City Cops Get a Range Rover
The City Council on December 19th approved the transfer of
one Range Rover in forfeited assets from the State of Maine to
the City of Portland, from the case of the State of Maine v.
Andrea Tuttle. The vehicle was seized during a drug investigation
conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, in
conjunction with the Portland Police Department.
Tuttle was arrested at the Dairy Queen parking lot in South
Portland in early June, 2011, and charged with unlawful
trafficking in drugs, and police seized her Range Rover. She and
two men, Justin Cram, 31, and Tannis Goodson, 22, had in their
possession 9.9 grams of heroin, worth about $1,500, 25.8 grams
of cocaine worth about $2500, and 114 30-milligram oxycodone
pills, worth about $3,300, and $7,000 in cash.
Annual Auction at Rosie's
Raised $7,000 for Kids'
Christmas Presents
Rosie’s Restaurant & Pub was the site of the 23rd annual
Harris Charities Christmas auction on December 11th, which
raised over $7,000 to buy clothing and toys for needy local
children at Christmas. This year, 44 children in the city benefited
from the proceeds, including 33 children from the West End.
The popular Old Port pub was turned over to a day of fun
Christmas shopping and bidding for terrific gifts. Items auctioned
at the annual event included an airplane ride, a private Casco Bay
cruise, a custom made picnic table, artwork, household items,
electronics, sporting goods, crafts, gift certificates and gift
baskets. Rose Harris and her staff organize the auction, raffle and
book sale, and do all the gift buying, wrapping and delivering of
the presents.
2011: A Good Year for
Portland's Bicyclists and
Pedestrians
Last year saw the fruition of numerous efforts to support and
improve Portland bicycle and pedestrian transportation, according
to Markos Miller of the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee.
Critical connections in the local trail network, educational
programs, and community events top the committee's “Best of
2011” list. These projects range from state-level efforts such as
the Franklin Street Trail Connection in Bayside, to community-
organized recreational and educational events, to the numerous
advancements on the part of the City of Portland and the City's
Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator.
The Franklin Street Trail Connection realizes an important link
between the Back Cove Trail and peninsula neighborhoods that
the local community has desired for years. Bayside Neighborhood
Association President Alex Landry noted “The Portland Bike-Ped
Advisory Committee began actualization of the connection, telling
City staff that the Franklin Street Connector was our #1 priority
for funding. This is a great example of our elected officials, City
and State staff working with the citizens of Portland to create this
important link in our transportation system. It will be a game-
changer, enlivening the entire length of Franklin Street with
people, and demonstrating the potential for a more urban vision of
the street”. Negotiations between state and local officials also
resulted in the Franklin Street Redesign study to move forward in
early 2012.
Another highlight of 2011 was the establishment of the Forest
City Trail by Portland Trails to mark its 20th anniversary. The 10-
mile route connects trails and pedestrian ways from Stroudwater
to the Presumpscot River Preserve in North Deering.
Portland's Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator Bruce Hyman
played a key role in numerous efforts across the city, including
creating bike lanes, improving accessibility to schools, and
developing a long-term Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for inclusion
into the City's Comprehensive Plan. Jaime Parker of Portland
Trails commented, “2011 was such a productive year for walking
and biking in Portland largely because of the efforts of Bruce
Hyman in his role as the Bike/Ped coordinator for the City.
Bridging the gap between advocacy and policy-making, Bruce
worked with the Planning Department, Public Services, Portland
Trails and many neighborhood residents to plan and execute some
fantastic projects."
The Deering Neighborhood Byway stands out as an exemplary
project that integrates neighborhood connectivity, school
accessibility, and safe crossings. The contra-flow bike lane on
Nevens Street, which permits bicyclists to safely travel both ways
on a one way street, is a particularly noteworthy feature of the
Neighborhood Byway. Shared-lane markings, or “sharrows” also
became prominent on a number of city streets. “Sharrows”
indicate that bicycles may use the full travel lane, and visually
remind automobile drivers that travel lanes are shared.
Maine’s Safe Routes to School program worked with several
Portland public schools in 2011 to encourage more students to
commute by walking and bicycling. Hall Elementary School now
has an organized Walk and Bike to School Day each month and
the school is a direct beneficiary of the infrastructure
improvements (crosswalks, sidewalks, etc.) that were done as
part of the Neighborhood Byway project. Ocean Avenue
Elementary School also organized regular Walk and Bike to
School events and the school recently won a competitive grant
from the National Center for Safe Routes to School to encourage
more biking and walking.
The year also saw an increase in local events supporting
awareness and safety of bicycles on city streets. Community
bicycle rides included the Tweed Ride, Kiddical Mass (promoting
family bike use in Deering Center), Cranksgiving (a bike race to
collect food for Project FEED), and the First Friday Art rides.
Local bicycle safety advocate John Brooking held two sessions of
the new Cycling Savy curriculum in Portland in July and August
of 2011. Bicycle valet service was also provided for the first time
at both the Old Port Festival and Fourth of July celebration.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian committee is also looking forward to a
number of opportunities for the year ahead. These include the
presentation of a formal bike and pedestrian plan to the Portland
City Council, and the beginning of Phase Two of the Franklin
Street Redesign Study. The Committee is also concerned about
the future funding for the Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator
position. The position has been funded by a two-year grant which
expires in June of 2012. However, Portland's Director of Public
Services, Mike Bobinsky, assures that funding is secured for the
position for the coming fiscal year, adding that the establishment
of the Bike/Ped position is "an example of success with making all
modes of transportation in the City a priority.”
Robber Hits Hannaford
Portland police are looking for a man who robbed the Hannaford
Supermarket on Forest Avenue of an undetermined amount of
cash at about 1PM on December 31st, The man is described as
light-skinned, medium height and build, wearing a black pullover
jacket, dark-colored trousers, a black cap with a white band, and
brown boots. He also wore a blue scarf over his face. It is
unknown whether he was armed. Anyone with information about
the robbery or the identity of the suspect should call the Portland
Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 874-8533.
Mayor Set to Return Next
Week
...but the City Charter does provide for a
replacement, if needed
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan plans to return to work at City
Hall next week on a limited basis until he is fully recovered from
the cancer surgery he underwent during the Christmas weekend.
If, however, he is unable to do so, the City Charter does provide
for a temporary or longterm replacement.
According to the charter, in the temporary absence or disability of
the mayor, the mayor may select an acting mayor from among
the other council members, and that person would perform the
duties of the mayor during such temporary absence or disability,
for a maximum of sixty consecutive days, or until the return of
the mayor, whichever comes first. If, through physical or mental
incapacity, the mayor is unable to select an acting mayor, or if the
mayor’s absence or disability exceeds sixty consecutive days, the
council would select an acting mayor from among its membership
until the mayor is able to resume his or her duties or a vacancy is
declared and a new mayor elected.
The council would declare a vacancy in its membership to exist
upon the failure of a member to attend any six consecutive
regular meetings of the city council, or at least sixty percent of
the regular meetings of the city council held in anyone calendar
year, unless the member was excused (by vote of at least four
other members) for health reasons or other good cause. If a
vacancy in the membership of the city council occurs or is
declared prior to the next regular municipal election, the vacancy
would be filled in a special election on the same date as the next
scheduled municipal or state election, unless the council, by a
vote of at least six of its members, calls a special election for an
earlier date.
Brennan announced over the weekend that he underwent surgery
to remove a carcinoid tumor from his small intestine. He sought
treatment for recent stomach cramps two weeks ago, when the
tumor was discovered. The tumor was successfully removed and
Mayor Brennan will seek additional, non-invasive treatment for
lesions found on the liver. Due to the nature of this type of
cancer, no chemotherapy or radiation will be necessary and
according to his physician, his prognosis is excellent.
Police Department Offers
Basic Self Defense Class for
Women
Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real life
defense tools and tactics
This January, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape
Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training class. R.A.D. provides
women with the tools they need to both avoid dangerous
situations and escape them. The course is specifically designed to
help women survive situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.
This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater
Portland area who would like to develop real life defensive tools
and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of
four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for
January 17, 19, 24, and 26, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and
January 28 from 8:00 AM to noon. All classes must be attended
to complete the course. The classes will be held at the Portland
Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.
A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations
support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D.
trainings. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid
prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program,
Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME
04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information
about Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call
874-8643.
January 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28, 2012
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (1/28 class 8:00 AM – noon)
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland
Mayor Brennan Undergoes
Treatment for Cancer
Prognosis Excellent
PORTLAND, Maine, December 29, 2011 - Today, City of
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan shared news that over the
weekend he underwent surgery to remove a carcinoid tumor
from his small intestine. Mayor Brennan sought treatment for
recent stomach cramps two weeks ago, during which the tumor
was discovered. The tumor was successfully removed and Mayor
Brennan will seek additional, non-invasive treatment for lesions
found on the liver. Due to the nature of this type of cancer, no
chemotherapy or radiation will be necessary and according to
his physician, his prognosis is excellent. Prior to this diagnosis,
Brennan had received an excellent bill of health from his
primary care physician during his annual exam in August.
“I am extremely grateful to my primary care practitioner,
surgeon, nurses and other medical professionals who provided
me with exceptional care and I thank them for their treatment
and the compassion they extended to me and my family,” stated
Mayor Brennan.
“Cancer can be an extremely frightening diagnosis and I am
fortunate to not only have a treatment plan with a very positive
long term prognosis but, as an insured American, have barrier-
free access to the health care system. My personal story
illustrates the fundamental need all Mainers have to be able to
access the health care system when they need to. If I had waited
or left this disease untreated, both the health consequences and
cost of treatment would have been significantly greater.”
“With nearly one in four Mainers living without health
insurance, it’s clear to me that we have a moral responsibility to
develop policies and strategies that ensure that everyone has
access to high quality care including prevention and diagnostic
services. The simple truth is that tens of thousands of
Americans will find themselves in the same situation today,
tomorrow, or the next day and they should be afforded the same
level of care I have been fortunate enough to receive. Lack of
health insurance should not force anyone to make a choice
between a visit to their primary care physician and groceries or
child care or heating oil.”
Mayor Brennan was released from Maine Medical Center
yesterday and is recovering comfortably at home. He intends to
return to City Hall next week on a limited basis until he is fully
recovered from the surgery.
New Year’s Trash Schedule
& Christmas Tree Collection
Portland Public Services crews will collect curbside trash and
recycling as usual with no changes to the schedule. Crews will
collect trash and recycling Monday, January 2. Residents are
asked to place their items out by 6:30 AM for collection.
Christmas trees can be left for collection on normal trash days
between December 27th and January 21st. Trees can also be
dropped off at one of the following locations during the month
of January: Cutter Street parking lot, Payson Park Little
League Field and the nine-hole golf course lot on Riverside
Street.
The following items can be recycled:
•Wrapping paper without foil
•Cards and envelopes without foil
•Gift boxes
•Cardboard and paperboard
•Paper bags
The following items cannot be recycled and should be placed in
a Blue City trash bag for disposal:
•Ribbon
•Styrofoam
•Tinsel
•Lights
•Artificial trees
Neighborhood Meeting on
West Commercial Street
Development
There will be a neighborhood meeting for the J.B. Brown
development proposal on West Commercial Street, on January
5th at 6:30 in the Community Room at Reiche. The Planning
Board hearing on this proposal
will be on January 10th.
J.B. Brown & Sons wants the City to rezone about 10 acres of
land so it can build a three-story, 67,000-square-foot office
building. The land is currently zoned for for waterfront use,
although the property is on the other side of Commercial Street
from the waterfront. It is located between the Star Match
building and the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Two Teens Arrested in Forest
Avenue Bank Robbery
Portland Police have arrested two teenagers - a 14-year-old and
a 15-year-old - in connection with a bank robbery on Forest
Avenue. The two teenagers allegedly robbed the University
Credit Union at 391 Forest Avenue at 1:45PM on December
21st. They were wearing hooded sweatshirts, and allegedly told
a teller that they had a weapon, and demanded money.
However, no weapon was shown and nobody was hurt.
Police say that two other banks in the area reported suspicious-
acting people fitting the same description as the suspects prior to
the University Credit Union robbery. Both teens are being held
at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South
Portland.
Mensroom Salon Winner of
Portland's Winter Window Walk
Over 50 store front windows throughout the Old Port and Arts
District were decorated for holiday shoppers by Downtown
Portland merchants in hopes of winning the annual Winter
Window Walk contest held by Portland's Downtown District.
The votes are in, and the first place prize goes to the Mensroom
Salon window at 8 City Center. The Mensroom Salon featured a
recreation of their building with Santa flying overhead.
Second place goes to Lisa Marie's Made in Maine on Exchange
Street with their window featuring a beautiful and cozy winter
tableaux.
The People's Choice Award goes to The Maine College of Art
for their artistic depiction of JOY!
Click HERE to see pictures of these great window displays!
League of Young Voters Lists
Clean Elections as Top
Priority
Portland's League of Young Voters listed Clean Elections as its
top legislative priority for 2012 at its 'Occupy the Legislature'
Potluck on November 30th. Issues ranging from marriage
equality to clean elections were discussed, and the program
included a line-up of discussion leaders on all of the hot-topic
issues in store for 2012.
Leaguers used ranked choice voting to set their legislative
priorities for the 2012 session. Their priorities were:
1) Clean Elections 2) Supplemental Budget 3) Voter ID 4)
Right to Work 5) Anti-Bullying
During the 2011 elections, the League gathered 9,000
signatures to save same-day voter registration, and handed out
36,000 voter guides.
CBD Chosen as One of the
Country's 'Coolest Coffee
Shops'
Coffee by Design has been named one of 'The 10 Coolest
Independent Coffee Shops Across the US' by Zagat Survey, the
world's leading provider of consumer survey-based information
on where to eat, drink, stay and play worldwide.
Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear opened the local coffee
shop sixteen years ago with the idea of building a place for the
community. Over the years, the shop has grown from its
original Congress Street location to three other shops and a
micro roaster, where they process all their beans. But despite
their mini-expansion, the independent store remains homey and
popular for Mainers as they continue to serve the community
one cup of Fore Street coffee at a time.
Started as a hobby in 1979, Zagat Survey features ratings and
reviews based on the opinions of over 350,000 surveyors from
around the globe, helping consumers make informed decisions
about restaurants, nightspots, hotels, attractions and other
leisure activities, in addition to being the world's best-selling
publisher of restaurant guides.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Homeless Persons’ Memorial
Vigil
Ceremony on the Longest Night of the Year
Honors Those Who Have Died
The community will hold a vigil to remember its homeless
friends who have died, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 21 in the courtyard of the Preble Street Resource
Center, on the corner of Preble and Portland Streets.
People who are homeless, those who have been homeless, those
who work to with homeless people, and those who are grateful
not to be homeless will gather on the eve of the winter solstice
for Portland's Annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil. The
event will begin with a candlelight procession from the Preble
Street Resource Center to Monument Square, where a ceremony
will take place to honor homeless persons who have died..
The public is encouraged to join the procession at Preble Street
Resource Center at 4PM or the ceremony at Monument Square,
beginning at 4:15 p.m..
The event is sponsored by the City of Portland Health and
Human Services Department, Mercy Hospital, and Preble Street.
The Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil is an annual
commemoration held on the longest night of the year to
recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness.
City Orders Demolition
of Historic West End
Building
The City of Portland ordered the demolition of the building at
189 Brackett Street, (shown above in a 1924 photograph) which
was razed on December 9th. According to West End City
Councilor David Marshall, the 171-year-old building had
become structurally unsound after years of neglect.
Marshall said that the City would not allow the owner to
demolish the Greek Revival-stlyle house ten years ago because
of its historic significance. The building was on a lot that was
part of a three-lot parcel that was recently put under contract
for about $425,000. It is not known what plans the property's
new owners have for its development.
Wednesday, December 15, 2011
Mayor Brennan to Testify in
Opposition to Proposed
Healthcare Budget Cuts
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan will travel to Augusta today
to testify before two legislative committees in opposition to the
proposed changes to the State of Maine’s Department of Health
and Human Services budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
"This proposal seeks to fundamentally tear apart the fabric of
state’s safety net," says Brennan of the cuts proposed by the
LePage administration. Complete text of Mayor Brennan's
testimony here.
Merry Madness Kicks
Off Thursday
- Shop 'til you drop in downtown Portland!
Portland's Downtown District will present the 9th annual Merry
Madness event on Thursday, December 15th.
Merry Madness kicks off at the Portland Regency Hotel, 20 Milk
Street, from 5pm-6pm, and 70 participating stores in downtown
Portland stay open until 10pm offering complimentary
refreshments to holiday shoppers.
The kickoff at the Portland Regency Hotel features choral
music from Davis Hartwell and Stuart Tisdale, fantastic raffle
prizes from distinct downtown shops and free hors d'oeuvres
from 5 PM to 6 PM donated by the Portland Regency Hotel and
local businesses including Sebago Brewing Company, Seadog
Brewing Company, Rira's Irish Pub, Leonardo's Pizza, Buck's
Naked BBQ, and Love Cupcakes.
Commemorative Merry Madness wine glasses and coffee mugs
are for sale at the Portland Regency Hotel for $6 and $5
respectively, and complimentary maps of open stores are
available for shoppers.
New Report Reveals
Poison in Paint, Toxics
in Toys
A report released on December 13th identifies for the first time
more than 650 brand name products that contain two hormone-
disrupting toxic chemicals. Based on new industry data
reported to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection,
the report names plastic toys, such as PLAYMOBIL play figures
and Chicco baby rattles, which contain BPA (or bisphenol A),
the same toxic chemical already banned in plastic baby bottles
and sippy cups. The report revealed another toxic ingredient,
known as NPEs, in nearly 300 household paints, as well as
several cleaners, wood finishes and home maintenance products.
The report, Poison in Paint, Toxics inToys, summarizes the
first chemical use reports submitted by product manufacturers
under Maine’s Kid-Safe Products Act. State laws similar to
Maine’s law go into effect in Washington and California next
year and are pending in other states, as Congress lags behind in
reforming the outdated federal Toxic Substances Control Act of
1976, which has never been updated. Under Maine’s Kid Safe
Products Act, manufacturers must disclose their use of priority
chemicals of high concern in consumer products. The state
may then require companies to search for safer substitutes
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bomb Threat Targets Occupy
Maine
On Monday, December 12th, at 9:30 AM, the Portland Police
Department received information that a Westbrook man
claimed to have placed a bomb in the area of Lincoln Park,
targeting Occupy Maine protesters. No specific information was
given regarding the location, size, or time the device would
detonate.
A search in the area of Lincoln Park by two certified bomb dogs
did not locate any suspicious items. Members of Occupy Maine
were asked to leave their tents while the canine teams searched.
Vehicles parked on surrounding streets were searched as were
the exteriors of three nearby buildings; the Cumberland County
Courthouse, the Federal Courthouse, and Central Fire Station.
There were no evacuations of the park or any buildings.
The investigation into this threat continues. No arrests have
been made. At this time, a suspect has been identified. Police
are still gathering information and coordinating their
investigation with law enforcement agencies in Westbrook and
Bath.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
City Manager Issues Letter to
Occupy Maine
No action planned by the City against the protest
group.
Portland City Manager Mark Rees has sent a letter to attorney
John Branson and his client, members of Occupy Maine, in
response to the City Council's decision Wednesday to deny
Occupy Maine 's petition for a permit at Lincoln Park. Video of
the meeting is available online at http://townhallstreams.
com/locations/portland-me.
In the letter, Rees requests that Branson and Occupy Maine
communicate their plans to the City by nextThursday,
December 15th, following the denial of their petition and the
determination by the City that they do not have the right to
continue to keep tents and other structures in Lincoln Park, nor
do they have the right to exclusively use the space or use the
park for camping. Rees added that no action would be taken by
the City to remove any structures in the park, or members of
Occupy Maine in the interim, and written notice will be
provided forty-eight hours prior to any such action.
Copies of the amended petition as well as other correspondence
between the City of Portland and attorney John Branson and
his client, members of Occupy Maine, are available on the
City's website, www.portlandmaine.gov.
Council Turns Down
OccupyMaine Request to Stay
at Lincoln Park
The Portland City Council voted 8-1 on December 7th against a
proposal that would allow OccupyMaine to maintain its
encampment in Lincoln Park. Several councilors cited health
and safety, and legal issues in their decision. West End
Councilor David Marshall was the sole vote in favor allowing
the group to remain in the park. All of the councilors expressed
support for the movement's goals and ideals, and offered to
continue to work with the group and carry on further
discussions. There was no decision made as to what the next
step in the process would be.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Local Group Formed to End
Street Harassment
A group has been formed in Portland by a team of local
activists to work on-line and off-line to end street harassment
in the city. Hollaback! (ihollaback.org) is a global movement
dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology.
Launched in 2005 as a New York City blog, Hollaback! has
expanded and now has iPhone and Droid apps that give victims
a real-time response to street harassment, breaking the silence
that has perpetuated street harassment internationally. Street
harassment is one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based
violence, and one of the least legislated against, according to
the group.
“Women and members of the LGBTQ community have always
been taught that street harassment is inevitable and something
that we need to accept, smile at, or ignore,” says Cara
Courchesne, Director of Hollaback! Portland. “Hollaback!
changes that storyline.”
“Everyone deserves to be safe when they leave their house,” said
Laura Plotkin of Hollaback! Portland. “No one should have to
deal with sexual comments, catcalls, groping, or other forms of
street harassment because they are in a public place. Hollaback!
gives people a response to street harassment and street
harassers.” The organization is now in 45 cities and 16
countries..
Local Hollaback! site leaders run their local blog and organize
their communities through advocacy, community partnerships,
and direct action. Hollaback! reports that its members are 44%
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer, 26% identify as people of
color, 76% are under the age of 30, and 90% are women. The
new group is in the process of planning local events which will
address the issue.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ACLU of Maine Urges City to
Allow OccupyMaine to
Remain at Lincoln Park
The ACLU of Maine today urged the City of Portland to allow
the Occupy Maine group to remain at its encampment at
Lincoln Park. The Portland group has occupied the park next
door to Portland’s state and federal courthouses for a number
of months. On Wednesday night, the Portland City Council
will vote on whether to approve the group’s permit application.
That meeting will take place at 7PMin the City Council
chamber.
“There is nothing more important for our democracy than
freedom of expression,” said Shenna Bellows, Executive
Director of the ACLU of Maine. “We urge the City of Portland
to set a positive example for cities across the country by allowing
this demonstration to continue without disruption.”
In its letter to the Council, the ACLU of Maine noted that one
objection to group is that their camp is an “eyesore”. Given the
group’s message about the growing gap in wealth and political
power, the ACLU of Maine believes that it is entirely appropriate
that the demonstration cause some discomfort. “Those are
truths,” the ACLU noted, “that should make people
uncomfortable.”
Alysia Melnick, Public Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Maine,
also noted that what is an eyesore to some might in fact be
beautiful to others. “The sight of so many people giving up
their time and their material comforts in support of a higher
political purpose is beautiful,” noted Melnick. “Whether you
agree with the Occupy group or not, you should be proud to live
in a country in which this sort of activity is allowed.”
Across the country, and here in Maine, a number of “Occupy”
groups have gone to court seeking to assert their First
Amendment right to free speech or to protect themselves from
excessive police force under the Fourth Amendment. One such
case is currently under consideration by Judge Nancy Torresen
of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, involving a
group occupying state property in Augusta. While Portland’s
dispute could end up in court, the ACLU of Maine is urging the
council to think about free speech principles as much as free
speech law.
“The First Amendment sets the floor, and not the ceiling, for
free speech activity,” noted ACLU of Maine Legal Director
Zachary Heiden. “Portland can and should find a way to
accommodate this group that respects their right to speak out on
important matters of public concern.” Heiden will attend
Wednesday’s council meeting to offer public testimony and to
answer any questions from the council.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Brennan Inaugurated as
Portland Mayor
Michael F. Brennan was inaugurated today as the Mayor for
the City of Portland, serving December 2011 to December 2015.
Brennan will serve as the first popularly-elected Mayor in more
than eighty-eight years. City Councilors John Coyne and Cheryl
Leeman were also be sworn-in during the noontime ceremony.
A reception will follow at 6 PM at Ocean Gateway, during
which Mayor Brennan will deliver his inaugural address.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started,” said
Brennan.
We have a new mayor - a shiny,
brand new mayor with some real
credentials.
By ORLANDO DELOGU
It began as something of a joke— a trickle of candidates - soon
grew to twenty; all of them out gathering signatures,
fundraising, shaking hands. You met them in Monument
Square, along Back Cove, at the Deering Oaks market. Many
were people you’ve never seen or heard of before, but they all
wanted to be Mayor -why not - at $65,000 a year and
unemployment what it is. But the signature gathering process
served its purpose— the truly witless and less serious were
weeded out. Twenty candidates were pruned down to a still-
large field of fifteen.
I must say, however, that as I observed them (often from afar)
they seemed an earnest lot--- well-intentioned, certain that they
could correct Portland’s ills, put us back on our feet. I actually
didn’t know that Portland was off its feet— that things were as
bad as many of the candidates portrayed them. I was fooled by
all those national magazines that said we were among the top
twenty outdoor, quality-of-life cities, top ten places to raise a
family, top ten food cities; among the best cities for access to
college and university-level educational opportunities. Silly me
- what do all those magazine people from away know. These
candidates convinced me - I need to stop feeling so good about
Portland, and start worrying a lot more than I have been.
In spite of their earnestness, looking at the fifteen candidates
did raise some concerns in my mind. A few seemed to have just
arrived in town, relatively speaking— been here a year, or three,
or five. They knew where Congress Street and City Hall were
but they surely didn’t have a feel for where Portland has been
over the last 20, 30, 40 years. And if you don’t know where we’
ve been, how could you know where we should be going? I
worried that so few of the candidates had any real “institutional
memory”— people, events, ideas tried (some successfully, some
not) to guide them in the mayoral tasks they would undertake.
Seems like there was a good deal of “chutzpah” in the field,
but not a lot of candidates with the sort of Portland background
I thought was needed to be mayor.
And while I’m on the subject of candidate qualifications, I was
troubled that so few had any real political experience— quite a
few wanted to start out near the top - MAYOR of the biggest city
in the state. Starting near the top doesn’t work in very many
fields of endeavor. I doubted it would produce the best mayor.
And not many of the fifteen candidates had any real business
experience either. Some had not even held a meaningful day
job. But they wanted to run a government that is in fact a $300
million dollar annual business. It seemed to me there was more
“chutzpah” in the field than real candidate qualifications.
One candidate asserted that: He’d proven he could do better. I
don’t know when he did that, or how. Maybe I was out of town
that day. He certainly proved he could raise a lot of money,
and put out a slick mailing. Finally, in what looked like a lean
election year, I loved the signs; they sprouted up everywhere; the
colors were great, and some had a little swing to them. And I
loved the jockeying around of the last few days - I'll scratch
your back if you scratch mine. But I don’t know that any of
these activities qualified one to be mayor, or made much
difference in the final analysis.
When all was said and done, Portland voters showed an
inordinate level of common sense; they waded through a
newfangled voting system - the chutzpah of some candidates,
and lack of experience of others, to elect a man (Michael
Brennan) with some real knowledge of Portland’s history, some
real political/job/business experience. There were one or two
other candidates who might have filled the bill, but none better
than the man Portland voters chose. I wish you well Mayor
Brennan--- good luck in your new office. Given the
circumstances facing the state and the nation, you'll need it.
That’s my view.
Vandalism, Attempted
Burglary Reported at Local
Market
A wooden bench was removed in broad daylight from the front
of the Fresh Approach market on Brackett Street on November
17th, and found the next day behind the building. Employees
say the bench, which consists of an eight-foot long, 2x12 piece
of lumber straddled across two large cinder blocks, was taken
sometime around 4 or 5 PM, when the store was in full
operation. The cinder blocks were not removed.
Employees put up notices of the theft on the front door of the
local market, and found the missing article in a pile of
discarded lumber behind the store the next day. It has been
returned to the front of the store, with two heavy metal bolts
now attaching it to the cinder blocks.
On Monday, November 28th, a burglar twice attempted to break
into the store by kicking in windows on the side of the building,
not realizing that an interior wall had been built behind the
windows years before. Police questioned a suspect whose boot
print reportedly matched a print left at the scene - complete with
glass embedded in the sole - but no arrest was made.
New Officers to be Elected at
WENA Annual Meeting
The next WENA meeting, to be held on Wednesday, December
14 at 6:30 PM, is the Annual Meeting for the Election of
Officers and Board Members. If you haven't already done so,
please bring $5.00 to pay your dues and vote. There will also be
a presentation about the Medical Marijuana Dispensary. WENA
meetings are held in the community space on the upper level of
the Reiche Community Center, adjacent to the Reiche
Community School at 166 Brackett Street. Meetings are at 6:30
PM, generally on the second Wednesday each month.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Local Bookstore Damaged in
Black Friday Flood
The Green Hand Bookstore received some water damage on
November 24th from an overflow in a bathroom above the store
at 661 Congress Street. When owner Michelle Souliere opened
the door of the shop around 10 AM, she smelled something she
described as "very strange." Next, she heard the sound of
dripping, and ran for the back of the store, and started moving
items away from the water, starting with her computer.
Water was dripping copiously from the area just in front of the
counter and the area behind, where her work area and
backstock sits. Water was trickling out near the counter from
where it was flooding the ceiling crawlspace that covers most of
the front part of the shop, and through the electrical fixtures
(lights and smoke detectors) and vents over the first row of
bookcases near the counter, and along the back wall of the work
area and the side wall. Miraculously, a lot of the books packed
into this space escaped unscathed, so while there were numerous
book casualties, overall it could have been much worse, said
Souliere. She was told by workmen in the building that
someone upstairs had stuffed a bunch of washcloths into a
drain.
The Portland Fire Department was quick to show up and
diminish the chances of an electrical fire, and brought in a
bunch of tarps to protect the books in the at-risk area, and they
helped lug books out of the way of the leak,
About a dozen friends gave up their day off to lug books and
help clean up the mess: Ross Kearney, Jan Wilkinson, Amie
and Dave Neikirk, Brandon Kawashima, Chad and Kristine
Pennell. Other local businesses in the area also helped out -
Local Sprouts donated much-needed buckets, the Merchant
Company donated boxes for demised books, and Coast City
Comics/Fun Box Monster Emporium provided totes for the
same purpose.
The City Council on December 19th approved the transfer of
one Range Rover in forfeited assets from the State of Maine to
the City of Portland, from the case of the State of Maine v.
Andrea Tuttle. The vehicle was seized during a drug investigation
conducted by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, in
conjunction with the Portland Police Department.
Tuttle was arrested at the Dairy Queen parking lot in South
Portland in early June, 2011, and charged with unlawful
trafficking in drugs, and police seized her Range Rover. She and
two men, Justin Cram, 31, and Tannis Goodson, 22, had in their
possession 9.9 grams of heroin, worth about $1,500, 25.8 grams
of cocaine worth about $2500, and 114 30-milligram oxycodone
pills, worth about $3,300, and $7,000 in cash.
Annual Auction at Rosie's
Raised $7,000 for Kids'
Christmas Presents
Rosie’s Restaurant & Pub was the site of the 23rd annual
Harris Charities Christmas auction on December 11th, which
raised over $7,000 to buy clothing and toys for needy local
children at Christmas. This year, 44 children in the city benefited
from the proceeds, including 33 children from the West End.
The popular Old Port pub was turned over to a day of fun
Christmas shopping and bidding for terrific gifts. Items auctioned
at the annual event included an airplane ride, a private Casco Bay
cruise, a custom made picnic table, artwork, household items,
electronics, sporting goods, crafts, gift certificates and gift
baskets. Rose Harris and her staff organize the auction, raffle and
book sale, and do all the gift buying, wrapping and delivering of
the presents.
2011: A Good Year for
Portland's Bicyclists and
Pedestrians
Last year saw the fruition of numerous efforts to support and
improve Portland bicycle and pedestrian transportation, according
to Markos Miller of the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee.
Critical connections in the local trail network, educational
programs, and community events top the committee's “Best of
2011” list. These projects range from state-level efforts such as
the Franklin Street Trail Connection in Bayside, to community-
organized recreational and educational events, to the numerous
advancements on the part of the City of Portland and the City's
Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator.
The Franklin Street Trail Connection realizes an important link
between the Back Cove Trail and peninsula neighborhoods that
the local community has desired for years. Bayside Neighborhood
Association President Alex Landry noted “The Portland Bike-Ped
Advisory Committee began actualization of the connection, telling
City staff that the Franklin Street Connector was our #1 priority
for funding. This is a great example of our elected officials, City
and State staff working with the citizens of Portland to create this
important link in our transportation system. It will be a game-
changer, enlivening the entire length of Franklin Street with
people, and demonstrating the potential for a more urban vision of
the street”. Negotiations between state and local officials also
resulted in the Franklin Street Redesign study to move forward in
early 2012.
Another highlight of 2011 was the establishment of the Forest
City Trail by Portland Trails to mark its 20th anniversary. The 10-
mile route connects trails and pedestrian ways from Stroudwater
to the Presumpscot River Preserve in North Deering.
Portland's Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator Bruce Hyman
played a key role in numerous efforts across the city, including
creating bike lanes, improving accessibility to schools, and
developing a long-term Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for inclusion
into the City's Comprehensive Plan. Jaime Parker of Portland
Trails commented, “2011 was such a productive year for walking
and biking in Portland largely because of the efforts of Bruce
Hyman in his role as the Bike/Ped coordinator for the City.
Bridging the gap between advocacy and policy-making, Bruce
worked with the Planning Department, Public Services, Portland
Trails and many neighborhood residents to plan and execute some
fantastic projects."
The Deering Neighborhood Byway stands out as an exemplary
project that integrates neighborhood connectivity, school
accessibility, and safe crossings. The contra-flow bike lane on
Nevens Street, which permits bicyclists to safely travel both ways
on a one way street, is a particularly noteworthy feature of the
Neighborhood Byway. Shared-lane markings, or “sharrows” also
became prominent on a number of city streets. “Sharrows”
indicate that bicycles may use the full travel lane, and visually
remind automobile drivers that travel lanes are shared.
Maine’s Safe Routes to School program worked with several
Portland public schools in 2011 to encourage more students to
commute by walking and bicycling. Hall Elementary School now
has an organized Walk and Bike to School Day each month and
the school is a direct beneficiary of the infrastructure
improvements (crosswalks, sidewalks, etc.) that were done as
part of the Neighborhood Byway project. Ocean Avenue
Elementary School also organized regular Walk and Bike to
School events and the school recently won a competitive grant
from the National Center for Safe Routes to School to encourage
more biking and walking.
The year also saw an increase in local events supporting
awareness and safety of bicycles on city streets. Community
bicycle rides included the Tweed Ride, Kiddical Mass (promoting
family bike use in Deering Center), Cranksgiving (a bike race to
collect food for Project FEED), and the First Friday Art rides.
Local bicycle safety advocate John Brooking held two sessions of
the new Cycling Savy curriculum in Portland in July and August
of 2011. Bicycle valet service was also provided for the first time
at both the Old Port Festival and Fourth of July celebration.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian committee is also looking forward to a
number of opportunities for the year ahead. These include the
presentation of a formal bike and pedestrian plan to the Portland
City Council, and the beginning of Phase Two of the Franklin
Street Redesign Study. The Committee is also concerned about
the future funding for the Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator
position. The position has been funded by a two-year grant which
expires in June of 2012. However, Portland's Director of Public
Services, Mike Bobinsky, assures that funding is secured for the
position for the coming fiscal year, adding that the establishment
of the Bike/Ped position is "an example of success with making all
modes of transportation in the City a priority.”
Robber Hits Hannaford
Portland police are looking for a man who robbed the Hannaford
Supermarket on Forest Avenue of an undetermined amount of
cash at about 1PM on December 31st, The man is described as
light-skinned, medium height and build, wearing a black pullover
jacket, dark-colored trousers, a black cap with a white band, and
brown boots. He also wore a blue scarf over his face. It is
unknown whether he was armed. Anyone with information about
the robbery or the identity of the suspect should call the Portland
Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 874-8533.
Mayor Set to Return Next
Week
...but the City Charter does provide for a
replacement, if needed
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan plans to return to work at City
Hall next week on a limited basis until he is fully recovered from
the cancer surgery he underwent during the Christmas weekend.
If, however, he is unable to do so, the City Charter does provide
for a temporary or longterm replacement.
According to the charter, in the temporary absence or disability of
the mayor, the mayor may select an acting mayor from among
the other council members, and that person would perform the
duties of the mayor during such temporary absence or disability,
for a maximum of sixty consecutive days, or until the return of
the mayor, whichever comes first. If, through physical or mental
incapacity, the mayor is unable to select an acting mayor, or if the
mayor’s absence or disability exceeds sixty consecutive days, the
council would select an acting mayor from among its membership
until the mayor is able to resume his or her duties or a vacancy is
declared and a new mayor elected.
The council would declare a vacancy in its membership to exist
upon the failure of a member to attend any six consecutive
regular meetings of the city council, or at least sixty percent of
the regular meetings of the city council held in anyone calendar
year, unless the member was excused (by vote of at least four
other members) for health reasons or other good cause. If a
vacancy in the membership of the city council occurs or is
declared prior to the next regular municipal election, the vacancy
would be filled in a special election on the same date as the next
scheduled municipal or state election, unless the council, by a
vote of at least six of its members, calls a special election for an
earlier date.
Brennan announced over the weekend that he underwent surgery
to remove a carcinoid tumor from his small intestine. He sought
treatment for recent stomach cramps two weeks ago, when the
tumor was discovered. The tumor was successfully removed and
Mayor Brennan will seek additional, non-invasive treatment for
lesions found on the liver. Due to the nature of this type of
cancer, no chemotherapy or radiation will be necessary and
according to his physician, his prognosis is excellent.
Police Department Offers
Basic Self Defense Class for
Women
Rape Aggression Defense course to offer real life
defense tools and tactics
This January, the Portland Police Department will offer its Rape
Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training class. R.A.D. provides
women with the tools they need to both avoid dangerous
situations and escape them. The course is specifically designed to
help women survive situations in which their lives are in jeopardy.
This class is open to all women, ages 13 and older, in the Greater
Portland area who would like to develop real life defensive tools
and tactics. The Basic Self-Defense Course consists of a series of
four classes and one scenario day. The class is scheduled for
January 17, 19, 24, and 26, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and
January 28 from 8:00 AM to noon. All classes must be attended
to complete the course. The classes will be held at the Portland
Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.
A donation of $25.00 for the course is suggested. All donations
support the Amy St. Laurent Fund, which sponsors the R.A.D.
trainings. Due to attendance issues, all donations must be paid
prior to the first class (send checks to ASLF/PPD RAD Program,
Portland Police Department, 109 Middle Street, Portland ME
04101). To sign up for the class or receive more information
about Portland R.A.D., e-mail ppdrad@portlandmaine.gov or call
874-8643.
January 17, 19, 24, 26, and 28, 2012
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (1/28 class 8:00 AM – noon)
Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street, Portland
Mayor Brennan Undergoes
Treatment for Cancer
Prognosis Excellent
PORTLAND, Maine, December 29, 2011 - Today, City of
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan shared news that over the
weekend he underwent surgery to remove a carcinoid tumor
from his small intestine. Mayor Brennan sought treatment for
recent stomach cramps two weeks ago, during which the tumor
was discovered. The tumor was successfully removed and Mayor
Brennan will seek additional, non-invasive treatment for lesions
found on the liver. Due to the nature of this type of cancer, no
chemotherapy or radiation will be necessary and according to
his physician, his prognosis is excellent. Prior to this diagnosis,
Brennan had received an excellent bill of health from his
primary care physician during his annual exam in August.
“I am extremely grateful to my primary care practitioner,
surgeon, nurses and other medical professionals who provided
me with exceptional care and I thank them for their treatment
and the compassion they extended to me and my family,” stated
Mayor Brennan.
“Cancer can be an extremely frightening diagnosis and I am
fortunate to not only have a treatment plan with a very positive
long term prognosis but, as an insured American, have barrier-
free access to the health care system. My personal story
illustrates the fundamental need all Mainers have to be able to
access the health care system when they need to. If I had waited
or left this disease untreated, both the health consequences and
cost of treatment would have been significantly greater.”
“With nearly one in four Mainers living without health
insurance, it’s clear to me that we have a moral responsibility to
develop policies and strategies that ensure that everyone has
access to high quality care including prevention and diagnostic
services. The simple truth is that tens of thousands of
Americans will find themselves in the same situation today,
tomorrow, or the next day and they should be afforded the same
level of care I have been fortunate enough to receive. Lack of
health insurance should not force anyone to make a choice
between a visit to their primary care physician and groceries or
child care or heating oil.”
Mayor Brennan was released from Maine Medical Center
yesterday and is recovering comfortably at home. He intends to
return to City Hall next week on a limited basis until he is fully
recovered from the surgery.
New Year’s Trash Schedule
& Christmas Tree Collection
Portland Public Services crews will collect curbside trash and
recycling as usual with no changes to the schedule. Crews will
collect trash and recycling Monday, January 2. Residents are
asked to place their items out by 6:30 AM for collection.
Christmas trees can be left for collection on normal trash days
between December 27th and January 21st. Trees can also be
dropped off at one of the following locations during the month
of January: Cutter Street parking lot, Payson Park Little
League Field and the nine-hole golf course lot on Riverside
Street.
The following items can be recycled:
•Wrapping paper without foil
•Cards and envelopes without foil
•Gift boxes
•Cardboard and paperboard
•Paper bags
The following items cannot be recycled and should be placed in
a Blue City trash bag for disposal:
•Ribbon
•Styrofoam
•Tinsel
•Lights
•Artificial trees
Neighborhood Meeting on
West Commercial Street
Development
There will be a neighborhood meeting for the J.B. Brown
development proposal on West Commercial Street, on January
5th at 6:30 in the Community Room at Reiche. The Planning
Board hearing on this proposal
will be on January 10th.
J.B. Brown & Sons wants the City to rezone about 10 acres of
land so it can build a three-story, 67,000-square-foot office
building. The land is currently zoned for for waterfront use,
although the property is on the other side of Commercial Street
from the waterfront. It is located between the Star Match
building and the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Two Teens Arrested in Forest
Avenue Bank Robbery
Portland Police have arrested two teenagers - a 14-year-old and
a 15-year-old - in connection with a bank robbery on Forest
Avenue. The two teenagers allegedly robbed the University
Credit Union at 391 Forest Avenue at 1:45PM on December
21st. They were wearing hooded sweatshirts, and allegedly told
a teller that they had a weapon, and demanded money.
However, no weapon was shown and nobody was hurt.
Police say that two other banks in the area reported suspicious-
acting people fitting the same description as the suspects prior to
the University Credit Union robbery. Both teens are being held
at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South
Portland.
Mensroom Salon Winner of
Portland's Winter Window Walk
Over 50 store front windows throughout the Old Port and Arts
District were decorated for holiday shoppers by Downtown
Portland merchants in hopes of winning the annual Winter
Window Walk contest held by Portland's Downtown District.
The votes are in, and the first place prize goes to the Mensroom
Salon window at 8 City Center. The Mensroom Salon featured a
recreation of their building with Santa flying overhead.
Second place goes to Lisa Marie's Made in Maine on Exchange
Street with their window featuring a beautiful and cozy winter
tableaux.
The People's Choice Award goes to The Maine College of Art
for their artistic depiction of JOY!
Click HERE to see pictures of these great window displays!
League of Young Voters Lists
Clean Elections as Top
Priority
Portland's League of Young Voters listed Clean Elections as its
top legislative priority for 2012 at its 'Occupy the Legislature'
Potluck on November 30th. Issues ranging from marriage
equality to clean elections were discussed, and the program
included a line-up of discussion leaders on all of the hot-topic
issues in store for 2012.
Leaguers used ranked choice voting to set their legislative
priorities for the 2012 session. Their priorities were:
1) Clean Elections 2) Supplemental Budget 3) Voter ID 4)
Right to Work 5) Anti-Bullying
During the 2011 elections, the League gathered 9,000
signatures to save same-day voter registration, and handed out
36,000 voter guides.
CBD Chosen as One of the
Country's 'Coolest Coffee
Shops'
Coffee by Design has been named one of 'The 10 Coolest
Independent Coffee Shops Across the US' by Zagat Survey, the
world's leading provider of consumer survey-based information
on where to eat, drink, stay and play worldwide.
Mary Allen Lindemann and Alan Spear opened the local coffee
shop sixteen years ago with the idea of building a place for the
community. Over the years, the shop has grown from its
original Congress Street location to three other shops and a
micro roaster, where they process all their beans. But despite
their mini-expansion, the independent store remains homey and
popular for Mainers as they continue to serve the community
one cup of Fore Street coffee at a time.
Started as a hobby in 1979, Zagat Survey features ratings and
reviews based on the opinions of over 350,000 surveyors from
around the globe, helping consumers make informed decisions
about restaurants, nightspots, hotels, attractions and other
leisure activities, in addition to being the world's best-selling
publisher of restaurant guides.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Homeless Persons’ Memorial
Vigil
Ceremony on the Longest Night of the Year
Honors Those Who Have Died
The community will hold a vigil to remember its homeless
friends who have died, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
December 21 in the courtyard of the Preble Street Resource
Center, on the corner of Preble and Portland Streets.
People who are homeless, those who have been homeless, those
who work to with homeless people, and those who are grateful
not to be homeless will gather on the eve of the winter solstice
for Portland's Annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil. The
event will begin with a candlelight procession from the Preble
Street Resource Center to Monument Square, where a ceremony
will take place to honor homeless persons who have died..
The public is encouraged to join the procession at Preble Street
Resource Center at 4PM or the ceremony at Monument Square,
beginning at 4:15 p.m..
The event is sponsored by the City of Portland Health and
Human Services Department, Mercy Hospital, and Preble Street.
The Homeless Persons' Memorial Vigil is an annual
commemoration held on the longest night of the year to
recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness.
City Orders Demolition
of Historic West End
Building
The City of Portland ordered the demolition of the building at
189 Brackett Street, (shown above in a 1924 photograph) which
was razed on December 9th. According to West End City
Councilor David Marshall, the 171-year-old building had
become structurally unsound after years of neglect.
Marshall said that the City would not allow the owner to
demolish the Greek Revival-stlyle house ten years ago because
of its historic significance. The building was on a lot that was
part of a three-lot parcel that was recently put under contract
for about $425,000. It is not known what plans the property's
new owners have for its development.
Wednesday, December 15, 2011
Mayor Brennan to Testify in
Opposition to Proposed
Healthcare Budget Cuts
Portland Mayor Michael Brennan will travel to Augusta today
to testify before two legislative committees in opposition to the
proposed changes to the State of Maine’s Department of Health
and Human Services budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.
"This proposal seeks to fundamentally tear apart the fabric of
state’s safety net," says Brennan of the cuts proposed by the
LePage administration. Complete text of Mayor Brennan's
testimony here.
Merry Madness Kicks
Off Thursday
- Shop 'til you drop in downtown Portland!
Portland's Downtown District will present the 9th annual Merry
Madness event on Thursday, December 15th.
Merry Madness kicks off at the Portland Regency Hotel, 20 Milk
Street, from 5pm-6pm, and 70 participating stores in downtown
Portland stay open until 10pm offering complimentary
refreshments to holiday shoppers.
The kickoff at the Portland Regency Hotel features choral
music from Davis Hartwell and Stuart Tisdale, fantastic raffle
prizes from distinct downtown shops and free hors d'oeuvres
from 5 PM to 6 PM donated by the Portland Regency Hotel and
local businesses including Sebago Brewing Company, Seadog
Brewing Company, Rira's Irish Pub, Leonardo's Pizza, Buck's
Naked BBQ, and Love Cupcakes.
Commemorative Merry Madness wine glasses and coffee mugs
are for sale at the Portland Regency Hotel for $6 and $5
respectively, and complimentary maps of open stores are
available for shoppers.
New Report Reveals
Poison in Paint, Toxics
in Toys
A report released on December 13th identifies for the first time
more than 650 brand name products that contain two hormone-
disrupting toxic chemicals. Based on new industry data
reported to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection,
the report names plastic toys, such as PLAYMOBIL play figures
and Chicco baby rattles, which contain BPA (or bisphenol A),
the same toxic chemical already banned in plastic baby bottles
and sippy cups. The report revealed another toxic ingredient,
known as NPEs, in nearly 300 household paints, as well as
several cleaners, wood finishes and home maintenance products.
The report, Poison in Paint, Toxics inToys, summarizes the
first chemical use reports submitted by product manufacturers
under Maine’s Kid-Safe Products Act. State laws similar to
Maine’s law go into effect in Washington and California next
year and are pending in other states, as Congress lags behind in
reforming the outdated federal Toxic Substances Control Act of
1976, which has never been updated. Under Maine’s Kid Safe
Products Act, manufacturers must disclose their use of priority
chemicals of high concern in consumer products. The state
may then require companies to search for safer substitutes
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bomb Threat Targets Occupy
Maine
On Monday, December 12th, at 9:30 AM, the Portland Police
Department received information that a Westbrook man
claimed to have placed a bomb in the area of Lincoln Park,
targeting Occupy Maine protesters. No specific information was
given regarding the location, size, or time the device would
detonate.
A search in the area of Lincoln Park by two certified bomb dogs
did not locate any suspicious items. Members of Occupy Maine
were asked to leave their tents while the canine teams searched.
Vehicles parked on surrounding streets were searched as were
the exteriors of three nearby buildings; the Cumberland County
Courthouse, the Federal Courthouse, and Central Fire Station.
There were no evacuations of the park or any buildings.
The investigation into this threat continues. No arrests have
been made. At this time, a suspect has been identified. Police
are still gathering information and coordinating their
investigation with law enforcement agencies in Westbrook and
Bath.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
City Manager Issues Letter to
Occupy Maine
No action planned by the City against the protest
group.
Portland City Manager Mark Rees has sent a letter to attorney
John Branson and his client, members of Occupy Maine, in
response to the City Council's decision Wednesday to deny
Occupy Maine 's petition for a permit at Lincoln Park. Video of
the meeting is available online at http://townhallstreams.
com/locations/portland-me.
In the letter, Rees requests that Branson and Occupy Maine
communicate their plans to the City by nextThursday,
December 15th, following the denial of their petition and the
determination by the City that they do not have the right to
continue to keep tents and other structures in Lincoln Park, nor
do they have the right to exclusively use the space or use the
park for camping. Rees added that no action would be taken by
the City to remove any structures in the park, or members of
Occupy Maine in the interim, and written notice will be
provided forty-eight hours prior to any such action.
Copies of the amended petition as well as other correspondence
between the City of Portland and attorney John Branson and
his client, members of Occupy Maine, are available on the
City's website, www.portlandmaine.gov.
Council Turns Down
OccupyMaine Request to Stay
at Lincoln Park
The Portland City Council voted 8-1 on December 7th against a
proposal that would allow OccupyMaine to maintain its
encampment in Lincoln Park. Several councilors cited health
and safety, and legal issues in their decision. West End
Councilor David Marshall was the sole vote in favor allowing
the group to remain in the park. All of the councilors expressed
support for the movement's goals and ideals, and offered to
continue to work with the group and carry on further
discussions. There was no decision made as to what the next
step in the process would be.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Local Group Formed to End
Street Harassment
A group has been formed in Portland by a team of local
activists to work on-line and off-line to end street harassment
in the city. Hollaback! (ihollaback.org) is a global movement
dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology.
Launched in 2005 as a New York City blog, Hollaback! has
expanded and now has iPhone and Droid apps that give victims
a real-time response to street harassment, breaking the silence
that has perpetuated street harassment internationally. Street
harassment is one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based
violence, and one of the least legislated against, according to
the group.
“Women and members of the LGBTQ community have always
been taught that street harassment is inevitable and something
that we need to accept, smile at, or ignore,” says Cara
Courchesne, Director of Hollaback! Portland. “Hollaback!
changes that storyline.”
“Everyone deserves to be safe when they leave their house,” said
Laura Plotkin of Hollaback! Portland. “No one should have to
deal with sexual comments, catcalls, groping, or other forms of
street harassment because they are in a public place. Hollaback!
gives people a response to street harassment and street
harassers.” The organization is now in 45 cities and 16
countries..
Local Hollaback! site leaders run their local blog and organize
their communities through advocacy, community partnerships,
and direct action. Hollaback! reports that its members are 44%
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer, 26% identify as people of
color, 76% are under the age of 30, and 90% are women. The
new group is in the process of planning local events which will
address the issue.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ACLU of Maine Urges City to
Allow OccupyMaine to
Remain at Lincoln Park
The ACLU of Maine today urged the City of Portland to allow
the Occupy Maine group to remain at its encampment at
Lincoln Park. The Portland group has occupied the park next
door to Portland’s state and federal courthouses for a number
of months. On Wednesday night, the Portland City Council
will vote on whether to approve the group’s permit application.
That meeting will take place at 7PMin the City Council
chamber.
“There is nothing more important for our democracy than
freedom of expression,” said Shenna Bellows, Executive
Director of the ACLU of Maine. “We urge the City of Portland
to set a positive example for cities across the country by allowing
this demonstration to continue without disruption.”
In its letter to the Council, the ACLU of Maine noted that one
objection to group is that their camp is an “eyesore”. Given the
group’s message about the growing gap in wealth and political
power, the ACLU of Maine believes that it is entirely appropriate
that the demonstration cause some discomfort. “Those are
truths,” the ACLU noted, “that should make people
uncomfortable.”
Alysia Melnick, Public Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Maine,
also noted that what is an eyesore to some might in fact be
beautiful to others. “The sight of so many people giving up
their time and their material comforts in support of a higher
political purpose is beautiful,” noted Melnick. “Whether you
agree with the Occupy group or not, you should be proud to live
in a country in which this sort of activity is allowed.”
Across the country, and here in Maine, a number of “Occupy”
groups have gone to court seeking to assert their First
Amendment right to free speech or to protect themselves from
excessive police force under the Fourth Amendment. One such
case is currently under consideration by Judge Nancy Torresen
of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, involving a
group occupying state property in Augusta. While Portland’s
dispute could end up in court, the ACLU of Maine is urging the
council to think about free speech principles as much as free
speech law.
“The First Amendment sets the floor, and not the ceiling, for
free speech activity,” noted ACLU of Maine Legal Director
Zachary Heiden. “Portland can and should find a way to
accommodate this group that respects their right to speak out on
important matters of public concern.” Heiden will attend
Wednesday’s council meeting to offer public testimony and to
answer any questions from the council.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Brennan Inaugurated as
Portland Mayor
Michael F. Brennan was inaugurated today as the Mayor for
the City of Portland, serving December 2011 to December 2015.
Brennan will serve as the first popularly-elected Mayor in more
than eighty-eight years. City Councilors John Coyne and Cheryl
Leeman were also be sworn-in during the noontime ceremony.
A reception will follow at 6 PM at Ocean Gateway, during
which Mayor Brennan will deliver his inaugural address.
“I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started,” said
Brennan.
We have a new mayor - a shiny,
brand new mayor with some real
credentials.
By ORLANDO DELOGU
It began as something of a joke— a trickle of candidates - soon
grew to twenty; all of them out gathering signatures,
fundraising, shaking hands. You met them in Monument
Square, along Back Cove, at the Deering Oaks market. Many
were people you’ve never seen or heard of before, but they all
wanted to be Mayor -why not - at $65,000 a year and
unemployment what it is. But the signature gathering process
served its purpose— the truly witless and less serious were
weeded out. Twenty candidates were pruned down to a still-
large field of fifteen.
I must say, however, that as I observed them (often from afar)
they seemed an earnest lot--- well-intentioned, certain that they
could correct Portland’s ills, put us back on our feet. I actually
didn’t know that Portland was off its feet— that things were as
bad as many of the candidates portrayed them. I was fooled by
all those national magazines that said we were among the top
twenty outdoor, quality-of-life cities, top ten places to raise a
family, top ten food cities; among the best cities for access to
college and university-level educational opportunities. Silly me
- what do all those magazine people from away know. These
candidates convinced me - I need to stop feeling so good about
Portland, and start worrying a lot more than I have been.
In spite of their earnestness, looking at the fifteen candidates
did raise some concerns in my mind. A few seemed to have just
arrived in town, relatively speaking— been here a year, or three,
or five. They knew where Congress Street and City Hall were
but they surely didn’t have a feel for where Portland has been
over the last 20, 30, 40 years. And if you don’t know where we’
ve been, how could you know where we should be going? I
worried that so few of the candidates had any real “institutional
memory”— people, events, ideas tried (some successfully, some
not) to guide them in the mayoral tasks they would undertake.
Seems like there was a good deal of “chutzpah” in the field,
but not a lot of candidates with the sort of Portland background
I thought was needed to be mayor.
And while I’m on the subject of candidate qualifications, I was
troubled that so few had any real political experience— quite a
few wanted to start out near the top - MAYOR of the biggest city
in the state. Starting near the top doesn’t work in very many
fields of endeavor. I doubted it would produce the best mayor.
And not many of the fifteen candidates had any real business
experience either. Some had not even held a meaningful day
job. But they wanted to run a government that is in fact a $300
million dollar annual business. It seemed to me there was more
“chutzpah” in the field than real candidate qualifications.
One candidate asserted that: He’d proven he could do better. I
don’t know when he did that, or how. Maybe I was out of town
that day. He certainly proved he could raise a lot of money,
and put out a slick mailing. Finally, in what looked like a lean
election year, I loved the signs; they sprouted up everywhere; the
colors were great, and some had a little swing to them. And I
loved the jockeying around of the last few days - I'll scratch
your back if you scratch mine. But I don’t know that any of
these activities qualified one to be mayor, or made much
difference in the final analysis.
When all was said and done, Portland voters showed an
inordinate level of common sense; they waded through a
newfangled voting system - the chutzpah of some candidates,
and lack of experience of others, to elect a man (Michael
Brennan) with some real knowledge of Portland’s history, some
real political/job/business experience. There were one or two
other candidates who might have filled the bill, but none better
than the man Portland voters chose. I wish you well Mayor
Brennan--- good luck in your new office. Given the
circumstances facing the state and the nation, you'll need it.
That’s my view.
Vandalism, Attempted
Burglary Reported at Local
Market
A wooden bench was removed in broad daylight from the front
of the Fresh Approach market on Brackett Street on November
17th, and found the next day behind the building. Employees
say the bench, which consists of an eight-foot long, 2x12 piece
of lumber straddled across two large cinder blocks, was taken
sometime around 4 or 5 PM, when the store was in full
operation. The cinder blocks were not removed.
Employees put up notices of the theft on the front door of the
local market, and found the missing article in a pile of
discarded lumber behind the store the next day. It has been
returned to the front of the store, with two heavy metal bolts
now attaching it to the cinder blocks.
On Monday, November 28th, a burglar twice attempted to break
into the store by kicking in windows on the side of the building,
not realizing that an interior wall had been built behind the
windows years before. Police questioned a suspect whose boot
print reportedly matched a print left at the scene - complete with
glass embedded in the sole - but no arrest was made.
New Officers to be Elected at
WENA Annual Meeting
The next WENA meeting, to be held on Wednesday, December
14 at 6:30 PM, is the Annual Meeting for the Election of
Officers and Board Members. If you haven't already done so,
please bring $5.00 to pay your dues and vote. There will also be
a presentation about the Medical Marijuana Dispensary. WENA
meetings are held in the community space on the upper level of
the Reiche Community Center, adjacent to the Reiche
Community School at 166 Brackett Street. Meetings are at 6:30
PM, generally on the second Wednesday each month.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Local Bookstore Damaged in
Black Friday Flood
The Green Hand Bookstore received some water damage on
November 24th from an overflow in a bathroom above the store
at 661 Congress Street. When owner Michelle Souliere opened
the door of the shop around 10 AM, she smelled something she
described as "very strange." Next, she heard the sound of
dripping, and ran for the back of the store, and started moving
items away from the water, starting with her computer.
Water was dripping copiously from the area just in front of the
counter and the area behind, where her work area and
backstock sits. Water was trickling out near the counter from
where it was flooding the ceiling crawlspace that covers most of
the front part of the shop, and through the electrical fixtures
(lights and smoke detectors) and vents over the first row of
bookcases near the counter, and along the back wall of the work
area and the side wall. Miraculously, a lot of the books packed
into this space escaped unscathed, so while there were numerous
book casualties, overall it could have been much worse, said
Souliere. She was told by workmen in the building that
someone upstairs had stuffed a bunch of washcloths into a
drain.
The Portland Fire Department was quick to show up and
diminish the chances of an electrical fire, and brought in a
bunch of tarps to protect the books in the at-risk area, and they
helped lug books out of the way of the leak,
About a dozen friends gave up their day off to lug books and
help clean up the mess: Ross Kearney, Jan Wilkinson, Amie
and Dave Neikirk, Brandon Kawashima, Chad and Kristine
Pennell. Other local businesses in the area also helped out -
Local Sprouts donated much-needed buckets, the Merchant
Company donated boxes for demised books, and Coast City
Comics/Fun Box Monster Emporium provided totes for the
same purpose.
"It's a Gift...!"
Volume 11, Number 10 Portland, Maine
Volume 11, Number 10 Portland, Maine
Friday, December 2, 2011
Who Will
Replace Hinck
as West End
Representative?
West End State Representative Jon Hinck
announced in early November that he will
launch a campaign to win the Democratic
nomination to run for a seat in the US
Senate against Senator Olympia Snowe.
Hinck will face former Maine Secretary of
State Matthew Dunlap in a June, 2012
primary. Hinck will forego a bid for a
fourth term in the Maine Legislature in
order to make the senate run.
Among the possible candidates being
mentioned as successors to Hinck for the
District 118 seat are District 3 Portland
City Councilor Ed Suslovic, who was
defeated in a run for the seat against John
Eder, after Suslovic's legislative district
was combined with the West End district
in 2004. Suslovic says he is currently
focused on his City Council work, and has
not formed an exploratory committee or
made any definite plans to run. He said he
will see who else will be running for the
seat and will 'look around.' Eder, who held
the seat from 2002 to 2006, won a
scholarship to study in Ireland next spring.
At-Large City Councilor John Anton, who
lives in the West End, says he is
considering a run for Hinck's seat in the
State Legislature, but hasn't yet made up
his mind. West End City Councilor David
Marshall said he will be focusing his
efforts on being re-elected to his Council
seat in November 2012, and is not
interested in a run for the legislature.
Mayoral candidate Jodie Lapchick said that
she is focusing on rebuilding her
advertising agency business and working
with the West End Neighborhood
Association.
Neither the Green Independent Party or the
Republican Party have announced any
candidates for the open seat.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
FRANNIE
PEABODY
CENTER &
VICTORIA
MANSION
PARTNER FOR
WORLD AIDS
DAY EVENT
Who Will
Replace Hinck
as West End
Representative?
West End State Representative Jon Hinck
announced in early November that he will
launch a campaign to win the Democratic
nomination to run for a seat in the US
Senate against Senator Olympia Snowe.
Hinck will face former Maine Secretary of
State Matthew Dunlap in a June, 2012
primary. Hinck will forego a bid for a
fourth term in the Maine Legislature in
order to make the senate run.
Among the possible candidates being
mentioned as successors to Hinck for the
District 118 seat are District 3 Portland
City Councilor Ed Suslovic, who was
defeated in a run for the seat against John
Eder, after Suslovic's legislative district
was combined with the West End district
in 2004. Suslovic says he is currently
focused on his City Council work, and has
not formed an exploratory committee or
made any definite plans to run. He said he
will see who else will be running for the
seat and will 'look around.' Eder, who held
the seat from 2002 to 2006, won a
scholarship to study in Ireland next spring.
At-Large City Councilor John Anton, who
lives in the West End, says he is
considering a run for Hinck's seat in the
State Legislature, but hasn't yet made up
his mind. West End City Councilor David
Marshall said he will be focusing his
efforts on being re-elected to his Council
seat in November 2012, and is not
interested in a run for the legislature.
Mayoral candidate Jodie Lapchick said that
she is focusing on rebuilding her
advertising agency business and working
with the West End Neighborhood
Association.
Neither the Green Independent Party or the
Republican Party have announced any
candidates for the open seat.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
FRANNIE
PEABODY
CENTER &
VICTORIA
MANSION
PARTNER FOR
WORLD AIDS
DAY EVENT