economy is still a concern for many people, especially when it comes to soaring housing costs and people on fixed incomes, lying awake at night, wondering if they are going to lose their homes.

Well guess what? If you’re paying more to fill your gas tank, the city is paying more to fill its tank. If you’re paying more for electricity, the city is paying more for its electricity. If you’re paying more for toilet paper, ink cartridges or lightbulbs, the city is also paying more for those things.

Now I know some of you are saying the economy is not that bad. In fact, unemployment numbers are near record lows. While that’s mostly a good economic sign, it’s not very good news for the city.

Private employers throughout southern Maine are scrambling for workers. Help wanted signs are all over the place, forcing employers to add more incentives and higher pay scales for their employees.

The city is not immune from this problem. We have to be creative in figuring out strategies to attract and retain qualified employees.

Lack of affordable housing also presents a challenge for the city. If a young teacher right out of college is looking for a new job – or a new police officer right out of the academy is looking for a job, they have to consider how much it’s going to cost to either live in or commute to the city.

The city cannot magically drop housing costs. The same problem is affecting communities throughout the southern Maine area. It’s not just a Biddeford problem.

Running to Stand Still

So how do we get a handle on ever increasing property taxes?

In the private sector, we can reduce services. For example, Laura and I had a wonderful lunch at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant in Yarmouth on Monday. That restaurant is now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Many other businesses are following suit. The private sector is also looking to technology to reduce overhead. Self-checkout cashier options, automated payment services and much longer wait times for customer service are becoming the norm.

Taxpayers want and demand municipal services. You want a qualified team of EMTs or paramedics to be available 24/7. You want your road plowed. You want that pothole to be fixed. You want police and a fire department that can respond within just a few minutes.

There’s nothing wrong with taxpayers demanding services to be provided by the city they support.

So where does that leave us?

Frankly, between a rock and a hard place.

But there is a flipside to this coin. If the Seaver Family Pizzeria decides to raise its prices by 20 percent, you can choose to either go someplace else or make your own pizza for a fraction of the cost.

In the private sector, you – – as a consumer – – have a choice. In the private sector, Seaver’s Pizzeria must be competitive with other businesses, such as Pizza By Alex. We can’t just arbitrarily jack our prices without probably losing customers (revenue).

Now where does the city get its revenue? Every dollar the city uses comes from your back pocket. The city does not produce a product. The city relies solely on taxpayer revenues, whether it’s state funding or revenue sharing, a federal grant, excise taxes, permit fees, etc., etc.

All the money comes from you and me. Period.

And guess what? We really can’t take our business anywhere else. I can refuse to shop at Walmart if I don’t like how they operate their store.

But when it comes to the city, you either pay your taxes or the city takes your home. Sure, there are a lot of legal steps that the city must follow in taking your property, but they will do it.

If you don’t believe me, just ask Dorothy LaFortune. (Read This).

As Jon Hamm’s character, Special Agent Frawley, said in the movie The Town, “this is the not the fucking around crew.”

Sure, you can fight City Hall, but ultimately, it’s quite likely that you will lose everything you own.

Bennett is pretty much right. The city is not a business.

The city does not have to be competitive for its consumers, like a private business. The city does not have to worry about losing its customers like a private business. The city, unlike a business, has a guaranteed revenue stream regardless of what happens with the economy.

So, is there any good news? Any shimmer of light on the horizon?

Yup. It’s you and your neighbors.

The city is ultimately controlled by its residents who choose to vote and participate in their government.

If you just sit back and bitch and whine on Facebook, don’t expect much of a change. It’s easy to find out who represents you on the council. Go to a council meeting or participate online.

Raise your voice. Do your part. Get involved. Reach out to your specific city councilor and the at-large representatives on the council. You can find their contact info here.

Don’t expect your neighbors to pick up your slack. Don’t expect me to keep you informed. You are a shareholder in this organization. It’s your responsibility to question how the city is operated.

The first public hearing on the city’s proposed FY 2025 budget takes place on March 26 at City Hall. If you can’t make it, reach out to your councilor in advance.

What Jim Bennett is recommending is another six percent budget increase, which includes a nine percent increase in municipal spending. If you’re good with that, just sit back, relax and enjoy a bowl of popcorn.

Otherwise, make your voice heard.

Note: If you’re having a hard time finding contact information or details about the city’s proposed budget, you can contact me for assistance.

_________

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A Conversation with Santa Claus

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The ‘Jolly Old Elf’ offers some sage advice about unconditional love, magic and the true meaning of Christmas

He’s known by many names. Some call him Father Christmas; others call him St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle. But here in North America, he is best known as Santa Claus.

Just two days before the Christmas holiday this year, Santa made time to sit down for an exclusive interview with Saco Bay News. He declined to give his age. In fact, he artfully dodged many of the questions our readers have asked.

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for a photo during a recent trip to Saco.

Although well known for his “jolly” disposition, Santa was a tad grumpy during our interview. It’s understandable. He’s facing a lot of pressure this time of year. Billions of boys and girls all over the world are waiting anxiously for his visit and his annual delivery of toys and treats.

We decided to let our Saco Bay News readers come up with the questions for this interview.

The legend of Santa Claus transcends cultural bounds and goes back hundreds and hundreds of years. Kelley B. wants to know what you view as major changes to your mission, specifically your annual stop at the Island of Misfit toys that started in 1964?

“Well, let’s get real. In my view, that was a very recent change, and I really owe a debt of gratitude to Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer for tipping me off about that place. Honestly, we are all misfits – every one of us, even me. We are all different. None of us is perfect. We are not defined by our flaws. We are defined by our capacity to love one another.”

Mark J. wants to know if Hermey the Elf is still practicing dentistry.

“Oh sure. His practice is thriving. In fact, he just opened another franchise location here at the North Pole. He’s always up my butt about the importance of flossing; as if I need another thing to worry about. (Laughs).

Celeste T. wants to know why she didn’t get an Easy Bake oven when she was a little girl.

“I get that question a lot.”

About Easy Bake ovens?

“No, silly. Lots of people wake up disappointed by something on Christmas morning. I remember when Celeste asked for that toy oven. It sort of broke my heart to see her disappointed that morning. But that was a tough year for Easy Bake ovens. There was a huge demand, and unfortunately my elves just could not keep pace.

“But you know what? Today, Celeste has a wonderful oven that she uses to cook her meals and to make treats for her family and friends.

“Many people all around the world do not have an oven. In fact, many people don’t even have a home. I’m just super pleased that Celeste is still willing to be nice to other people, even though she didn’t get exactly what she wanted on one particular Christmas morning.”

 Deborah P. wants to know what kind of cookies are your favorite. She also wants to know whether she should leave carrots or sugar out for the reindeer.

“Well, she’s a very thoughtful young lady. I like all kinds of cookies. Dude, look at me. I didn’t get to be this size by licking icicles. There’s no such thing as a bad cookie, in my humble opinion.

“As for the reindeer, they prefer carrots. Carrots are rich in both calcium and Vitamin K. They promote good bone density and help with your vision, something that is very important if you’re flying all over the world at night.”

Suzanne C. wants to know more about Mrs. Claus and whether she helps you?

“There is no way I could do what I do without lots of love, help and support. Mrs. Claus and I have been married a long time. A very long time. I mean like centuries . . . you get my gist?

“Like most wives, Mrs. Claus is always willing to give advice. Over the years, I have learned that it’s best to listen to your partner. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to listen when they or anyone else is speaking to you.”

Jeff R. wants to know your favorite Christmas movie.

“I like all of them, but let’s get real. Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. I suppose, my favorite Christmas movie is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That movie really underscores the true meaning of this holiday.

“Mrs. Claus likes all those Hallmark Christmas movies. Let’s just say I’m quite grateful that we have two televisions and a Netflix subscription.”

Larry M. wants to know how you leave presents at homes without a chimney or fireplace.

“It’s magic.”

Magic? What do you mean magic ?

“Listen, Jimmy Olsen. There’s a lot you don’t know about magic. Magic is real as the nose on your face. Magic is simply the proper combination of love, faith and hope.

“Imagine a world without magic. A world where every single thing has to be analyzed, studied and proven? What a sad world that would be. Childhood is often described as ‘magical’ because children are willing to believe in things they don’t necessarily understand.

“Whenever you get on a plane or whenever you get in your car, you have faith. At least enough faith that you are going to arrive at your destination. You don’t have to understand aeronautics or how an engine works. You just need faith and a bit of hope. Magic is all around us if we focus on love. If we open our hearts and our eyes, each of us can see unlimited potential in each other and in ourselves.”

So, I suppose you’re going to say that magic makes the reindeer able to fly or that you can visit every country in the world in just one night?

“Absolutely. Magic is a wonderful gift. Every time you smile at a stranger, you are spreading love. Every time you pet a dog or hold the door for an elderly person, you are acting out your love. Everyone – – and I mean every one of us – has the power to love. Love does not require anything. It costs nothing but is the most valuable thing in the world.”

Some people say you’re not real.

“Those people are right, but they are also wrong. I am as real as you want me to be. I don’t care if you’re four years old or 40, you can believe in me if you choose. Again, love is a choice. That’s the whole meaning of presents, a practice of showing love. You can’t buy love at the store; it lies within each of us.

“Look; I gotta run. The elves are working overtime, and I need to get ready for a very, very busy night.”

But I have so many more questions. Who are you? And why do you do this?

“Who am I? Take a look in the mirror, sonny. I am you; if you choose to be me. I am your neighbor. I am your co-worker, your classmate, your friend and your enemy.

“I am the guy you are argue with on Facebook. I am your grandfather, your favorite aunt. I am a man, and I am a woman. I am very young and very old. I am simply the personification of love. That’s why I exist.

“Why do I do this? Because I can. Because I choose to love. Because this day – no matter what you call it – no matter your religion, culture or education – – it’s all about hope. About the possibility of a new start, about the potential of unconditional love. Today is a call for us to love one another.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I need to put some fresh batteries in Rudolph’s nose. Ho, ho, ho . . . I’m almost ready to go.”

Editor’s Note: On behalf of all of us at Saco Bay News, we hope you have a safe, warm and happy holiday season!

Originally published in Saco Bay News

Paper Thin

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

863511_f520It was one of the worst places to watch the final game of the World Series.

But it turned out that it was the best place to watch the final game of the World Series.

I would dare say that watching the World Series from the confines of an in-patient psychiatric unit is about the most bizarre experience one can imagine.

I would have preferred to watch it on my flat screen, from the comfort of my living room with my wife and sons. I would have preferred to be among the throngs of fans hovering over Kenmore Square. I would have preferred to be hanging with friends, drinking beer and wildly cheering during the top of the ninth inning.

But instead I watched it with three other men who had few choices last night about where they would watch the historic event.

No, it was nothing like the scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, in which patient Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) battles with Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) for the “privilege” of watching the World Series, but there is an undeniable spirit to the World Series. Unlike the Super Bowl, it is a series of games that drains and demands the very best from its players.

In fact, our charge nurse made popcorn and watched the game with us. We were bonded in our situation, yet simultaneously celebrating with a much larger community.

Last night, we celebrated triumph over adversity; hope over despair; light over darkness.

No matter where we are, no matter what we are doing or experiencing, it’s always good to celebrate.

Should I stay or should I go?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

If Elmer Fudd had attended Tuesday’s Biddeford City Council meeting, he may have made the following observation about our city councilors:

“Those wascly wabbits seemed especially wambunctious last night.”

Fudd’s assessment matches my own observations.

Watching the councilors in action, I actually began to wonder whether  a couple of our council critters had skipped their required rabies vaccinations, especially when they began talking about a favorite City Hall subject: solid waste disposal.

If you missed the meeting, then you also missed a rare opportunity to hear one of the city’s most eloquent and handsome residents address the council about the contentious issues surrounding trash and recycling.

No, Jim Grattelo did not show up last night.

It was me — yours truly — the voice of logic, reason and nicotine addiction from Ward Seven.

At issue is the perennial topic of how to both increase the city’s recycling rate and reduce the amount of trash we send to the Maine Energy Recovery Company, where household waste is recycled into electricity.

Council President Rick Laverierre seemed ready to explode or at least pop a button on his new suit, when he railed against the concept of a pay-per-bag trash collection system.

“This is not a Maine Energy thing,” he said, ignoring the obvious and hoping to avoid taking a public stance on a very controversial issue.

Laverierre strongly supports sending no less than two referendums to the city’s voters.

The first referendum would ask voter permission to even allow the council to discuss or say the words “pay-per-bag,” and the second referendum (a few months later) would ask the voters whether they approve a plan. Seriously.

For the first time in 192 years, I found myself in agreement with Councilors David Flood and Richard Rhames.

The last time the three of us agreed on a topic was in 1820, when we published a joint op-ed in the Boston Globe, making the case for Maine’s secession from the state of Massachusetts.

The opening line of that editorial proves the piece was a collaborative effort:

“For whatever. Massachusetts blows. We need another state where Democrats can control the Legislature.”

Back to last night’s meeting. Rhames, for a brief moment in time, seemed lucid with a firm grasp of the obvious.

Rhames reminded his fellow councilors that they will soon be forced to review the city’s waste disposal contract.

“This council needs to be grappling with this issue,” he said. “This matter is roaring up on us. It is not a simple issue and, unfortunately, we have not yet begun to consider our position.”

But Councilor Michael Swanton expressed doubts about how much the city would save its taxpayers by forcing the Solid Waste Commission to devise a plan that could increase the city’s recycling rate. “I ran the numbers at home,” he said. “And I figured out that I would save about 37 cents per week by recycling more.”

The council, however, did seem to agree on one thing: trash disposal involves a lot of fluctuating numbers, a good pair of rubber gloves and the willingness not to hoard No.2 plastic bottles.

Ultimately, the council voted 8-1 (Laverierre opposed) to kick the can down the road for another few weeks by sending a resolution to the Solid Waste Commission that seeks to increase the city’s recycling rate.

Take the money and run

Earlier in the evening, the council took up the issue of ethics, pondering whether to amend the city’s ordinances to require members of the Planning Board to sign a code of ethics.

It should be noted that members of the city council are not required to sign a code of ethics.

As I have explained to my children, whether you should take a 10-dollar bill from your mother’s purse is NOT an ethical dilemma.

It is a crime.

An ethical dilemma is a situation in which both choices have merit and must be carefully weighed against one’s own values and belief system.

At first blush, it seems more than reasonable to ask city officials to sign a code of ethics. But a closer examination of the proposed language reveals some glaring problems that leap off the pages and then steal money from your mother’s purse.

For example, Councilor David Flood (my neighbor, former employer and BFF) pointed out that by signing the code, planning board members would be required to only do reasonable things that also “appear to be reasonable.” Again, I’m not kidding.

If this same standard were applied to the city council, we would not have a city council.

Upon realization of this quandary, the council pondered their own ethical dilemma and rejected adopting a code of ethics for other people to follow.

Smart move.

In other business, the council put the brakes on a proposed policy that would allow the city to accept private contributions for public infrastructure.

After hearing further words of wisdom from yours truly about the slippery slope of unintended consequences, the council decided to send the proposed policy to the “Policy” Committee for further review and clarification.

If you would like to have Randy Seaver speak to your civic club, organization or rehab group, please send an e-mail to randy@randyseaver.com

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