DOWN EAST NOTES

What's happening near the Review's headquarters on Casco Bay, Mane. Details in the Coastal Packet.

Michael Heath, the fiery anti-gay crusader who has led the far-right Maine Christian Civic League for fifteen years, has resigned. Notice of his departure comes just 45 days away from the statewide referendum on same-sex marriage, the right Heath has most doggedly opposed. Says he Phoenix: "No one (at least no one in Maine) could be counted on to be more vitriolic, more out-there-loony-fringe, more intolerant than Mike Heath when it came to acknowledging that gay people are people too.". . . The Portland city hall tower clock, restored in 2007, is running ten minutes fast. Says one city hall worker, "Those of us who work in City Hall are very aware of the chimes, and it was discussed. I sit in my office and I listen to those chimes and it tells me when I'm late for my meeting. But since it's off, I'm early.". . . A bear was spotted passing behind Sanford Junior High School on Main Street on Tuesday afternoon. Animal Control Officer Lauren Masellas described the bear as more than 100 pounds and approximating the size of a "good huskie-looking Saint Bernard."