JUDGE MICHAEL CANTARA’S DECISION TO SET BAIL AT $250 IS MET WITH OUTRAGE

 Portland Press Herald reports Judge Michael Cantara’s” decision to set bail at $250 for a man who is charged with trying to outrun police on the Maine Turnpike was met with outrage Tuesday.”

While I do not believe the reports of the mainstream media, I am concerned about the “officials” who are involved in the stories being reported. The “revolving doors” in Augusta and within the state are of most concern to me. I am aware of the double standard of justice and selective prosecutions by District Attorneys and State Attorneys General “turned” judges.

In this particular case, “the bail was part of an agreement between the prosecutor and defense attorney.”

Michael Cantara began his “political” career as District Attorney of York County. “Deals” were the way of doing business in the D.A.’s office. I, for one, refused his “deal” in 1991. (From the files of Philip Castora, Private Investigator, letter to D.A. Cantara – no action taken.)

In January 2003 Governor Baldacci Cantara nominated Michael Cantara Commissioner of Department of Public Safety. In March of 2003, Mark Lawrence was unanimously selected by York County Democrats to succeed Michael Cantara as District Attorney and complete the unexpired term of former District Attorney Michael Cantara. Mark Lawrence was former president of the Maine Senate (1996 to 2000).

As the “revolving doors” continue in Augusta, in December 2006 Governor John Baldacci nominated Michael P. Cantara for judgeship. States Governor Baldacci, his nominee has ” demonstrated outstanding leadership” and he is “confident that (Michael Cantara) will serve the State with utmost integrity… and wisdom to Maine’s citizens and courts.”

Integrity and wisdom are not the criteria for judgeship, it’s who you know on the other side of the “revolving door.”

For Governor Baldacci’s latest “last minute” appointment, see previous blog

“SENATE CONFIRMS RE-APPOINTMENT OF JUDGE CHRISTINE FOSTER“

SENATE CONFIRMS RE-APPOINTMENT OF JUDGE CHRISTINE FOSTER

 The Senate confirmed the re-appointment of Judge Christine Foster.
see article

Governor John Baldacci and Senator Elizabeth Mitchell pushed the re-appointment of Judge Christine Foster through rather quickly. Governor Baldacci called the session for Friday so the Senate could consider his nomination of Judge Christine Foster of Portland for re-appointment to the District Court bench. Was there a public hearing on this? There’s a pending complaint against Judge Foster before the Committee on Judicial Responsibility and Disability. Why didn’t this come up by members of the committee? Oh……perhaps because judges sitting on this committee are involved with Foster’s continued judicial misconduct, obstruction of justice and extortion? The Committee on Judicial Responsibility and Disability must be rid of judges and attorneys. The policy of policing themselves must end! It’s time for judges to be elected by the people and this would eliminate any “improprieties” that appear to exist.

Before joining the District Court, Christine Foster was Assistant Attorney General for Maine for seven years (1989 to 1996). Judge Foster, as with most judges appointed to the bench, come out of the Attorney General’s office – a huge root of the problem in the judicial system.

Another interesting point in the Senate’s re-appointment of Governor Baldacci’s nomination of Judge Foster and the information posted to the maine.gov website. On Friday, November 19, 2010 I heard on the early morning news that Gov. Baldacci nominated Judge Christine Foster for another 7 years. I looked into the Maine Senate webpage and discovered the following.

In Senate Chamber, Friday, November 19, 2010.

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 5, Part 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and the laws of the State of Maine, the Senate convened in the Senate Chamber at Ten o’clock in the morning and was called to order by President ELIZABETH H. MITCHELL of Kennebec County.”  There is something wrong with this picture.  The ten o’clock Senate confirmation session was posted at 7:30 A.M.

—– Original Message —–

From: pcastora

To:

Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 7:30 AM

Subject: Judge Christine Foster

It appears that Senator Elizabeth Mitchell got a few senators together, for a quorum, to get Judge Foster back on the bench before the Republicans take control.

Judicial reform in Maine is imperative.  This has been ignored for decades by past legislators and governors. This new administration has a duty and obligation to the people to look into the corruption and failed policies within Maine’s judicial system. The remedy for this “disease” can only come from one place……….the people!

Still Waiting Elizabeth Mitchell!

Current President of the Maine Senate, Elizabeth Mitchell, is a gubernatorial candidate in the upcoming 2010 November election. “Mainers want a governor who has an open conversation with them about the issues facing our state. They don’t want a candidate who ducks debates and hides from questions,” Arden Manning, the Democrats Victory 2010 campaign manager. See article here.

Elizabeth Mitchell has “ducked” issues since her tenure as Speaker of the House in 1996 and shielded (then former A.G.) Andrew Ketterer’s blatant disregard for the law and violations of rights against individuals of the state of Maine. As a representative of the people of Maine, her unresponsiveness continues today. The State of Maine, and its people, cannot move forward unless, and until, the necessary steps are taken to rectify the fraud, waste and abuse being perpetrated at the expense of honest, decent, and hardworking people of Maine. I’m STILL waiting for a response to my most recent letter sent on November 22, 2009. I did not receive a response from her, from Speaker of the House, Rep. Hannah Pingree nor others who were copied.
See my letter to Libby Mitchell here.

Are officials refusing to review documented evidence of Medicaid fraud because the recipient of said funds is a campaign contributor? This matter was first brought to (former congressman) John Baldacci in 2002.

Why are my requests to view documents in the Biddeford Community Development Office pertaining to HUD funds awarded to Tim Q. Ly denied? Biddeford City Councilor Bob Mills claims that I cannot see these financial statements because this “comes under the Privacy Act.” Mills conveniently sits on the council and is (was) Manager of Maine-Ly Realty LLC owned by Tim Q. Ly, two individuals who conspired “behind closed doors” with Biddeford City officials to steal my home….and Bob Mills lives in MY home! Birds of a feather……

I would appreciate your help in lighting a fire under Libby Mitchell to get her to respond to my correspondence. We all deserve an answer!

Connect the dots to the pattern of official corruption. See Categories: City of Biddeford, Governor John Baldacci.