Political turbulence in Rumford is often comical. Outbursts, clandestine tree-cuttings and improvisational dismissals have traces of farce. This dysfunction, however, stops being funny when it seriously impacts the community.

As it now has.

Two young Rumford leaders are departing their important positions as victims of or actors in the town’s ceaseless political sniping.

Jim Doar, an affable and capable city manager, has decided to leave his post at the expiration of his contract.

And Seth Carey, a son of Rumford who became embroiled in its politics, was forced from his referendum drive for a casino in Oxford County, an idea he has crisscrossed the state, fought for and sued for over several years.

Doar is probably leaving his new home. Carey just wanted to stay home. Now neither can achieve their desire to help the community.

Since the beginning of his term last year, Doar has deserved better. He brought optimism, change and a young family to Rumford, which has just experienced controversy around former manager Steve Eldridge.

Yet it seems, for every hand extended to Doar, another chopped at his knees. He was maligned and insulted, and accused of conspiring with cabals against Rumford’s best interests. His departure was unsurprising.

Carey is another story. His current troubles regarding his behavior are intertwined with Rumford’s vicious political scene. Carey is headstrong, opinionated, idealistic and youthful – qualities both good and bad.

But most of all – and please pardon the name pun – Carey cares. This casino plan is his alone. Although Evergreen Mountain Enterprises can replace his position, it cannot replace Carey’s enthusiasm for this project.

This casino was his grand plan for revitalizing his home.

We’ve strenuously questioned every aspect and detail of the casino proposal from the start, but we’ve never disagreed Carey’s intent was always to bring economic development home. If anything, Rumford needs more people who match Carey’s desire to create jobs, people who are committed to the betterment and preservation of the community.

But the politics got him, too. His hearings before the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar have centered on the town’s poisonous political atmosphere. It’s not accurate to call Carey a victim of circumstances, but it’s fair to say he’s a product of his environment.

And it’s cost him his dream. Whether we, or anybody else, agrees or disagrees with the merits of casino gambling, there’s nothing positive about a person who wants the best for their home having their aspirations crumble.

What’s happened to Doar and Carey is almost heartbreaking. Are we too sensitive? No; we feel for them because they are real people, now cast into uncertain futures.

Even as loony as Rumford politics have been, this is nothing to joke about.