Mayor refuses to give up on plan to oust Angers

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman seems ready to take another bite at the apple when it comes to ousting Roch Angers from the planning board, despite broad public opposition.

On Tuesday, Grohman presented the council with his recommendation to remove Angers from the Biddeford Planning Board.  Only councilor William Emhiser was willing to take up the matter, but his motion failed to get a second from another member of the council.

While most people considered the issue dead on arrival, Grohman says he is still exploring ways to remove Angers from the board.  

On August 5, Angers, a member of the planning board, brought his own personal concerns to the council regarding how the city was handling the University of New England’s proposal to construct a large pier near its Biddeford campus.

RELATED: Planning board member blasts city council

When contacted by the Gazette on Friday, Grohman remained steadfast in his effort to remove Angers. 

“I don’t think it is something that can be ignored,” Grohman said. “We can’t have people doing whatever they want on boards and commissions, there are rules that need to be followed.” 

Grohman says the complaint, which was lodged by Alexa Plotkin, chair of the planning board, should be heard before the council.

Several councilors we spoke to say they do not understand why or how the mayor intends to move forward. 

When asked that question, Grohman acknowledged that he does not have an approach or plan worked out.  “I’m not sure, I’m not going to do it.  I think it has to come from the council chair or someone else.”

Emhiser was unavailable for comment as of press time.  He was the only councilor willing to bring the mayor’s proposal forward. Emhiser represents the city’s coastal area including the University of New England’s campus.  He is not seeking reelection.

Other members of the council say that they are somewhat baffled as to why Grohman is pursuing something that has so little support.

Councilor Marc Lessard said the mayor has the prerogative to pursue the item, but he also said “It’s really weird. It’s got me scratching my head.”

It’s really weird.
It’s got me scratching
my head.

— Councilor Marc Lessard

Council President Liam LaFountain said “It’s perplexing, but it’s the mayor’s prerogative.”

Councilor Norman Belanger echoed what Lessard and LaFountain said.

“I don’t get it,” he said. “Under Robert’s Rules of Order, it can be brought back up, but I don’t see this as proceeding forward.”

When contacted by the Gazette, Angers said he also does not understand the mayor’s dogged approach to remove him from the planning board. 

“I have no clue why he is continuing to go after me. I see it as Marty just being Marty,” Angers said.

Angers added that he has no plans to step down from the planning board but did say that his relationship with Board Chair Alexa Plotkin feels strained and awkward. 

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com

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