Hopefully, you are all enjoying the beautiful weather this week! I am on semi-vacation, pinging back and forth between our campsite at Rangeley Lake and Biddeford.
No matter where you find yourself, this is a good week to be living in Maine.
This is also a very good week for those of us who closely follow local politics.
WELCOME TO BIDDEFORD POLITICS
Every two years, Biddeford voters select a mayor, city councilors and school committee members.
If you’re considering running for one of these positions, you first need to take out nomination papers and get the required number of signatures to place your name on the November ballot.
You should also read this piece I published last week regarding the pitfalls and benefits of public service.
This will be the Biddeford Gazette’s first election season, but I have been watching and reporting on this city’s local elections for nearly 30 years, and I can guarantee you the Gazette will be providing comprehensive coverage and the latest daily updates.
We are already running down information, including all the latest developments: reports of former councilors seeking a return; new faces considering a run, and incumbents who may or may not seek reelection.
There are already two candidates vying to be the city’s next mayor: Incumbent Marty Grohman and Councilor Norman Belanger. I would not be surprised to see some other people toss their hats into the ring. Stay tuned, and we’ll have some fun!
Nomination papers will be available beginning Thursday (July 24) at the City Clerk’s office.
A BIG MILESTONE
When Laura and I decided to formally start the Biddeford Gazette in January, we told ourselves we would not invest too much money into the venture and would wait six months before committing more time or resources.
Last week, the Gazette hit that six-month marker, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far.
The Gazette is not about me. The Gazette is about Biddeford, and our mission has not changed. We believe the city of Biddeford and its people deserve a dedicated, community-driven news source, something that has been missing for a few years now.
Over the last six months, the Biddeford Gazette has published 81 news stories, many of which were exclusive and most were reported days and even weeks before other media outlets filed reports.
We have also published 14 feature stories and seven “Community Voices” stories, which are written or submitted to us by other community members. That’s the part we’re really hoping to grow as we move forward.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have started a new business section, a rudimentary community calendar — and beginning this week we will launch our newest feature, FLUFF PIECES – a project we are doing in partnership with the Animal Welfare Society to feature a different pet available for adoption each week.
We received hundreds of clever and funny suggestions from the community about the naming of this new section. Thank you to all who offered so many very cool suggestions!
I am especially pleased to announce that we are also now in the process of putting together a seven-member community advisory board.
If the Gazette is going to truly serve the community, it must have the pulse of the people who live, work and play here. We need and want constructive feedback from the community. We want to hear a diversity of new ideas and suggestions.
I think that’s more than enough for one newsletter. Get out there and enjoy Maine’s beaches, lakes and public parks. Be safe and have fun!
As always, thank you for reading!
—Randy Seaver, editor
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 