I knew the cover story in this month’s issue of The Bollard would provoke strong reactions, but I didn’t know what kind of responses to expect. In “Cornered: Portraits of Portland’s traffic panhandlers,” local photojournalist Doug Bruns took pictures of … Continue reading
On its face, the argument in favor of selling Congress Square Park to the redevelopers of the adjacent Eastland Park Hotel is a strong one. The sunken concrete square in downtown Portland is a “failed” public space where the homeless … Continue reading
We learned this week that city officials and business leaders in Portland have been secretly at work on a new marketing campaign for our municipality and have apparently settled on a slogan that will soon be revealed to the masses. … Continue reading
Working as a journalist and columnist over the past 15 years, I’ve developed a pretty thick skin. I can’t begin to count the number of times someone has attacked my character, called me names, trashed my writing or told me … Continue reading
It’s the start of another award season, the time of year when daily and weekly papers “poll” their readers to determine the best restaurants, shops, arts organizations and tattoo parlors, then publish special supplements and get tacky plaques made for … Continue reading
It takes guts to be an artist, to devote time and talent to making artwork and putting it in front of the public, where it’s subject to criticism (constructive and otherwise) or, worse, indifference. I admire that kind of courage. … Continue reading
As you read this, I’m probably delivering the April issue of The Bollard, driving around southern Maine in my ’98 Saturn coupe, its shocks straining under the weight of several thousand copies. Once a month, on a Thursday, the printer’s … Continue reading
Hey, everybody. I’m Portland Mayor Dave Marshall, and I’m stoked to deliver the 2016 State of the City address. Oh, and sorry I’m late — I forgot what time this inauguration thing was supposed to be. When you elected me the … Continue reading
The developer who designed a six-story condo complex for S. Donald Sussman is suing the fabulously wealthy hedge fund manager and Maine media mogul, as well as the attorney representing Sussman in the deal, on grounds that he’s been stiffed … Continue reading
The alleged arson that damaged Colucci’s Hilltop Market on Munjoy Hill last weekend and gutted three apartments above the store is disturbing to me on two levels. For one thing, it’s unsettling to imagine the scene that preceded it. Store … Continue reading
