YORK, Maine (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.
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