Keep Up: Recent Episodes
Cynthia Dill
John Lewis went to Oxford Hills High School and wanted to leave rural Maine. He had dreams of the big city where the action was and he did not want to go to college. Turns out he graduated from the University of Maine and now runs a business that helps manufacturers and wandering high school graduates looking for a different path to a bright future that side steps a bachelors degree. My guest this week is John Lewis, former Republican candidate for state senate in District 29 covering Cape Elizabeth and South Portland, Maine, in 2022 who lost that race but remains in the game as a player with a message for Cape residents: It's about the issues! Vote.
Is it a fact the Cape Elizabeth School Board has been underfunding the Capital Improvement Plan to the tune of $7.2M? Yes. Is it true putting $9.3 M into the CIP budget to cover essential repairs at the high school and elementary school will result in no tax increase? No.Tim Reiniger has facts and the evidence to back up his position. Too bad the Cape Courier, the local paper with its thumb on the issue, isn't interested. Are you? Listen up!
Holding Court with King of TV David Smith in Cape Elizabeth and Center Court in Tow Center by Cynthia Dill
Former US Senate Sergeant at Arms and local political legend Larry Benoit is voting "no" on the Cape Elizabeth $94.7M school bond come November 5th for a lot of very good reasons. The bottom line? The tax burden for residents far outweighs any educational benefits. And claims by the local school board that the proposed alternative $42M bond to cover the cost of essential renovations and repairs has not been vetted? "Disingenuous," Benoit says. "Utter nonsense."
Will Maine's New Law on Municipal Ballot Question Reporting Out Daddy War Bucks in Cape Elizabeth? by Cynthia Dill
How much money do Cape Elizabeth Schools need to educate kids? And what is it about free speech the Cape Elizabeth Democrats are afraid of? It's time for the Cape Underground. The latest podcast
"Smoke and mirrors" is what Cape Elizabeth Town Council Chair Tim Reiniger calls the latest legal threats by fanatics in this leafy community who hired a law firm to stop a bond measure of $42M for essential school repairs if the $90M "Middle Ground" proposal fails.Plus, breaking news! The campaign to re-elect Reiniger begins now.
The Supreme Court decision in Trump v. United States "highlights the hypocrisy of this version of the Supreme Court," legal scholar Marshall Tinkle says. And how about a little Herbie Hancock? An interesting conversation with an interesting guy.
News reporter and editor Gina Hamilton joins the show to give her take on the shooting yesterday of Donald Trump by 20 year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks at a Pennsylvania campaign rally. She's not surprised it happened, and lays the blame partly at the feet of violent rhetoric used by Trump and his campaign. Joe Biden, she says, reacted presidentially to the incident, and reminded people what leadership looks like. Biden called Mr. Trump, canceled campaign events, acknowledging the victims and their families, and strongly denounced political violence. Trump, on the other hand, continues to be all about himself, Hamilton says.So what about the conventions in Chicago and Milwaukee? Is past prologue?
Donald Trump took a bullet for democracy. That might do the trick for some swing voters, plus the public safety failure, Maine's Second Congressional District and more. Maine senior political analyst Phil Harriman joins the show the day after Donald Trump was shot. What does it mean for us?
You might think removing a portion of Sawyer Road that connects Cape Elizabeth with Scarborough, Maine is a good idea. You would be wrong. Find out why.
Host Cynthia Dill talks about Tuesday's primary in which she is a candidate in a tight 3-way primary using ranked choice voting, the importance of the new Cape Elizabeth Ad Hoc Privacy Advisory Committee, and how the liberal media fuels the culture wars.
Michael Hussey Returns with Message to Cape Leaders: Come Together on School Bond or Failure Imminent by Cynthia Dill
It almost seems like the Cape Elizabeth School Board is holding students at the high school and elementary school hostage. Okay, maybe that's melodramatic but compared to what? Unless it gets a brand new middle school, much needed repairs impacting the safety, comfort and security of students, staff and visitors are being delayed. And the fight is personal! These new parents who fled the big city during COVID want new schools NOW! So what's a small community to do? A coup, merci beaucoup.
Michael Hussey is a successful businessman, husband, father and member of Cape Elizabeth's SBAC - the ad hoc School Building Advisory Committee charged with putting a new school project out to the voters in November. He joins the show to talk about the 5/4 vote at the SBAC for "Option B," a $80 million dollar project, revelations from last night's school board workshop, and his letter to the editor in today's Cape Courier.
Tonight's show is about Cape Elizabeth local politics - schools, housing and the race for state representative. What else matters?
Kids these days. They care! This week Cynthia interviews a high school intern on why he wants to get involved in politics and what his generation cares about. What does Gen Z have to offer? Hope! Change.
Wednesday Night Gab - Housing Referendum, POD Babies, Blowhards and English Majors by Cynthia Dill
Politics is an art, not a science. To create something of value takes guts, a good idea and people capable of opening their minds. And having a laugh on occasion.
Alba Vinajero left El Salvador at the age of 16 and walked to America in search of a dream. The journey was perilous - and she spent years living in a dilapidated old trailer with no heat and a leaky roof while working tow jobs and raising three beautiful girls - but she made it. Find out how this week with a live interview with a happy ending.
Host Cynthia Dill has a view about the proposal at the Maine Legislature to amend the state constitution to protect "every person's" right to reproductive autonomy. What are men's rights?
This week our host gives three reasons Cape Elizabeth voters should send a nonbinding housing referendum question to the ballot.Plus, the State of Maine is about to join the Interstate Compact to Elect the President by National Vote. Why Now? Good question. Maybe because you want to re-elect Donald Trump.
Rain or shine we will see you tomorrow at one of the world's most beautiful spots to grow families, plus what to expect from Councilor Susan Gillis in April in Cape Elizabeth.
Maine's "Clean Election" financing for candidates comes wrapped with a giant bow made of red tape. Is it worth it to spend hundreds of hours chasing $5 contributions that require two signed receipts and several trips to town hall?Plus, Cape Elizabeth's gossipy private Facebook page has members apoplectic. Why?
You've heard of regulatory capture? The same thing is happening in small towns all over America in the housing market. Finance Bros showing up on boards and at meetings with a message to their neighbors. "Shucks, folks. The housing crisis is darn shame! I've run the numbers and what we actually need is a Wall Street-backed Section 8 housing project that will make my clients a lot of money," he says in his fleece vest and khakis."You're damn right!" chimes in the lobbyist for the bankers and real estate developers who make millions betting on the bleak housing market. "And anyone opposed is racist."The latest podcast on Cape Elizabeth housing politics.
It was a super Tuesday for the Dill for House District 123 campaign in beautiful coastal Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Our host finds herself in 3-way Democratic primary in a state that uses rank choice voting, semi-open primaries, and public financing of so-called "clean" candidates and scored big standing at the polls for the presidential primary doing the hard work of retail politics. Will it make a difference? Plus, mark your calendar for March 23rd! Another step on the journey to affordable housing at Gull Crest.
Political legend Harold Pachios, former Navy lieutenant, Associate White House Press Secretary under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and dedicated public servant joins the show to weigh in on Donald Trump and Israel Gaza war, among other things.As the former Chairman and longtime member of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, his assessment that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is a criminal has weight.
Donald Trump: Patriotism or Politics? Ethan Strimling on the Challenge Facing Voters in Maine by Cynthia Dill
Why Independent Maine Senator Angus King is disappointed in Susan Collins for supporting a good woman to run as a Republican against him, Prayers for Nikki Haley in New Hampshire and why Affordable Housing for kids in Cape Elizabeth might just make it on the ballot in November.
The Mobile Home Replacement Initiative works so well the Maine State Housing Authority canceled it - plus a site walk in Cape Elizabeth on February 11, 2024. Building affordable housing is the topic of this podcast. Enough reports! Enough bleak housing. Make American homes beautiful again!
Former City of Portland Mayor, Democratic State Senator and media personality Ethan Strimling joins the podcast tonight to talk about why he challenged the qualifications of Donald Trump to appear on the Maine primary ballot of March 5th as a Republican candidate for president and other political news.
The Maine legislature is back in session following the deadly shooting in Lewiston that killed 18 people and seriously wounded 13 others on October 26, 2023. Will gun safety laws pass? Is the legislature distracted by the bold action taken by Shenna Bellows to remove Donald Trump off the ballot? Tune in!
A New Years Day show about the road ahead. "A voice of moderation and common sense fighting fringe and the Welfare-Industial Complex at home and abroad."Buckle up and stay tuned!
The Colorado Supreme Court's decision to deny Donald Trump ballot access because he engaged in an insurrection could impact Maine - but should it? Gina Hamilton ( 6:15) thinks Maine's open primary may be the better route to defeating the Republican firebrand who likely will gain strength under fire. And guess who wants to now build affordable housing on Cape Elizabeth athletic fields? The same crowd who opposes it. All this craziness and more this week. Don't miss it.
New Cape Elizabeth Town Councilor Stephanie Anderson on what she just did about housing by Cynthia Dill
For the first time in 2024 Maine primary voters will be able to cast a ballot for any party candidate on Super Tuesday. Some moderate Democrats like host Cynthia Dill have plans to use the semi-open primary law strategically to block Trump by voting for Nikki Haley. Will the plan work? Phil Harriman, former Republican state senator and political commentator weighs in.
Friday Night Talk - Congratulations to Cape Elizabeth Winners and Community Housing by Cynthia Dill
Nine days after the shooting in her home town of Lewiston, Maine, where a deadly shooting took the lives of 18, seriously injured 13 and traumatized countless others, State Representative Margaret Craven is back at trying to get better laws passed to address responsible gun ownership."We can't allow people who are so attached to their weapon to have the last word." Margaret Craven
Lewiston, Maine is still under lock down following the mass shooting that killed 18 and injured 13 Wednesday night, and Robert Card, the alleged killer, is still on the lam armed and dangerous. So what has changed? State Rep Margaret Craven joins us again to discuss the about face her Congressman, Jared Golden, made last night in a surprise announcement.
The biggest manhunt in Maine history is underway searching for the killer who killed 18 people and wounded at least 13 others with an assault weapon in Lewiston, Maine. The suspect, Robert Card, remains at large despite the presence of 350 law enforcement officers and reported to be armed and dangerous. The City of Lewiston is in lock-down. Joining Cynthia by phone is State Representative Margaret Craven who spoke by phone from her home in Lewiston at 4:30 pm.
Open the Courthouse Doors! An interview with Don Fontaine - and Housing Winners in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
The Jim Jordan Shit Show, My Crush on Nikki Haley and who is Patrick McHenry? by Cynthia Dill
This week Cynthia talks with Sunjournal Reporter Steve Collins about the race for Maine's sprawling rural district that twice supported Donald Trump for president and has sent Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat, to Congress three times. What's next for this purple corner of America?
The opponents of building affordable housing on a beautiful parcel of land known as Gull Crest in Cape Elizabeth have a new theory. Now that the feasibility question has been answered - the latest attack is on moral grounds. They would have you believe it's more ethical NOT to develop affordable housing near a capped landfill than developing it. The logic is ass-backwards, but there you have it.
Maine State Housing Authority gobbles up millions of public dollars and what do we get? Not loans, apparently, or new homes if you desperately need one.
Armies of bureaucrats and lawmakers on the public dime working feverishly spinning red tape and doing the runaround. As if winter is not coming and they deserve to get paid.
And to the coward who defaced my neighbor's shiny white car's Trump bumpersticker, impulse control is for babies.
It's a rant of sorts - plus good news about affordable housing in Cape Elizabeth
Big development for the development of affordable housing in one of Maine's most affluent communities. "Community Housing," i.e. affordable housing on publicly owned land - is feasible! Don't just take Cynthia Dill's word for it. The experts have weighed in and the resounding message is clear. "It can be done, and it should be done!"
Look Who's Rooting for Wagner in Russia - and Community Housing Film Debut Monday by Cynthia Dill
Cynthia Dill to Portland Rotary Club, "Affordable Housing in Cape Elizabeth should include kids." by Cynthia Dill
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who celebrate! Tonight's show features a conversation with Tim Thompson, Vice Chair of the Cape Elizabeth Housing Diversity Study Committee. What can we expect and when can we expect it?
Exciting developments for anyone following the housing issue in Cape Elizabeth, Maine - a seaside village of 9300 people just south of foodie-artsy Portland. At a housing committee meeting last night the embattled town planner conceded there is likely 10 acres of buildable land that "we the People" own AND the code enforcement officer says 10 acres is all we need to build Multiplex Housing AND the new state law, LD 2003, says if we make Community Housing an "affordable housing development" we get a bonus density. BINGO! It looks like we could have ourselves some affordable housing, Captain.
Today marks the first year anniversary of Russia's war with Ukraine. The bravery of those fighting for their lives and for democracy is remarkable. The least we can do is act on our good intentions to create desperately needed housing. Tonight's podcast is a path forward.
The road to affordable housing in Maine communities is paved with good intentions and the potholes tricky to navigate. Should you need a lawyer to buy a new mobile home in America? This week's podcast pits a true story of need against the politics of a small town.
After a bout of self-imposed radio silence Cynthia has an updated message about affordable housing in Maine and Cape Elizabeth. Mobile Home Micro Loans and Community Housing can help us get there.
Maine incumbent Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, took the stage tonight with challenger Paul LePage, a former Republican Governor, for the final debate before next week's election. It was ho-hum until the end when BAM! Viewers were faced with Donald Trump practicing witchcraft at a rally in Iowa and suddenly Paul LePage is dangerous. Why?
"Janet Mills wins," and other observations from tonight's debate with Paul LePage on Newscenter by Cynthia Dill
Nick Murray from the Maine Policy Institute joins the podcast tonight after Democratic Governor Janet Mills and former Republican Governor Paul LePage took the stage in Portland for an hour long debate with moderators Greg Lagerquist from CBS Channel 13 and Mike Shepherd from the Bangor Daily News.
Friday Night Talk - Public Forum on Housing Announced for Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
Former Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap joins the show this week to talk about his recent success, and what the stench of Eliot Cutler does to ranked choice voting and the upcoming elections.
Michael Friedland, Sustainable Wood and a Call for Change in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
This week's show touches on the interview Cynthia had with former Cape Elizabeth principal Jeff Shedd about affordable housing in town, plus some examples of overreach by the town planner worthy of debate.
Liz Cheney is Luke Skywalker - May The Force Be With Her today in Wyoming by Cynthia Dill
Plan B may be dead but Community Housing lives on. Don't miss the final episode of the premier season on affordable housing done right in one of Maine's prettiest coastal towns.
Madmen, keystone cops and what to do if a shooter burdens you with his plans by Cynthia Dill
Beware of Bankers Peddling Affordable Housing - the latest on Plan B for Community Housing in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
Dunham Court, Plan A for Affordable Housing in Cape Elizabeth. You do the Math. by Cynthia Dill
The enemy of the truth is the enemy of the People. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the astounding courage of Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rallied the world in solidarity. It’s brought moral clarity and for the host, a moral imperative.
Mike Violette on Hot Mic Mess for Maine Basketball Hall of Famer Steve Shaw by Cynthia Dill
Is the ERA obsolete? And more about Plan B for Affordable Housing in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
More talk about the Cape Elizabeth Housing Referendum -- this time it's Cynthia being interviewed by a local reporter, Drew Johnson of. the Forecaster.
Never doubt a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world. This week's podcast is a conversation with Stephanie Anderson about how our community came together.
The final numbers are in for the coalition of volunteer petitioners seeking a referendum on the controversial housing project, Dunham Court. If you're a numbers person listen up.
Why Jessica Sullivan is Petitioning for a Housing Referendum in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
Why Matthew Faulkner is Working for Housing Referendum in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
Today's show is an interview with Richard Berman, a philanthropist and retired real estate developer from Cape Elizabeth, Maine where a controversial low-income housing project is proposed for the town green. Known for creating "Hope House" in Portland for refugees with his wife Theresa, Berman is a spiritual guy losing sleep over "Dunham Court" and the divisive campaign its wrought on a community with a vision for a village gathering place.
How Alex Cornell du Houx rescued women athletes, journalists and judges from Afghanistan by Cynthia Dill
Why I oppose the so-called Affordable Housing Project in Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
Town Councilor Penny Jordan on "affordable housing" project in tony Cape Elizabeth by Cynthia Dill
By day Keith Luke is the Economic Development Director of Augusta, Maine's capital city, but come the weekends he's often at the race track sipping mint juleps with his elegant date, snapping a few photos and hopefully enjoying a winning experience. Find out how Luke became a hore racing enthusiast and owner in this week's show.
Beth Herriman created the dooloop - a pet accessory to hold bags of dog poop. Three trade marks, one patent and $150,000 later she is selling her product around the globe. Find out what drove her to the market.
Renee Bunker was a federal prosecutor and NCAA Division 1 athlete and she suffered for decades with an eating disorder. It's National Eating Orders Awareness week. If you or somebody you know might need help or if you are curious about eating disorders, don't miss it! There is hope.
After the polls closed on Election Day, I spoke with Bobby Reynolds, political consultant and former staffer for Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine and Darnely Stewart, Democrat, in New York City.
It's 4 days before the 2020 and all eyes are on Maine. Donald Trump is fighting for one electoral college vote in the north's second congressional district, and the US Senate race between Republican Incumbent Susan Collins and Democrat Sara Gideon has drawn over $150 million, could determine what party controls the senate, and is in a dead heat with 4% undecided going into the polls next week. Mary Ann Lynch joins the podcast to talk about the race from her view. She voted for Biden and Collins.
My interview with Sun Journal reporter Steve Collins following the second and final debate between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, his Democratic challenger.
The takeaway: Thank God we don't have to watch another debate!
This Is Keep Up! I’m Your Host Cynthia Dill, Podcasting From My Beautiful Studio In Portland, Maine. It’s Thursday October 8th, 2020 Following The First And Only Debate Between Vice President Mike Pence And Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris. Joining Me By Phone To Talk About It Is Spencer Thibodeau, Senior Advisor To The Biden For President Campaign In Maine.
Wow! The first presidential debate was a shit show. Did anyone win? Joining the show by phone minutes after Donald Trump and Joe Biden duked it out from Cleveland, Ohio is Gina Hamilton, Editor in chief at the New Maine Times, investigative journalist, writer and economic analyst.
The ballots in Maine have been printed but a court challenge could put the brakes on ranked-choice voting as it pertains to the race for president of the United States. Then what? Despite the myriad challenges this election season presents, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has confidence in the integrity of the system. Listen and find out why!
This week Cynthia's guest is "Saint Anne" McCarthy, wife of Large at Barstool Sports, on her relationship with the stock market, Willie Colon and living her best life with the pain of 9/11
Adam Lee, Chairman of Lee Auto Mall and socially active man about town in Maine joined host Cynthia Dill for conversation about cars, politics and what America's love for pick up trucks says about November and Donald Trump.
Did virtual DNC work? Maggie Rogers who? Can Trump win RNC? Stephanie Clifford weighs in. by Cynthia Dill
Senior Adviser to the Biden for President campaign Spencer Thibodeau joined the show 81 days before the November 3rd election. Will race be on the ballot in Maine? What to do with the #BernieOrBust crowd, COVID, the USPS and what it means to fight for the soul of the nation.
Harold Pachios on WWII, the pandemic, and the death of idealism in American Politics by Cynthia Dill
Emily Cain, Executive Director of Emily's List, on Why Sen. Susan Collins Needs to Go by Cynthia Dill
Why Does British Journalist Freddy Gray Want Girls to be Mothers and Cleaners but not Queens? by Cynthia Dill
Bob Johnson, Co-Founder of Scratch Bakery, on Staying Alive and Grateful During Coronavirus by Cynthia Dill
Why is her secret to a successful and engaging life? Where does her commitment to service and engagement? "Women can do a lot more than they think they can do," she says. "They need to practice."
Today’s guest is Freddy Gray, deputy editor of the Spectator, a weekly British magazine on politics, culture and current affairs, editor of The Spectator US edition, and presenter of the Americano podcast. I spoke to Freddy Gray by phone on March 24,2020
What song will she sing for the wildly popular and Maine-based Quarantine Karaoke Facebook page? How can people connect with music and support the industry during the Coronavirus?
CORRECTION: Aimsel Ponti lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, not South Portland.
Danielle Waugh, TV News Investigative Reporter in Florida on Coronavirus, the election and Tom Brady by Cynthia Dill
Civil Rights Lawyer and renowned New York City activist and leader Darnley Stewart thought she was retired until the Coronavirus changed everything. Now she's tasked with keeping residents of the 32 apartments in her building safe as the association's board president including a widowed 85 year-old woman and pregnant woman. NOTE: Moments after the show was recorded Governor Cuomo issued an order for all non-essential New Yorkers to stay home
Mike Tipping, Maine People's Alliance, looking ahead at the Democratic Primary by Cynthia Dill
Turns out "40 sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits brought against Mike Bloomberg by 64 women" is fake news.
Keeping Up with Darnley Stewart, Civil Rights Lawyer and Democratic Activist, on Mike Bloomberg and the 2020 race for the White House by Cynthia Dill
Keeping Up with David Farmer, Political Consultant and Newspaper Columnist by Cynthia Dill
Keeping Up with Matthew Gagnon, Radio Host and CEO of Maine Heritage Policy Center by Cynthia Dill
Will the Maine Republican Senator's vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court cause her defeat in 2020? Not according to my sources.
The Kirk Minihane Show is offended and outraged by Smugsy's latest episode, wherein she calls for Blind Mike to be put in the penalty box for the disturbing interview with Mama Geary.
Good news and not so good news for President Trump coming from the Granite State, and why Joe Biden took a nose dive.
Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling joined me in the studio on Tuesday for a conversation about his bid to be re-elected on November 5th for a second 4-year term. Should City Manager Jon Jennings resign if Strimling wins? Has ranked choice voting made the campaign more friendly? Does the Chamber of Commerce wield too much power at city hall? Tune in!
On this day 15th day in October 2019 "Smugsy" was born on the Kirk Minihane Show. What could possibly go wrong?
Keeping Up with Andy Smith, Director, UNH Survey Center, on public opinion research and impeachment by Cynthia Dill
93,000 signatures were delivered to the Maine Secretary of State's office on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 to repeal Maine's new mandatory vaccination law. I caught up with a Republican legislator at the state house (whose kids are vaccinated) and asked her why she is opposed to the bill.
I asked New Jersey senator and democratic presidential candidate Cory Booker why suburban white women should vote for him while he was in was in Portland on September 7th. Here's what he said.
Mayor Pete, a democratic candidate for president, was in Portland, Maine and Henry Beck did the introduction. Hear why Beck thinks he's picked a winner, and more.
Cynthia's sister Linda Finn throws a great party! This special edition honors and celebrates her birthday by hearing from party guests directly why they admire and love Linda.
Keeping Up with the Elizabeth Warren Campaign at Ron Abramson's House in Bow, New Hampshire by Cynthia Dill
It was Welcome Back Day at the Maine State House on May 8th and I had fun interviewing some of the distinguished people with whom I had the honor and privilege of serving.
It was Welcome Back Day at the Maine State House on May 8th and I had fun interviewing some of the distinguished people with whom I had the honor and privilege of serving.
Keeping Up with Spencer Thibodeau, Portland City Councilor and Candidate for Mayor by Cynthia Dill
Keeping Up with Marty Grohman, Independent Candidate for Congress ME CD1 by Cynthia Dill