As the dust settles...

So the campaign has come and gone. The only things remaining are the signs and a little bitterness. As far as signs go, this is a pet peeve of mine. When the contest is over, pick up your damn signs. You can actually take a lesson from Gerry Palmer on this one. He's been using the same recycled signs for 20 years or so. I have to say they are looking kinda ratty and worn Gerry. Maybe a new batch next time around. Most of the signs were picked up yesterday, however there are a few lingering around. The VOB will keep an eye on who the slackers are, you can count on that. I recall a few campaigns ago when Pat LaMarche ran for Gov. under the Green Party banner. She literally had a million signs along Rte 1A from Hampden to Rockland. And 2 months after the election they were still there. Eventually the snow plows got to most of 'em. Nice job picking up after yourself Greens. Kind of ironic dont you think.

The bitterness on my end is minor for sure. I'm used to things not going my way, I'm a big boy. The sad truth is that I didnt care much for my choices in the local races. Look at the State Senate seat for Bangor. Joe Perry VS Tom Sawyer. These are two of the most despised people in town. On one hand you have Joe. A hard working idiot. He puts in the time, but doesnt get anything done. Think of a gerbil on a wheel type of thing. Joe's on the State taxation committee that has resorted to late night votes and complete smoke and mirrors to get the budget passed. Joe has run on a lower property tax platform the last two times around. Did Joe lower your taxes? Hell no! That's why he abandoned that theme this year. On the other hand we have Tom Sawyer. Tom has done some great things for Bangor in the past. He was elected to this very post a few years back. But Tom, Tom, Tom....we all remember your piss poor attendance record and virtual silence on the racino and auditorium funding issues back in your day. You only wanted to be called Senator. Unfortunately, there's a job to go with the title, and you short changed the good folks of Bangor once already. Screw me once, shame on you. Screw me twice, shame on me...you get it now Tom? The point is, these two are guys are all we have? Its a sad day for Bangor in Augusta. Dont even get me started on the State Reps we put there. Spineless doesnt do well in Augusta. We need a pit-bull like mentality. We dont want to hold hands and sing Kum-Ba-Ya. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in Augusta and our newly elected Reps. will need to grow a pair and get dirty.

Sad to see Andy Sturgeon fell short in his Council bid. The City could have used a man like Andy. Dave Neally got the nod and should provide for some interesting meetings. Dave never pulled his punches in the past, and I dont see him starting now.

As we wind on down the Bush presidency we can only pray things get better. Time will tell. The NCLB laws will wither away and school consolidation may be close behind. I dont see a lot of change coming from Augusta, maybe in DC, but not in Maine. If we keep electing the same folks over and over again, or those with no experience, how can real change come about? Can change come from within by those living the status quo? I guess were gonna find out soon.

At least fuel prices are going down for now. I topped off the oil tank for $2.30 a gallon last week.

Till next time.............

City Council Race 2008

Here we go kids, my take on this years Council race. With three seats open and only one incumbent that can run for re-election, we've got to make some good choices this year. So, lets get right to it. First we have this Bronson gentleman. I dont know him personally, he's a first timer running for office, local business owner, fire chief in Brewer for a number of years. Seems pretty solid. Then we have Paul Dubay, another first timer. I dont know Paul either, seems like a nice guy though. Has a grasp of things and wants to contribute to the City, OK, fair enough. Next is former Councilor Dave Neally. I know Dave and wish him the best. He was quite a force a few years back and we need someone to stir the pot. Next is Gerry Palmer. Its no secret how I feel about Gerry, but we could do worse. Next is Andy Sturgeon. I've know Andy for a long time and he's committed to whatever he sets his mind to. I cant say enough good things about this guy. And finally we have Robert Z. I dont know what to think of this one. He's new to the area and is also running for State Rep in Dist. 15. WTF? You just moved to Bangor and yet you believe your ready to represent us citzens in Augusta? How? Please explain this to me. And your also running for the City Council, yet you didnt have time to show up at the forum on Thursday to introduce yourself to the City. Sorry Z-man, no love from the VOB. So how does it all stack up? My predictions are as follows:

1. Neally
2. Sturgeon
3. Bronson
4. Palmer
5. Dubay
6. Zaleneta

Read em and weep folks.

Decision 2008

I just came home from Bagel Central with my weekly standard, "everything" and cream cheese. I love this time of year. Leaves are turning, pumpkin cookies, crisp mornings, its all good. One cant help but notice the campaign signs on every corner. I know that technically the City has a R.O.W. for the little grass strip between the sidewalk and the roadway, but why does this give anyone the right to plant a campaign sign in front of my house? It happens every year. It used to be the annoying Stimpson family that constantly ran for office. They'd put a few up, and I'd take 'em down. This was a daily event, sometimes twice a day. I must be someone important for all the effort that they put into it. They haven't run for anything in a few cycles, so they must be out of signs. I've got about a few out behind the house if they want 'em back. This whole thing makes me think about elections. Like it or not, National. State, and Local elections all have an impact on our lives. So, here's my take on the big races....Nationally I dont know which way to go. I used to like McCain back about 8 years ago, but he's dragged himself down with W in my opinion. That leaves Obama. The young rookie. Can he do the job? We'll have to wait and see. In the State race its more of the same. Susan Collins, who I cant stand, and Tom Allen, another lazy bones from Portland who thinks he knows whats best for the rest of the State. Its a toss up for me. That put us at the State Rep race. Tom Sawyer is running as an independant for his old seat that Joe Perry took from him a few years back. Who's the republican in this fight? Certainly we can do better than these two idiots. Does Tom think we have short memories? When he last served he was one of the worst legislators as far as attendance was concerned. Seems he wanted the title 'Senator" but not the duties. Does Tom even live in Bangor anymore??? And don't get me started on Joe Perry. Please dont. My doctor warned me to stop thinking about his piss poor record. So at last we come to the City Council races. I'll back Dave Neally any day. Dave's not afraid to get the job done and doesnt mid kicking a little butt in the process. My boy Gerry Palmer is running for re-election this time around. Lord help us! The big guys latest grandstand was to attempt a sewer abatement for a new resident to Bangor. It seems this fellow was upset about getting a sewer bill (with his water bill) for the watering and hydroseeding of his new lawn. Gerry feels bad about that. Where have you been for the last 25 years Gerry? The City has been screwing people with this fee for years. And Pat Blanchette stating that this would be a dangerous precedent is so TRUE!! It would expose this rip off for what it truly is...A RIP OFF. The City knows damn well that the majority of water that is generated from hydrants for landscaping is taken up by the soil and does not find its way into the city sewer system or treatment plant. Thats a fact, yet the City hides behind a book keeping issue with sewer rates being calculated from water rates. Thats bullshit people. now I've digressed.....So get out and vote, or STFU.

Dont we have more important things to do?

Well folks, it had to happen. The City is running so smooth these days that our beloved City Council has nothing to do it would seem. Lets look at the "HOT" topics from last weeks meeting!

It appears that methadone clinics are back in the news. Haven't we beat this dead horse to death? Now an ordinance is being proposed to limit the location of such establishments. Is this really a problem that needs an ordinance? Acadia Hospital is the main purveyor of the methadone in these parts (not ARCADIA Pat!) and two other private treatment centers complete the list. I see that the mall on Hogan road is still running strong, apparently against all odds. I don't see a huge rush to open more centers as none of the current facilities is operating at capacity. Pat Blanchette attempted to make a lame argument that some people drive from Millinocket for treatment, work in Bangor all day, and head back up north for the night. Are you for real Pat? What planet are you from? Do you know anything about methadone treatments? Sadly, the answer to the last one is no. Not to mention that most folks wouldn't be up for a daily 4 hour commute, especially with gas above $3.50. Try thinking before you speak Pat, it really helps.

Traffic in town is the other big issue. We need "Calming Zones" to slow things down I guess. I think we all agree that the City's main arteries (Union, Hammond, Broadway, Essex, Stillwater, Hogan) are all jammed up during peak times. And yes, most folks are going 10 miles over the speed limit in town. Pat says that she doesn't see a traffic problem at all, and even if she did, its the job of the police to deal with such matters, not the Council. Well Pat, your right about the cops for sure, but c'mon now, the streets are getting jammed up as more and more people commute into the City. Try lowering property taxes and you'll cut down on the cars. Or maybe she just needs to spend a little more time in the City. The ordinance as proposed by Professor Gratwick is a complete joke. This touchy-feely approach wont solve a damn thing. The criteria for being declared a "Calming Zone" is ridiculous. Very few neighborhood streets would ever qualify. I see classic cut thru streets like 14th Street and Mt. Hope Ave as possibilities. Let Jim Ring do his job and work out the traffic. He's a sharp guy. The new roundabout out on Maine Ave is a great step in the right direction. We need more clear thinking like Jim's, not stupid ordinances from bored councilors. This whole issue goes back to the project on Howard Street that reeked of croni-ism. But didnt you vote for that one Pat? Is there a traffic issue or not? You cant have it both ways my dear.

The bigest joke of the week was the Energy Conservation Workshop. Ironically, this meeting was a big waste of energy. Rather than working on a tax break for alternative fuels or to help defray energy costs, Joe Perry's advice is to put plastic over your windows. Jeesh Joe, why didnt I think of that? Thats brilliant! The other pisser about this meeting was all the folks lined up to help the low-income folks get some government handouts such as LIHEEP and Penquis CAP funds. But what about the regular guy who has two kids in college, a mortgage, property taxes, etc, etc to pay? He doesnt need a hand? He's got bills to pay just like the low-income guy, and probably more. Mr. Regular Guy is probably living closer to the edge than Mr. Low-Income, but all he gets is a cheap loan to pay his fuel. A loan to pay for his fuel? WTF?? This is just like buying groceries with your credit card. Your standing on one leg at this point. And just in case your pea-brain doesnt work to well Joe, its gonna get cold again next year. Joe doesnt get it, he never did. It's to bad that Frank Farrignton was passed over by the voters in favor of Perry. I think some people actually think he's the guy who ran Perry's Restaraunt on Main Street for years. Sorry folks, wrong Joe. This one cant cook fried clams and wont lower your taxes either.

The American Folk Festival has come and gone. I had a chance to talk with Heather over the weekend and commended her on the good work. The new layout was great. The food lines were long, but not to long. And the music was first rate. I'll have to eat a little crow on this one. Keep doing what your doing Heather.

Thats all for now, I've got a few more important things to do.....

End of Summer Rant

I hate this time of year. It finally came to me that Summer 2008 is drawing to a close. Labor Day weekend is comin at us like a freight train. I've got 2 weeks to cram all those activities in that I never had the time for. No, not painting the house or random chores, that's what Fall is for. I'm talking fishing with the kids, jumping off the "big rock", the famous "Camp Olympics" we have for the gang at Beech Hill, Folk Festival, etc. etc. You get the point. To much fun and not enough time. I'm thinking of grabbing a few vacation days next week and making a real long weekend out of it. Life's to short and Summer is even shorter. If you want to see fear in your kids eyes, tell them that school starts in 2 weeks!

Hollywood Slots has opened up the hotel portion of the Beast on Main Street. Nice looking place, but c'mon people. $149 for a double over looking Main Street? Whats the Fireside get next door? $50 or so I believe. Well, anyone in the hotel business will tell ya that Bangor has had a shortage of hotel rooms for years. From what I hear, on any given night in the summer, most local hotels (not the dumpy motels mind you) are at capacity. So this should help the shortage. We don't want anyone turned away now do we. Of course, 2 other hotels soon opening out by the mall will also help, but may just cut into each others business. They'll all drop their room rates with a little more competition and some open rooms.

On a side note, I got a huge kick out of Gerry Palmer at the grand opening of the hotel, cutting the ribbon and everything. Lets go back a few years and see who was a major opponent of the whole slot issue. Now, he's all smiles, cutting the ribbon, talking about how great this is, blah, blah, blah. Gerry, if your going to represent the City, please go buy a new suit coat. The green one that you always wear (his only one I think) doesn't fit to well and needs a cleaning. Your embarrassing yourself and the City. Not to mention that the piece of shit van you drive needs some engine work. It was knocking for 2 minutes after you shut it off. Hows about a tune-up? Save some money on fuel and help the environment as well.

Big surprise in the BDN this week. It appears that Section 8 tenants cant find anyone to take their vouchers. Once again, the VOB was all over that issue last month. Great job reporting old news BDN. I get a kick out of some of the "news" stories in the paper that I read online over a week ago. The lame keep getting lamer. Their monopoly on local news is waning as is the readership. Have you tried to run a "Help Wanted" add or something in the classifieds? Help Wanted adds running on Fri-Sat for 1 week only will cost you about $135. If your a small business looking for help, that's pretty steep. Of course, good help IS hard to find.

Consolidation of school administrators is looming. You'd think this was a death nail in our children's educational future if you listen to the administrator's. That's total bullshit. The State of Maine has nearly twice the number of Superintendent's of most States our size. Small towns across Maine have been getting this done for years in the form of School Unions. They all have school boards, but share a Superintendents (and his staff). It seems to work great, so what are the SAD's afraid of? With GWB almost out of office, the NCLB law will soon be capput. What will we need all the paper pushers for? C'mon folks, get your head out of your collective butts on this one. It's a "NO BRAINA". You'll still have local control over your schools, and curriculum's wont be altered in any way. Don't listen to the administrators, seeing that half of them are going to loose their jobs. Why would you trust them? Rumour has it that the Superintendents are requesting Olympia Snowe to get involved and pressure the Governor to back down and repeal the law. Sure, she'll help you out, just like she helped the paper mill workers and shoe shop employees. She'll see that you can get assistance and re-training at one of our areas tech centers. But save your jobs? Nope, sorry, she cant seem to help with that. Maybe if you worked in a shipyard.

I'll be at the American Folk Festival this weekend, hope to see you there. Till next time....

Hang On Tight

Well, oil prices have dropped a little, but not enough for most Mainers. Winter is coming fast and most of the folks I talk with are taking a few steps in the right direction, but not all. What I see as a major problem for Bangor this winter is the availability of affordable rents. A pal of mine owns a few rents in town that he leases thru a deal with the Bangor Housing Authority. Low-income elderly folks on a very limited fixed income. He approached the city concerning raising the rents to combat the rising energy costs. He was told that the city leases were fixed for now and no increase in rent would be accepted. So......long story short, he evicted the "Section 8" tenants. This is just the tip of the iceberg people. As landlords scramble to keep up with energy costs, renters will be hit, and hit hard. A lot of people who are just getting by will be crippled by the rise in the rent. Hang on Bill Raye, your gonna need a bigger kitchen. Hang on DHS, your gonna need more assistance funding, Hang on oil dealers, your gonna get stiffed by some honest folks who have no choice. Hang on landlords, your not gonna get paid. Hang on bankers, you'll have plenty of homes to repossess. Hang on City of Bangor, hang on tight!

I watched the City Council workshop concerning the new barns at Bass Park the other night. This looks to be a little out of control to me. The cost estimate for the first barn is 1.2 million. WTF? This is a barn right? The second barn is even more and the total barn project is projected to cost the taxpayers over 4 million!! Surely we can come up with a cheaper design than that. This is one of the dumbest things I've heard lately. I guess I should support the project as we'll need someplace to put all the homeless this winter. The city shelter isnt quite big enough.

The American Folk Festival is coming soon. Is it just me? It feels like you cant throw a rock without hitting a music festival these days. Dont get me wrong, I'm a sucker for free live music, who isnt. But when Shangri-la can put up some fairly known national acts on the cheap, it takes away from the AFF. Heather McCarthy has done a great job with very little budget, however, the AFF is doomed if they cant land a few more known artists. The UpNorth Festival this weekend in Southern Maine is a deal at $65 per day ticket. And look at the line-up. Hell, its no Bonnarroo, but its a start. For the AFF to move forward, they'll need to think BIG!! And of course, that takes money. They may need to start charging a modest fee to survive. I know, have each Mainer bring a stick of hardwood for admission. There could be a full family max. of 1/2 cord that gets grampy and the kids in too! I'll bring down a bag of pellets if thats OK.

It looks like the folks on Howard Street are getting their day. Yeah, I saw that one coming. Joe Butler isnt gonna let this go, and he shouldnt. Good luck Joe.

Well, I'm heading to camp for a few weeks. Enjoy the rest of summer, if you can afford it......

4th of July rant

The 4th is almost here. I've got my flag out and my grill cleaned up. Camps been open for a few weeks and the bugs are pretty thin. Oh yea, and Hollywood Slots Hotel and Racino is open for business. Todays BDN had a photo of Gerry Palmer holding open the door for someone at the new slot palace. How ironic seeing that Gerry voted against slots for Bangor. Oh, he'll try to spin it as if he was against Capitol 7, not slots in general. C'mon Gerry, which side of your mouth are you talking out of? I'm sure he's pleased about the new 2000 foot buffet in town, not the slots.

The folks on Howard Street are getting the signatures together to overturn the Councils silly ban on left turns onto Howard Street. Aren't those kinds of laws intended to support the majority, not the minority? Who votes for this? Gerry Palmer of course. Another grandstand for the big guy. I heard him spouting about poor sidewalk conditions the other day. I guess we'll have a new crop of laws to fix the areas in front of his pals homes. More cronyism, as usual. I'm ashamed that Pat Blanchette associated herself with this stupid law as well. Pat, Pat, Pat......I expect better from you.

The Pancoe Pool is open and in full swing. That place is literally jammed everyday. The local kids call it the cesspool due to the daily closings for floating 'baby ruth's". For God's sake people! Put a waterproof diaper on that kid or get the hell out of the pool. What the heck is wrong with you? Do you sooth your tired feet in the toilet, or are you from Old Capehart? Thats just plain ignorant. The sad thing is, you can get the correct diapers with food stamps too.

Have a safe and happy 4th. Remember fireworks are illegal in Maine, so dont get caught!

Summers Around The Corner

Well it looks like summer is almost here. The weather has turned HOT and school is just about done. It will be the 4th of July before we know it. The last few weeks have been very busy for the VOB. If you've missed my rants, I'll pick up where I left off. Try to keep up.

Poor Richard got his day in court a few weeks back. He swiftly quit the Council right after the proceedings. Finally! I do believe that the 5 day sentence was just. Some folks are saying that it was to lenient, and 30 days should have been handed down. C'mon people. These were class D crimes. You and I would have only gotten a small fine. I spoke with Richard this past weekend at the Soap Box Derby. He's trying to put his financial trouble behind him and move forward with his life. He's paid his dues over these last few weeks, and I hope he can turn things around. Good luck.

The primarys are over and Gerry Palmer lost in a landslide to newcomer Adam Goode, as predicted in this blog. It just might be time to get a real job Gerry. Your days on the Council are numbered.

I had the pleasure of seeing Geoffry Gratwick and Hal Wheeler go head to head in the Council race at the Soap Box Derby. I have never laughed so hard in my life. These two fools were clearly two fish out of water. You guys dont get out much do you? Dr. Gratwicks helmet sitting on top of his ballcap shows just how numb he is. You'd think he would know better, being a cyclist and all. Hal Wheeler getup was a hoot. Dressed completely in black except the bright white sneakers (obviously new) and the straw hat. He looked like Colonel Sanders meets Johnny Cash. The black button-up shirt with no collar was the icing on this fruitcake. Where was Halsten and the "worst dressed list"? Too funny. I'll have to give them both the VOB Idiot of the Month award for May.

BHS graduation was on Sunday and it was a hot one in the old Mecca. Near the end of the ceremony, Principal Nickerson had all this years scholarship winners stand up. I gotta say that about 80% of the grads were standing, and several had received a couple of scholarships. This is truly impressive. It not only shows the depth of the education, but also the generosity of the local community leaders who fund the scholarships. GREAT JOB to all involved, and Thank You!

Hollywood Slots is poised to open the new BEAST on Main Street. The facility is both impressive and disgusting at the same time. We'll have to wait and see before we pass judgement on this new venture. I have noticed that the majority of upper management jobs have not gone to locals.
Sure, those $8 an hour maid and bartender positions are filled with folks from around here. But the GOOD jobs have gone mostly to out-of-staters who already have an affiliation with Penn National. More smoke and mirrors from the casino operators. Hey, watch my profits disappear! The City is pulling down some coin, so we should all just be quiet, right? Well, with the price of everything going up, up, up, I cant see that much expendable cash floating around for the rest of the year. The slot palace will look like a ghost town or be full of Canadians, I dont know which is worse. Hey, their money is green too, and red, and blue, and yellow. Hell, we'll take it!

Thats all for now. Dont forget the sunscreen. Until next time........

Poor Richard Part III

It gets worse every day. Poor Richard missed a button on his orange jump suit. That was quite a shopping list he had going in to Hannaford. Gin and Tonic and a few bottles of wine. He told the cops that he was hungry. Looks like he was thirsty to me. From what I'm hearing on the street, he's been shoplifting for months. This was the first time someone actually called the cops on him. This guy has clearly lost it. Todays BDN poll showed that 95% say he should resign from the City council, but not Richard. He has "no comment". I really find it strange that after being caught red-handed, and admitting the theft to the police, he pleads "not guilty" to the charges. Just trying to drag out the inevitable I guess. This sap will rot in jail once he's sentenced unless he comes up with the $$$ for the fine. Quite a downward spiral your on Richard. Someone take his belt and shoelaces..........

Bangor lost a true friend in Clara Cohen this past week. She was a straight shooter and spoke her mind. We could use a few more folks like her around. I remember her talking with my neighbors daughter one day concerning the girls pregnancy. The young girl was 19, unmarried, and had a 3 year old daughter already. Clara looked her right in the eye and said "Your not to bright are you". Caught her right in the crosshairs with that one. She was also famous in the neighborhood for putting out tins of tuna and milk on her front porch for the local cats. I was saddened when I saw the old house up for sale. You could tell she was already gone as the lawn wasn't as neat, and the flower beds were bare. Here's to you Clara, we loved ya. Say hi to Ruby for me.

Richard Greene Part II

Things are going steadily down hill for Poor Richard. He's doing the dignity limbo, as in "how low can you go". Its pretty sad to watch a City official self-destruct. I remember the Jim Kotredes slide into oblivion over in Brewer, and now Mr. Greene is in his little handbasket. The media feeds on it, and the good folks of Greater Bangor just shake their heads. Why hasn't this guy resigned from the City Council? Does he think he has a shred of integrity left? Can the citizens impeach this piece of crap? Will WLBZ reporters chase him down the street on the day he gets out of jail, like they did with Kotredes? Oh the drama! Now that's some street justice for ya. His reputation, business, finances, home, and family are going down the toilet right along with him. The sheriffs at the jail house might want to keep a close eye on him, take away his shoe laces and stuff. This guy needs to come down off the ledge.

In my last post I mentioned that Gerry Palmer is running against Adam Goode. Let me clarify that, as they are both Democrats running in the District 15 primary. Sorry for any confusion.

Till next time......

Gerry Gerry Gerry

OK, here's my rant for the week. Gerry Palmer is running for the District 15 seat. He's "running" against Adam Goode, who is a distance runner. Very confusing to say the least. Lets have a foot race instead of an election, that I'd like to see. Gerry all sweaty running up Buck Street, about 2 miles behind Goode. Just the thought is causing me laughing fits. I've noticed Gerry's signs all over town this past week. On the sign he proudly displays http://www.gerrypalmer.com/ in the middle. So...I tried to access the site and was re-directed to mainebiotek.com. WTF? C'mon Gerry, do you have the rights to the site or is this another grandstanding tactic of yours, to make it look like you actually have a website? What a dope. I also noticed that Gerry isn't using the normal wooden sign stake, but a slab of Pressure Treated lumber. These must have cost a fortune and wont de-grade to well, so plan on picking up your signs when this things done. You can save 'em for the next office you go after. I think its time for you to crawl back under that Government funded rock Mr. Palmer. I don't think that piece of crap van you drive would be up for the daily trips to Augusta anyway. Hey, since we're pals, I'll do you a favor and vote for the other guy. You can thank me later, or better yet, buy me a drink at the opening of Hollywood Slots. Seams to me you voted against that one as well. Bangor will do just fine without "friends" like Gerry in Augusta. Now if we can get rid of Joe Perry, we'll be on the right track.

Little League Part 1

Its that time of year again. Another chance for the boys of summer to show they're ugly faces. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.....Once again, grown men are behaving like little boys, searching for the 'stardom" that eluded them as youth. This years team draft was just another joke, in a long line of jokes for BWSLL. The entire process took only 55 minutes, but that's not the real issue. Most coaches have already held clinics and private tryouts to determine the roster. More kids are selected at the Seadog or the hockey rink, then get picked up on draft day. Its pretty sad and the kids pay the tab. The core problem appears to be the eligibility of 9 year olds for the draft. Now I'm not against 9 year olds playing in the league, we all have known a few who were impact players on day one. But these kids are the exception, not the rule. Every coach is out looking for the next Manny Ramirez or Josh Beckett and will draft any 9 year old who may have the slightest potential in year 3 or 4. So who cares? Who looses out here? A case could be made that everyone does, howeverI believe that the 10 and 11 year old boys are getting the short stick here. The 11 year olds are forced to stay in the Farm League system for some, a fifth year! I strongly believe that if a child has come through the Farm system for 4 years, and is not prepared to play in Little League, than the coaches have failed, not the kids. The League needs to take a hard look at the Farm system as a whole if this is truly the case. But, that's not really the case is it. We'll talk more on this as the season moves along.....

Well, I've been watching the City council meetings and other misc things over the past week and there's not a lot to discuss this week. Gerry Palmer is running for State Rep. Of course he is, its another job on the States dime. This guy couldn't get by without the States payroll, a true hack. I didn't catch who he was running against. It sounds funny to say that Gerry is "running" for anything. I don't think he jogs very much. On another note, the Council has been working on the school budget lately. It looks like Alan Kotchis has a pretty poor grasp of business issues to me. He couldn't answer a single question from the Council. How much is this dope getting paid? Around $100K so I hear. When the subject of the GE fuel buying program (that was going around a few weeks ago) was brought up, he had no clue if Bangor was involved in any buying program. With the cost of fuel going nutty, you'd think he'd know that one, been there, done that, but not him. Where do we get these people? How do I get that job??

I've been working hard on VOB's idiot of the month for April. OK, not that hard because it was pretty easy. Congrats goes out to Hal Wheeler. This guy loves to hear his own voice. He has no problem telling you how much he knows and how qualified he is to speak on these issues. He starts every sentence with '"When I was on the Council in 1984....." Wasn't that over 20 years ago? I dont know, but I think things have changed a bit in the last 20 years Hal. I'm regretting voting this blow hard in. Oh well, you can blame me I guess. Till next time.......

Dog Owners

I find dog owners to be a breed all of their own. Why are so many dog owners completely oblivious to the fact that some people HATE dogs?? Dogs can be quite scary to some, and just plain annoying to others. Some dogs are left on their runs all day and bark constantly for attention. The real issue is not with the pooch, but the moron who owns it. I live on a street with a lot of foot traffic. I see dogs crapping on my lawn almost daily. 75% of the time, the owner looks the other way, as if they don't notice the deed, and then walk off quickly without collecting the turd. Just yesterday I watched an old lady wearing a yellow raincoat come walking by (yea that's right, I saw you lady) and cheer her little ratdog on as he dumped on my front lawn. She was still praising the thing as she jogged off, failing to pick up the mess. I suppose I could set up some surveillance equipment and capture these scofflaws on film, call the cops, and turn 'em in. Is all that really necessary?? I hope not. I'm kinda lazy and that sounds like a lot of work. Should I confront these asswipes?? Again, I'm kinda lazy and that's a ton of effort. I've yelled at a few and it was exhausting. I'm leaning towards shooting the defecating hounds with a paintball gun. If a stray shot hit the owner in the butt, we'll that wouldn't be that bad either. So all you dog walkers who like to "shit and run", watch your back. I'm coming for ya - Incidentally, I have two dogs of my own, and as much as I hate it, I collect the turds. That's called being a good citizen for you high school drop-outs.

Speaking of dogs, it's time for the annual licence fees at City Hall. What a joke. I refuse to register my dogs and the City can kiss my ass. I already pay my outrageous property taxes, I'm not giving in to this farce. Maybe if the folks in Animal Control had some stones, they'd write more tickets to the real problem owners and not give them 20 chances. This might help with the funds and you wouldn't need to keep tapping me for cash. Maybe a few "shit-and-runners" could get a summons too. How's about a weekly spot in the BDN for the "Pooper Scooper Violator of the Week!". I like the sound of that. Expose these people!! I lived next door to a non-stop barking dog years ago. It wasn't pleasant I can tell you, and the City was no help at all. Why have these stupid un-enforceable laws anyway?? Has anyone ever been summoned? I doubt it. Lets put up a few more signs in the parks too, we cant waste enough money on this, maybe some special trash cans or better yet, a dog park. Enough! My mother taught me to clean up after myself. How about you?

Spring is here?

First and foremost - I was in the county snowmobiling this week. Yea, the stories about 15 foot snowbanks are true. I have to say that the ITS system was in amazing condition. Hats off to all the locals who maintain this system. Most clubs are running on ZERO funds this time of year and the recent spike in fuel has only added to the deficit spending. Some trail bosses are using their own cash to fuel the groomers. All I can say is THANK YOU. Maybe the Gov could send some emergency dollars their way. The trails could stay open for three-four more weeks if the money was there. From what I'm hearing, most grooming will stop next week. He was in the county last week too, I wonder if he went for a ride down ITS 85? Think 'economic engine" here people!

Bangor schools will have a new Super this fall as Betsy Webb was chosen to take the reins from Sandy Ervin. I know Betsy and she'll do a fine job. However, I think the pay rate of $125k is a joke. Look at her resume and you'll see what I mean. When Sandy was hired, one of the many reasons put out there for his salary was the fact that he held a doctorate. Yup Dr. Ervin for sure. But Betsy? No DR. in her name, no PHD. She was making around $90k as the assist. super (higher than most Supers in the State). That's a $35k jump for you math majors. Nice raise indeed. One could argue that some folks in Bangor don't even make as much as her raise. Pretty sad state of affairs, with the current budget crunch in Augusta. I think she would have taken the job at $100k - saving the city TWENTY-FIVE-GRAND!!!!! Who set that pay scale? The school board should be ashamed and probably removed. Wheres Dan Tremble when you need him most? Oh that's right, I forgot.

Finally, Nice to see Pat Blanchette was able to make last weeks Council meeting. She's a tireless fighter for Bangor in Augusta, unlike the other dopes we put down there. Joe Perry is by far the biggest disappointment that Bangor has ever sent down since Sean Faircloth and Tom Sawyer were elected. It's no wonder this State is screwed up with people like Joe on the taxation committee. This numb-nuts couldn't even run a small mom n pop store for gods sake. Have your taxes gone down? Me neither

Easter Rant

Its Easter and I find myself reflecting on the world and why people celebrate this holiday. Christians observe this as a sabbath day, fulfillment of the scriptures and all that. Jews probably keep a low profile during this week. Muslims, I'm assuming, hate this week and every other week as well. It must be hard being Muslim, with all the rage and suicide bombing and stuff. C'mon people, you gotta lighten up a bit. The worst part of Easter for me is having to arrive at church an hour before the service. Why do so many folks go to Easter mass and not to regular mass? Hoping for a quick shot to heaven? I don't think so my friends. Jews don't think so either, or else they'd be at mass too. Any chance for for some quick eternal redemption and I'm there, cause you know I've done a few things, ya, things. But I dont think it works that way. If its not in your heart than your screwed. I have a conscience so I'm safe.

I was watching the usual Bangor council and committee meetings this week and had a few good laughs. Gerry Palmer had the gavel for the night and he was in his usual form. Gerry truley loves Bangor. Gerry is also a hack in the purest sense of the word. This lazy piece of shit couldnt get a real job if his life depended on it. The taxpayers have been funding this fat bastard for to long. The only thing he really cares about is Gerry Palmer. At least Professor Gratwick wasn't around this week for his usual tripe. I also caught the Planning boards this week and Member Rosenblatt doenst fail to put people asleep. Dave Gould was nodding off several times. This group of idiots couldnt get a thing done if they had to, and the frustration shows on Mr. Goulds face. The only bright spot in this bureaucratic cesspool is City Manager Ed Barret. Thanks for the good work Ed.

VOB's Idiot Of The Month

This months complete idiot has to be Geoffry Gratwick. I've been watching the Council and misc committee meetings this past week and this guys pretentious rhetoric goes on and on. This weeks closing Council remarks - "torture is wrong" shows how out of touch with reality this numb-nuts is. Yes tortures wrong, we all agree, but is this your private soapbox? Go preach on the corner like a ranting drunk. The City doesn't need your help, unless you want to pick up all that dog shit at City Forest.

Richard Greene

This guy is a piece of work. Being an idiot isnt illegal, but forgery is. C'mon man, did you really think that nobody would notice? Your on the damn council for cryin out loud! Maybe you just think everybody is as stupid as you. Sad thing is, I know Richard and he's not stupid, egocentric for sure, but not stupid. Its time to stop posing and be a real man my friend. Resign from the council while you still have a shred of dignity. We all know your integrity has left the building.....

Potholes, Potholes! It seems like everyone is on the pothole bandwagon this time of year. "Worst I've ever scene" I was told. I dont know about that, but the crazy freeze thaw cycle this winter has been rough on the pavement and will only get worse in March. It aint over kids. I've run across a few "rim benders" around town, but no more than usual. Theres one on Rte 2 coming from Hermon near the trestle that has to be two feet deep. Hammond Street is going to crap real quick with all the re-routed truck traffic coming thru town instead of on I-395. I went up to the County over the weekend for some sledding. I-95 just above Bennidicta is coming apart BIG TIME. Most folks are using the passing lane in this area as the travel lane is one big mess. This isnt a frost heave problem like the southbound lanes of I-95 have, its the overlay coming apart. I'll keep my eye out for trouble spots and post some photos if I can, in the mean time, SLOW DOWN people. Your car will thank you.

February 16, 2008

So...I went out to purchase some rock salt yesterday. My driveway is pretty ice covered after the last storm. I figured I would get a few bags at Home Depot seeing that I was out near the mall. The clerk told me "Sorry, no ice melt. We have playground sand." I'm shocked, go to Wal-Mart and get the same story. So I head home and stop by Fairmount Hardware. They have plenty of the good stuff. 2 100lbs bags and I'm gone, they even loaded it into the truck. Thanks Sheldon. The moral here is, for the most part, Big Box Stores SUCK. Buy Local!

February 14, 2008

Its been a long time coming. I've been ranting about Bangor's issues for years. Some things just need to be said, and most aren't pretty. I'll put the truth out there for all to decide. From local politics to Hollywood Slots. From Little League Baseball to that annoying woman from Brewer screaming at me about Fusion. Whats my issue? Stop yelling at me for gods sake! Stay tuned folks, it might get a bit bumpy......