YORK (AP) — A politician, historian and author who worked to save Portsmouth Naval Shipyard — twice — has died.
Neil Rolde, who was 85, was a state representative from 1974 to 1999 before he lost a U.S. Senate bid to Republican Bill Cohen. The long-time Democrat led the charge to save the shipyard when it was threatened with closure, and was also known for his efforts as a historian and author.
Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree called the longtime York resident a mentor and friend who was “a true believer in the adage that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
He also held positions with Maine Public, Maine Historic Preservation Commission; Maine Arts and Humanities Commission; Seacoast Shipyard Association; and the University of New England.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less