Happy Holidaze

Christmas is here again. Another mad grab for the retail sector. When did high price electronics and crap become the norm? My nephew asked me for a mini-fridge for his bedroom. WTF is that for? To hide his soda from his bother? The thing doesn't have a padlock so he's out of luck on that end. It does however come with a $80 price tag. I told my sis it wasn't happening, but she persisted. " Its on his list!" She kept saying, over and over. Since when do you get everything on your list? I asked for world peace a few years back and never got it. I've been duped!! Bottom line is, the little guys not getting an $80 gift from me, no matter if its on his list or not. I'm a little put out that sis would even expect me to buy that thing, we're not THAT close! This seems to be the wave of the future for baby-boomers. Spend what you don't have on shit that you don't need. What happened to the frugality of our parents, only one generation ago? Spend, spend, spend. That could be our new City of Bangor mission statement as well.

Speaking of the City, I managed to catch Ed Barretts last Council meeting on TV. Do the Councilors realize that they are on TV? I've never seen such a lack of professionalism from some of these losers. Pat Blanchette would not even look at Ed during her good-bye speech. Dave Neally said 2 words, and Gerry Palmer wouldn't even clap at the end. Sue Hawes and Pat were having a little conversation of there own during most of the "farewell" speeches, and were constantly rolling their eyes. This is disgraceful and downright RUDE. These are the same people crafting a new direction for the City? The crazy thing is, these folks have all served multiple terms on the Council, but now have new ideas? Sure you do.......

So Long, Good Luck, and Goodbye

Sorry Ed, that's all I can say. If you haven't heard, or live in a cave, Ed Barret was tapped for the Lewiston City Managers position yesterday. He'll be starting on 1/11/10 so he's probably packing up the office as I write this. 22 years in an office you can accumulate a lot of stuff. He's probably got some old crayon drawings from the kids he's been there for so long. The real sad part is he's moving to Lewiston. I wouldn't send Osama Bin Laden to Lewiston. Its a hell hole far worse than the caves of Tora Bora. Maybe Ed can help them become a cleaner, friendlier city. I doubt it, but he'll give it his best, you can rest assured on that. So the next big question is who will take the reins of the City for the next 6 months? I'm sure the Council has someone in mind that will march in step with them on the issues (insert-support new arena idea- here). Maybe our big blow hard former Mayor Palmer wants the nod. LOL!!! The pays pretty good for these parts, so everyone will want in on that job. How about Jim Kotredes? He's not doing much these days. He's got a ton of built-in baggage, so you wont really need a reason to fire him either. Just go back in the closet and drag up the old news again when its convenient for you. I'm kidding of course, but you have to believe that the Councils reputation just hopped on Aliegent Air and is headed to Florida for the winter. To think that Hal Wheeler was expressing his concerns about the City's integrity just a few months ago. Don't worry Hal, the City has no integrity left to concern yourself with.

Jim Elmore has shown that he has the stones to call a spade a spade. He set up shop across from Bagel Central for anyone who want to sign the recall petition. They'll be open Mon-Sat 1pm-6pm so head down and sign. If yesterdays poll in the BDN is any indicator, he wont have trouble getting the 2500 or so signatures needed. Good luck Jim, I'll be down on Friday.

The Truth Is Out There...

The recent actions by our beloved Bangor City Council had me thinking of the old X Files TV show. Fox Mulder had a poster on his office wall declaring "The Truth Is Out There". Well folks, its out there all right, but no one on the Council is saying anything about Ed Barrett's dismissal. Glad to see Hal Wheeler step up to the plate for once and attempt to set the record straight. At least we now know who the 5 culprits are in this sham. Thanks Hal. Surprised to see Dave Neally going along with the others though, not his usual crew. Politics makes for strange bedfellows so the saying goes, but this one got me by surprise. According to my sources, looks like the City taxpayers will be getting a new arena shoved down their collective throats fairly soon. Ed didn't like the property tax rate going up so high without a referendum vote, so he's out the door. C'mon people, get in line on this or get out of town. Me? I'm looking at Glenburn.

I'll take a minute and applaud Jim Elmore for taking out the re-call papers for the 5 Councilors involved in this mess. "Someone had to do it" he said, and he's right. Please tell me where the petition is located and I'll be the first in line. While your at it, can we re-call Chief "Numbnuts" Gastia as well? 2 birds, 1 stone, you get the picture.

That's all I have, keep your ears open folks........

The Results Are In

Election 2009 has come and gone. My predictions for the State Ref questions were almost 100%. I don't know why so many folks oppose the idea of clerks having a few more days to validate petition signatures, but I guess they do. All in all, a pretty good night for the VOB.

On the City side, I was slightly off with my prediction of Paul Lodgek over Pat Blanchette as Paul was smoked hard and came in 5th. Pat's got a loyal following of cronies, so its no real surprise. Cary Weston got the nod over Peter D'errico, and ol Geoffrey gets his third term as expected. I hope Cary is up for whats looking like a rough road ahead for the Council as they move the City "in a new direction". Nobody seems to know where that is, or why we're going there, but its a new direction none the less.

Things got a little testy at last night's Council meeting as a few citizens showed up to express concern over the new parking ticket quotas. Chief "I'm a freaking weasel" Gastia has the nerve to say that he's only enforcing the ordinances as written. Dave Neally took the little shit to task and asked why everyone going 1 mile per hour over the speed limit wasn't ticketed. His point was that the Police use their own discretion in giving out tickets everyday, and should use more with parking tickets as well. Rest assured people, these tickets are not written to protect the safety of the citizens of Bangor, but to fill the Police Dept. coffers with your hard earned cash. One woman was ticketed in front of her church on Sunday, even though she had a handicapped placard. WTF is wrong with these cops? You could tell by the tone of the meeting, and several comments and statements made by the Council, that folks have been calling and bitching about the operations of the Police Dept. Keep up the heat folks...keep it up!

Lastly, a good percent of the campaign signs were removed last night. Good job to all involved.

Election 2009 Part II

Its D-Day for Maine and the City. There's a lot at stake so I'm really hoping you get out to vote today. I was lucky enough to take advantage of the early voting in Bangor and avoided today's rat race. The single poling station will turn out to be a nightmare with long lines, but its a nice day, so suck it up people. My predictions are as follows:

City Council
1. Gratwick
2. Lodgek
3. Weston

State Ref's
1. Yes
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. Yes

Pretty simple...Read 'em and weep folks


The removal of Ed Barret this past week is a farce. What was said behind close doors that it came to this? Maybe someone will crack after the election and spill the beans, but I doubt we'll ever know. Its a shame, to put it mildly. Sorry Ed, you deserve better treatment. I'm very disappointed in the Council for keeping this behind closed doors. Only Geoffrey has the sense to speak out on this lack of transparency. Somethings afoot my friends, and we're not gonna like it.

I'll close with this simple question for our beloved Police Chief, Ron "Chicken Little" Gastia. Why is it that everyone can rake huge piles of leaves out into the street, but my right tire touching the grass is deemed "un-safe" and gets me ticketed? Sounds like an arbitrary application of City laws to me.

Till next time..be safe and park properly for Pete's sake

Election 2009 Part I

Here we go kids. We're steaming ahead into November and the pundits are out in full force. Numerous referendums should keep people thinking. According to the BDN, its pretty much 50-50 on all the questions. The TV commercials are trying to sway folks to the other side, and who can tell the truth? So, without further delay, here's my take:
Question 1 - Repeal Gay Marriage - I could care less either way
Question 2 - Excise Tax - This ruling stinks, re-work it so everyone gets a break
Question 3 - Repeal School Consolidation - No way! This is one of the few things that the Baldacci Administration has done right.
Question 4 - TABOR - I say go for it. Augusta needs to have the purse strings clipped
Question 5 - Medical Marijuana - Again, I could care less either way
Question 6 - Highway-Infrastructure Bonds - Always supported by the VOB
Question 7 - More time to certify petitions - Sure, why not?

OK, that's that. Now for the City Council race...3 newcomers are going for the 3 open seats. A fourth (read "crackpot" here) dropped out last week. So here's who we have...Cary Weston-I like Cary, he's a little to slick and rehearsed, but it shows he takes the Council seat seriously. Me thinks he has higher aspirations in the future. I've always enjoyed his commentary on the GH/RT morning radio show. Next is Marco. His strong greek accent and ties to New York should pretty much sink his campaign. He looked like a fool at the Council forum as well. Sorry dude, no love from the VOB. Last we have Paul Lodgek. Pauls a straight shooter who would be a good fit. He's a well researched guy who has his ducks in a row. A fiscal conservative always gets the nod from the VOB. I urge all to engage these candidates and judge for yourself. I'll go thru the whole group next time and post my predictions. Till then....

Are You Kidding Me?

This has got to be a joke. Tom Sawyer is threatening to sue the City over damages to his yacht. WTF is wrong with some people? Tom's boat was cut from its mooring at the City dock and drifted downstream last summer. Damn vandals. Do you think they knew it was his? I doubt it, but that's not the point. Tom is well aware of the waiver that comes with the dock space. No security, no damage claims (put in place after the coal tar stained a few water craft), etc. But that doesn't stop him from filing a nuisance lawsuit to screw with the City. He's so bold as to imply that he'll drop the suit if the City returns his $4200 in dock fee's. Didn't you used to be the mayor of this fair City? What a first class ASS!!! You don't have a case Tom, and you know it. Are times that tough that you need to stoop to extorting cash from your old neighbors? I hope a judge tosses your fat ass in jail for wasting the courts time and the taxpayers money. SHAME ON YOU TOM.

Cheif Gastia must have some serious cash flow problems. The ticket quota is working well though, so he should be in good shape. Anything else we can do to help balance your budget Chief? Thank god you got the Councils approval to accept the Feds grant for 4 additional officers. Sad thing is, you don't need anymore flatfoots on the street and you know it. None of these officers is going to patrol the city, but that's where you indicated your staff was lacking. WTF? But we now have a full-time school liaison. Another stupid role that isn't needed. Officer Friendly needs to be out on the street stopping criminals, not hanging at the schools. Has he at the very least apprehended any high school stoners? There in the woods out back if you cant seem to locate them, just ask any high school kid. This is just another complete waste of resources by the Chief. He's kinda like chicken little if you ask me. The sky is always falling in Ron's eyes. He went on and on at the Ops meeting discussing all sorts of crimes he's dealing with, but when pushed on the issue, could not offer any actual instances of these crimes. Computer crime is big on his list, so he says, but he needs more resources. Isn't that part of the FBI's job Ron? Most computer scams are run from out of State, so let the Feds handle it jackass. As for gangs, there may be a handful of wannbees around town, but no real New York/LA type gang activity. According to Ron, we should be hiding in our houses and fearing for our very lives with this massive crime wave (is it Hollywood Slots fault? LOL). Truth is, Bangor is one of the safest places around. The biggest crime wave apparently is parking on the esplanade. Lets dump this shithead before its to late, oops, it already is.

Three current council members are up for re-election in November. From my view, all three suck and should be replaced. Pat Blanchette is a tireless pitbull for Bangor in Augusta, and I for one, will vote for her in that capacity as long as she's willing. But the daily operations of the City appear to be lost on her as she is out of town for a good chunk of the week. Sorry Pat, time to move on. Geoff Gratwick is just a pretentious ass and I'm sick of listening to him stammer through everything he says. I know Peter D'Errico, and he's a good man. Unfortunately, he doesn't do a whole lot, and never says much. If you don't want to get in the debate, stay home Peter. I'll give you my take on the three new-comers to this race next time.

Till then, stay warm people.

Its a Police State

The City is really scrapping these days. Police Chief Gastia has issued quotas to his officers to write at least 5 parking tickets a month, and this does not include the Downtown area that utilizes "meter maids" for that function. He says it came down from his original proposal of 10 so we should be happy. WTF? Well, I'm not happy Ron. I own a business that utilizes on-street parking. This is on a fairly narrow side street and most folks pull slightly on to the esplanade to get out of the road. Its a safety thing, for them and other traffic. And now your going to ticket them? What a dipshit. And dont say it wont happen as my neighbor has already been nailed twice. Once for this minor infraction, and the next day for having the left tire to the curb ( another safety thing) in front of his own house I might add. Ron says its about safety and not increased revenues for the City. Another crock of shit. The City Council has stated that they have not asked for this, but as Gerry Palmer put it, we're not in the business of micromanaging the Police Dept. or dictating Police policy. Why the hell not? Its the money people! Gerry's more concerned that the memo was leaked to the press by an anonymous source. Why in the world would the officer who leaked the memo tell his boss it was him/her? Obviously, there would be repercussions on the whistleblower. The real bottom line is, we have to many cops with nothing to do except ride around. So instead of trimming the force, we'll give them this to do. Lets try saving money or cutting the force to balance the budget, instead of stepping up parking enforcement. Surely there must be some real criminals out there, other than these parking scofflaws. Hows about shutting down a few Oxy and crack houses around town, or better yet, lets try to keep the homeless from killing each other. That should keep you busy for a while Ron.

Speaking of the police. I was driving down Hammond St. the other day and a few oversize sections of a wind turbine shaft were being driven through town. The whole convoy was being escorted by a private escort firm (as required) and 7 State police vehicles. SEVEN! I really hope the developer is paying for this. I've seen these things come through town on numerous occasions with only the required private escort firm. So why all the Staties? Looks like another waste of State resources and probably our tax dollars.

Solid waste disposal has come back on the Councils radar thanks to Proffessor Gratwick. This guy is a first class moron. Havent we beat this to death? Jim Ring was just rolling his eyes at the Council meeting. Lets get this straight, due to the economy, the market for recyclables has dropped to almost nothing and the City is loosing money. A State subsidy (our tax dollars) is the only thing keeping this alfoat. Why in the world would anyone suggest we need to increase our recycling efforts? Do we need to loose more money? Hows about killing the curbside pick-up program and make folks go the the center over by the airport. Ol Geoffry even went down to Brunswick and discussed thier program (what did that cost us?). Well proffessor, hows about just calling a few citizens of Brunswick and see how they feel about it. They've had mandatory recycling since the mid 1980's and they know first hand about it. Certain things like, the trash patrol that will sort thru your garbage and fine you if you have recyclables in there. And the fact that all labels must be removed from cans and glass containers, or you'll get fined, etc. etc. Have you ever tried to remove the label from a ketchup bottle? Its a huge hassle, trust me. So it looks like pay as you throw is coming to Bangor and coming soon. They seem to think we've got all sorts of time (and money) to go to the Public Works once a week to buy special colored trash bags. Another city employee will be needed to dispense these things to consumers. Where does the spending end? Any chance you might sell stickers, like most towns? It looks like Geoff is trying to actually do something now the that his re-election is coming up. Dont even get me started on Pat Blanchette's comments about throwing plastic bags into the landfill. Didnt we close the Kitteridge Landfill about 10 years ago? Either wake up, or shut up Pat. Your up for re-election as well my dear. The only sensible thing said on the subject was Dave Neally's comment that we pay our taxes and we assume they pay for certain services, and trash collection is one of them. If this keeps up, I may have to get a 50 gallon drum and start a little fire each week.

Well, I'm all out of breath. Six weeks before the election, stay tuned for my take on the candidates. Till next time.......

I've seen it all

I've been traveling a little lately and there's some crazy shit out there folks. Out on I-95 speeds range from 45 to 85. I saw a cop driving with his leg while typing on a dash-mounted laptop, and yes, he almost hit me. I've dodged cars 3 times this past week that pulled out in front of me without looking over the shoulder. One over by Fairmount Market was amazingly close, but that place is a zoo around lunchtime. I was behind a 1984 Chevy Celebrity yesterday that was sporting a nice new yellow inspection sticker. Wonder where he bought that. No way that car actually passed inspection, with the rusted out rear bumper and all. Bottom line is you take your life into your hands when you get behind the wheel in this state. There is a lot of crap out on the highway and I own a few myself. Obama's clunker program sounds nice, but who wants a new car these days. Over-priced new crap is still crap. I'll take my chances with my old Blazer.

I watched a little of the Council meeting this week but didn't get to far without changing channels. I can understand the proclamation to celebrate 175 years of Mt. Hope cemetery. Second oldest botanical garden cemetery in the country, that's totally cool. However, a proclamation concerning Exxon-Mobile and the petro service at the airport? That's abit to much to swallow. Did the proclamation say thanks for bailing on the City after we gave you exclusive rights to the airports FBO? Not enough sales to keep things viable so we hear, but that's bullshit. Here's my proclamation - SCREW EXXON.

Have you driven down to Boston lately? If so, your wallet is a little lighter these days. Maine tolls as well as NH have doubled over the past 2 years. It cost $6-7 to get to Beantown, up from $3.20 a few years back before Johnny B and Joe Perry started "adjusting" things. To bad the fuel taxes and tolls don't actually get used on the roads. I don't know what to call this other than "Highway Robbery" at its best. BTW, the roads are falling apart John. The way life should be? I don't think so.

Rain Rain Go Away

Is raining again. I heard that today makes 20 out of the last 25 days that it has rained in Bangor. Wow, thats a lot of water. Hows your grass growing these days? No much I'm sure, but rest assured, the sun will be out tomorrow and your lawn will be a foot tall come Sunday. That sounds like a verse from Annie, but its the truth. At least folks with wells shouldnt have to worry about a water drought this summer. Speaking of summer, it was official on Sunday, not that you'd notice by the weather. I'll be heading to camp this Friday to get the water turned on and open up the windows. I'm sure its nice and clammy inside and the fridge has molded up to a tint of dark green. Nothing a little 409 and elbow grease cant handle.

I've watched a few of the City's meetings on TV this past week. Not much happening there. Hal keeps talking about nothing and asking really stupid questions, and Pat, well, she's Pat. Lots of hot air from my boy Gerry as well. At least Dave Neally has done his homework and read the State legislation on excise taxes. Ed Barret says this will sting all the towns and cities in Maine, and the roads will get worse (if thats even possible). Maybe the council should take a break for the summer and catch up on some reading at the beach. God forbid you folks might actually be informed on the issues....

Another BWS Little League season is winding down and you can rest easy knowing that somethings never change. The league is manipulated by certain coaches and the Board of Directors is to lazy to fix it. Someday, Little League in Bangor West will be about educating kids to play proper fundamentals, and set up a feeder program for the High School. But sadly, this isnt the day. I hope I actually live long enough to see it happen. Until then, most BHS ball players will come from the Bangor East program.

One last note, It rained for 40 days during Noahs time, so were still only half-way there. Might be good to get started on the Ark and gathering up a few animals. I've got a couple of cats to donate......Till next time, Go Sox!

Spring is in the air

Well, it stop raining long enough for a walk last night. I gotta tell ya, I love hearing the birds chirping again. My lawn is a muddy mess and my driveway is floating on the over-saturated ground. Mud season is the name I guess, but this is one of the worst in a while. The City streets are going all to hell as well. Take a ride anywhere in town, its like downtown Beirut for gods sake. Between the pot holes and frost heaves almost every road in the city is falling apart. I've been traveling on Hammond St. lately and the bridge work has got folks all confused. When your coming into the city off Odlin Road, your not supposed to turn left onto I-95 North after the bridge. No one seams to give a shit and traffic gets backed up while it waits for some asswipe to take the left. Its a simple concept really. Read the sign, follow directions, etc, etc. Most of us learned that in 1st grade, or at least Drivers Ed training.

A local cell phone provider has approached the City proposing to install cell equipment on one of the light towers at Mansfield Stadium. They're talking $1700 per month rent, or around $20k per year. Who in their right mind would oppose this? Hal Wheeler of course. Hal's concerned about the City's integrity. Your a day late and a dollar short Hal. The City gave up any integrity it had during the whole slots issues and Capitol 7. Not to mention that the City has leased numerous locations as cell sites over the last few years. Just look at the water tower out by the airport. Mr Wheeler doesn't quite have a grasp on budgets or property taxes. Well Hal, I shell out around $350 a month to the City in property taxes alone. How 'bout you? God forbid we might lower the tax rate and help the average Joe. I'm starting to think that you don't really believe this is a bad idea, you just love to hear your own voice. From one resident Hal, please, STFU.

I hear that former Councilor Richard Greene is living at the Holiday Inn on Odlin Road. You can run into him at the hotel lounge on most nights. Don't worry about him though, he'll be sitting in the County jail soon enough after receiving 2 OUI's in one day a few weeks ago. There you go Richard, 3 squares and a roof over your head, all compliments of the City. Your welcome.

With most of the snow being almost gone, you can see the sins of winter at our city parks. Trash and dog crap are everywhere. The annual clean-up is in a few weeks and I urge all to participate. This is an easy way to give back a little, or pay it forward. And for those who throw trash on the ground ANYWHERE....were you raised by wolves, or are you just an ass?

Thats all for now...Go Sox!

I've Got your Stimulus Right Here

All this talk of free money has me a little crazed. Where do I sign up for a chunk of the stimulus cash? Oh thats right, I paid my mortgage and bills and live within my means. Such a noble concept. So...no hand outs for the VOB. Nothin comes for free folks so keep your eye on your wallet. The good news for me is that I'll be dead and gone before this bill comes due. Sorry kids, but I did pay for your college and stuff so you'll learn what being broke is all about. Lets be straight about one thing, the mortgage meltdown has driven a stake in the financial markets for sure. However, nobody forced the banks to lend, or the folks to borrow. The current spin has the Govt. at fault for pushing banks to give mortgages to low income folks with no cash, but I tell ya, that's pure bullshit. I refinanced a few years back and it wasn't a walk in the park. At one point I thought I may be denied and my wife and I have spotless credit and have never missed a payment. They really looked hard at our debt load and ability to re-pay the note. In the end it was all good for us, but still, it wasn't easy. My thought would be to let the folks loose the property and the bank can deal with the mess it made for itself. Or better yet, the Govt could buy up these 'bad' notes and re-sell the property down the road. At least the taxpayer has a prayer of getting some money back on this deal. The way it's set up now, we'll never see a dime back from the banks, and a chunk of them will go down the shitter in the process. I may be a fool from Maine, but even I know that. I was chatting with a big-wheel at BFCU last week about the financial mess and he assures me that Maine banks are in pretty good shape with most fairly islolated from the secondary mortgage market. Its a complicated issue for sure and the VOB doesn't have a lot of answers. Just make sure that your own house is in order, and you'll be fine.

I guess pedestrian safety is a big issue in the downtown. The City has turned to the Fire Dept. to distribute illuminated buttons to pedestrians. They have a 100 to give out down at Central Station on Maine Street. What about the other 30,000 folks in town? The plan was unveiled by Gerry Palmer last week and its full of hot air. If you want to keep pedestrians safe downtown its quite simple. Keep people on the sidewalk, where they belong. Don't even get me started on the woman who drives her rascal scooter right down the middle of Union and Hammond Streets. This crazy bitch often rides at night and during snow storms. The scooter has no lights and 1 small reflector on the back. I personally think she has a death wish and I almost granted it last week.

Heavy rain expected for Friday night will put the Public Works Dept. to the test. With all the snow, catch basins are covered and street flooding will be common. They've done a pretty good job this winter and I wish them the best of luck. Our City streets are going to go to hell this Spring, hell, they're half-way there already. I guess the front end mechanics and windshield repair guys could use a little stimulus too.

That's all for now, keep the faith people.

Where does the time go?

Man, it's been awhile. I've been right out straight, traveling for work, etc, etc. you know what I mean. The holidays were a blur. Great to catch up with the family and friends for sure. Now we're in to February 2009 and its my first post. I've been silent, but that doesn't mean I'm not out there every day, watching and listening. Here's my spin on a few things around town.

The City is planning a big birthday bash for 2009, with events running all year. The committee meetings have been spirited with some good ideas being bounced around. I look forward to the celebrations.

The City has built an outdoor skating rink at Haymarket Square sort of like a Rockefeller Plaza type deal, without the statue. Great way to bring folks downtown. Hope it works. I've made a few hockey rinks for the boys and let me tell you its a lot of work. You need to keep on it constantly. Can we afford to have a City Public Works employee doing this? I hope its volunteers.

Looks like Bangor Schools have a closed campus into the future. Mrs Budd has waaaaay to much free time on her hands. Please stop wasting the Super's time with this type crap. Please!

With all the snow we've received lately, the local snowmobile trails are looking pretty good. I had a chance to talk with a few groomers this past weekend and they've been hard at work. Club membership is down and the cash wont last long. Enjoy the riding while you can, and when your out, stop by the club and make a fuel donation. Every little bit helps people. We had the pleasure to stop by Rocky Knoll CC in Orrington and took in the bluegrass jam, some lunch, and a few beers. Catch this if you can, its well worth the trip.

Keep it real folks. Till next time.......