A bulldozer in a china shop
I was on my way out the door late last week headed for Baxter State Park when the story broke about John Martin and his bulldozer clearing its way through a protected zone along the Allagash River.
Oh, to be a fly on the roof of the cab of Martin's dozer as he trundled along, flattening everything in his path.
What fun!
To be able to defy state law like that must be exhilarating!
To heck with the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. To heck with the River Driver's Agreement. To heck with Department of Conservation.
Protected wild and scenic rivers?
Bah!!
I'm John Martin, the almightiest State Senator (D-Eagle Lake), and I can do anything.
Such defiance of civilized law is only for the chosen few. And clearly Martin must a member of that lofty group.
You want riverfront access? You got it.
Just call John Martin's wrecking crew. They come complete with bulldozers and chainsaws. And work quick and cheap (and in the dark of night).
By the way John, you got any spare election ballots hanging around the house?
Mr. Martin certainly has a reputation that is less than desirable. Whether he broke and laws or not, he approach was not one that anyone of us should use as a fine example of diplomatic negotiations.
I really haven't taken sides on this issue except to say that I don't think he should have done what he did , right or wrong.
With that said, Carey don't inflame the story by describing his antics as "as he trundled along, flattening everything in his path."
The rest of the media has done a good enough job of convincing the Maine people that Martin built a new road.
I think it is fair to say that you are a bit on the angry side with Mr. Martin but strange as it may appear to you and others, those living in the St. John River Valley might not fully agree with your perspective.
As much as I appreciate and read your columns, I'll wait for the flames to die down and then read what you have to say about the entire incident.
Posted by
TomJuly 17, 2006 02:26 PM
You've gotta admit Tom, the visual of Martin, former Maine Speaker of the House, in a dozer trucking down the Michaud Farm Road bent on doing a little "road clearing" is a hilarious one.
Posted by
CareyJuly 17, 2006 02:32 PM
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