It may be legal for Gary Friedmann to hold both town and state offices. And it may serve Friedmann's self interest. But it is a disservice to town and state residents. Friedmann should be grateful for the House nomination and respectful of the demands of the job. Wanting to hold two offices is greedy poor judgement. And the compromised Bar Harbor Town Clique needs new members to function as a council.
Gary Friedmann has a poor record on government transparency and respecting the participation of community members and the rights of residents. Whatever his policy agendas, as a councilor Friedmann's been party to dubious procedural actions - the abuse of Executive Sessions to hide council activities and attempts to silence community members he does not agree with.
Friedmann is a senior member on a Town Council which has disgraced itself in its unconditional support for a Town Manager who came with civil rights violations red flags, lived up to them and worse, until the council disappeared him overnight with a platinum parachute and a non disclosure agreement. The council continues to mightily disgrace itself in its cruise ship shenanigans.
That said, regarding the Maine State House seat. Given the state of the Republican party, good governance depends on keeping a Democratic majority. Especially with the Republican wrecking crew demolishing Federal protections for civil rights. Keeping a Democratic majority may be the only reason to vote for Friedmann, but it is more than sufficient reason. It is essential. We'll just have to be diligent in keeping an eye on him to see what he's up to in Augusta.
Once again, you fail to mention why Young is the FORMER police chief. Much more relevant than your comments on some of the other candidates.
The more things are forbidden, the more popular they become. - Mark Twain
It may be legal for Gary Friedmann to hold both town and state offices. And it may serve Friedmann's self interest. But it is a disservice to town and state residents. Friedmann should be grateful for the House nomination and respectful of the demands of the job. Wanting to hold two offices is greedy poor judgement. And the compromised Bar Harbor Town Clique needs new members to function as a council.
Gary Friedmann has a poor record on government transparency and respecting the participation of community members and the rights of residents. Whatever his policy agendas, as a councilor Friedmann's been party to dubious procedural actions - the abuse of Executive Sessions to hide council activities and attempts to silence community members he does not agree with.
Friedmann is a senior member on a Town Council which has disgraced itself in its unconditional support for a Town Manager who came with civil rights violations red flags, lived up to them and worse, until the council disappeared him overnight with a platinum parachute and a non disclosure agreement. The council continues to mightily disgrace itself in its cruise ship shenanigans.
That said, regarding the Maine State House seat. Given the state of the Republican party, good governance depends on keeping a Democratic majority. Especially with the Republican wrecking crew demolishing Federal protections for civil rights. Keeping a Democratic majority may be the only reason to vote for Friedmann, but it is more than sufficient reason. It is essential. We'll just have to be diligent in keeping an eye on him to see what he's up to in Augusta.