After promising to seek Clean Election funds, and then failing to collect enough initial contributions to have a shot at qualifying, Green party gubernatorial candidate Lynne Williams has now announced that she "will not use taxpayer funds" for her campaign. Cloaked in objections to the recent changes to the campaign, the message sounds like just about any other politician facing troubles and refusing to admit them honestly.

Community organizer and unsuccessful city council candidate Tina Smith was elected chair of the Portland Green-Independent Committee last night. Smith, who made Portland's arts scene and immigrant-rights the two centerpieces of her campaign, had this to say in a press release: "There's still a lot of fresh energy kicking around after the election lending us the opportunity to connect with the community, do define who we are and what we represent."

Lots of goings-on on the Hill these days...

-- State legislative candidates will entertain questions at the St. Lawrence Arts Center this evening, at a debate hosted by the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization. Ed Democracy and Diane Russell, who are facing off to represent the East End and the Old Port, will start the evening at 7 p.

What's this about?

“I am initiating a recall of District 1 Portland City Councilor, Kevin Donoghue, because of his general lack of sympathy for the needs and concerns of the people of District 1 and the city of Portland. I have my own particular set of specifics and the more people I talk to the more I find that others have their own set of specifics.

Some of the fiddleheads around are actually starting to open, but there are still plenty to be found. It's a great wild, local, organic food. Pickled fiddleheads are my faves, but boiled and steamed are OK. (If they have to be hot, I'll take steamed, thank you.)

Here are a couple places you can get recipes on preparing fiddleheads: The Heart of New England, and Wild Harvest Gourmet

When Portland's city councilors passed the $185 million 2008-09 budget on Monday evening, they saved the Reiche branch of the Public Library (at least for now), but slashed 10 of the city's polling places. This will save approximately $15,000. The cuts will NOT affect voters on June 10 (the upcoming primary election), but the impact may be felt in November.