BREAKING NEWS: Friedmann eyes state House seat being vacated by Lynne Williams

OTHER NEWS: Charles Sidman may run for council

BAR HARBOR - Bar Harbor Councilor Gary Friedmann has let it be known that he is extremely interested in running for the state legislature seat being vacated by State Rep. Lynne Williams, who has taken a job as a state hearing officer on worker compensation cases.

Williams said there likely will be a special election to replace her when she steps down in mid April.

If Friedmann runs for the state House instead of seeking re-election to the council, the two Town Council vacancies in June would be filled by the other two candidates, Planning Board member Cosmo Nims and citizen activist Charle Sidman, who on Wednesday took out an application to run for council at the municipal election June 11. Sidman was defeated by Earl Brechlin for council in June 2023.

Sidman said he didn’t want to run again, “but the project isn’t finished so I have to run again.”

Sidman said someone has to represent the interest of the citizens and to check and balance the council's disregard for their rights. He called the council’s recent actions to delay enforcement of the cap of cruise ship passengers an “illegal act.”

(Look for the APPLL crowd of businesses which sued unsuccessfully to overturn the cap to fiercely seek a candidate to prevent the above scenario).

Another person who has voiced interest in replacing Williams is Warrant Committee member Ezra Sassaman, although his interest is said not to be as strong as that of Friedmann.

Friedmann would be a formidable candidate for the 14th House District, which includes Bar Harbor, Cranberry Isles, Lamoine and Mount Desert.

His progressive politics and his record on environmental policies would be difficult to challenge in an extremely liberal district.

His views are more aligned with state and national politics than the ground war in Bar Harbor over cruise ship visits and tourism on which Friedmann’s record is spotty. He and Matt Hochman are the longest serving member of the council.

Friedmann runs a non-profit consulting business.

The QSJ will follow this story and others. Stay tuned.

TRIBUTE: Berten W. Willey

1936 - 2024

Berten W. Willey, 86, on March 16, 2024, in Surry. He was born in Bar Harbor, November 27, 1936, the son of the late Guilford M. and M. Eula (Ashe) Willey.

He was a bus driver for 18 years at Pemetic High School. He took over the company G. B. Willey & Sons as a stone mason, worked at David Rockfeller Estates at Ringing Point, Seal Harbor and Bartletts Island. He served many years on the Board of Selectman for the town of Southwest Harbor, 35 years of service on the Southwest Harbor Fire Department and retired as Deputy Chief.

All of the great-grandchildren made him smile every time he saw them. He enjoyed all the family gatherings at Toddy Pond.

He is survived by his son, Allen “Snap” Willey and wife Cindy; daughter, Diane Willey-Ward and husband John; grandchildren, Mike, Darren Robinson, Jennifer Sochulak and husband Clint; Derik Willey and wife Amanda; Shana Willey, Chris, Nathan and Spencer Ward; 11 great-grandchildren. Several nieces, nephews; and a great family from the Southwest Harbor Fire Department. He is predeceased by his wife, Fran Willey and brother Shirley.

A celebration of life will be held April 20,2024 1:00-3:00 at the Southwest Harbor Fire Department, 250 Main St., Southwest Harbor.

A private committal service will be held at Mt. Height Cemetery, Southwest Harbor.

Donations in Berten’s memory may be made to the Southwest Harbor Fire Association, P.O. Box 666, Southwest Harbor, 04679.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com