David

The first time I laid eyes on David was in 1968. We were both playing football for different teams in Southern Maine. He was the kicker for Thornton Academy. I sat on the bench for South Portland. We both went on to the University of Maine and ended up in the same math class. We would study together. The last time I saw David was in 1969. Until today.

David Wagabazza is from Uganda. His father, James, had been a high ranking official at the Ugandan Embassy in New York City for the government preceding Idi Amin. After college it wasn't safe for him to return home, so he stayed. "I love Maine," he said. One day I tracked him down on the internet and today we enjoyed a cup of coffee just down the street from Ryan's apartment and just up the street from his  Danforth Street business. He owns Vespucci's, a well known Portland west end pizza shop and convenience store and about 25 rental properties around Southern Maine. He married a woman from Wiscassett and has a 16 year old daughter who goes to Cheverus.

We talked about how much Portland has changed over the past 40 years. We talked about family and business and politics. He told me about his 32 brothers and sisters, about his father's death two years ago and being named sole beneficiary of his father's lands in Uganda. And of the contention and stress resulting from it. "They showed me their true colors." he said with disgust, "They want to kill me."

He has succeeded and done well as a Maine businessman. That, in itself, speaks volumes and I asked him what he thought of my old neighbor and fellow businessman, Governor Paul LePage. The socialist city of Portland despises our good governor and I laughed as David looked right and left before he lowered his voice, leaned forward and said "Don't tell anyone. I love the guy. He's doing what needs to be done to create jobs in Maine."

We made plans to get together again this summer before our time here in Maine comes to a close. He said "You've got to taste my spaghetti sauce. I learned how to make it working in restaurants in New York City. People think I'm an Italian because I own a pizza shop named Vespucci's. But when they meet me and taste my sauce, they say 'That black guy can cook!'"

Looking forward to it, old friend...