By BEN NEVEUX, Special to the Biddeford Gazette The Biddeford Teachers Association’s decision to endorse two candidates while leaving Norman Belanger off its list may have been meant to project strength — but instead, it sends a mixed and disappointing message. When an organization meant to represent fairness and unity appears to play politics, the … Continue reading OPINION: Teachers’ endorsement sends wrong message
Month: October 2025
Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
All across Maine, people are scrambling to help those who may be facing increased food insecurity as a result of the federal government shutdown. Typically, Maine’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are distributed near the middle of the month. The program relies on federal funding. According to state officials, nearly 170,000 people receive SNAP … Continue reading Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
By REP. MARC MALON, Special to the Gazette Next week is Election Day, but for many, including my wife, Jenn, and me, ballots have already been cast. This is because of Maine’s excellent voting laws, which allow voters to cast an absentee ballot as early as 30 days before Election Day. This flexibility is a … Continue reading OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
Boys & Girls Club gets ‘big surprise’
Contributed Story/ Special to the Gazette Members of the Southern Maine Boys & Girls Club got a special surprise on Wednesday when they were presented with a new passenger van to support the many programs the Club offers to area youth. The van was donated by Bridgestone Retail Operations as part of an ongoing celebration … Continue reading Boys & Girls Club gets ‘big surprise’
Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement. The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor. Councilor Norman Belanger … Continue reading Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
Pumpkins will fly and smash in Dayton
You may have heard about the Great Pumpkin, but have you ever seen a pumpkin fly hundreds of feet through the air and smash into a thousand pieces? Well, get ready because the much anticipated 22nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin event will take place on Sunday (Nov. 2) across the road from Andy’s Farm and Garden … Continue reading Pumpkins will fly and smash in Dayton
Area students launch campaign to fight hunger
By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children … Continue reading Area students launch campaign to fight hunger
OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
We’re coming into the final stretch, and we’re now less than one week away from Biddeford’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This is a busy time of year for journalists and for city clerks around the state. The work-load drops considerably on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That day – the day after the elections are … Continue reading OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette
Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford's upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZVaHFLfdE
Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Ten candidates are hoping to win one of seven at-large seats on the Biddeford School Committee. This year’s race will feature some new faces, and a few current members – including Randy Forcier, John McCurry and Lisa Vadnais -- will not be seeking reelection. We asked each of the candidates what … Continue reading Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
At-Large candidates Lessard, Vadnais share concerns about UNE pier
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford Gazette asked the three At-Large city council candidates to share their thoughts and concerns about the controversial pier being proposed by the University of New England (UNE). Last week, we reached out to the two candidates vying for the Ward One seat, which represents Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods, about their … Continue reading At-Large candidates Lessard, Vadnais share concerns about UNE pier
Mayor offers more selective endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is making more endorsements in some city council races but will not make any endorsements in the three-way at-large council race and in the Ward Six race. When asked why he will not make endorsements in those two races, Grohman said he has “strong relationships” with all … Continue reading Mayor offers more selective endorsements
Mayor offers two city council endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor NOTE: This story was updated to include comments from city council candidate Abigail Woods. As Election Day draws closer, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is endorsing at least two city council candidates. Grohman today announced his endorsement of Brad Cote in the city’s Ward Seven race. Grohman also says he will be … Continue reading Mayor offers two city council endorsements
Tour highlights aging recreation resources
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford voters will soon decide the fate of a $6 million bond that would be used to upgrade, repair and enhance several of the city’s recreational assets, including parks, playgrounds and buildings. On Tuesday, the Biddeford Gazette was invited to tour some of the sites that need upgrades and repairs. Facilities … Continue reading Tour highlights aging recreation resources
Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
By RANDY SEAVER, editor Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council listened Thursday evening to several residents who raised concerns about how the city has handled its review of a controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River. Roughly 55 people attended Thursday’s special … Continue reading Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history
Biddeford Education Foundation raises more than $20K to help students
By KAREN GARNETT, Contributing Writer The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) held its Eighth Annual Pillars of Pride event to honor two remarkable community members: longtime educator Joyce Tarpy and local photographer Maureen Grandmaison. The celebration, hosted at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, raised over $20,000 for the Foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget … Continue reading Biddeford Education Foundation raises more than $20K to help students
OPINION: Let the healing begin
When it comes to former city manager James Bennett, Mayor Marty Grohman is correct. The city needs closure from a nightmare that has been hanging over City Hall for several years. After finally being "placed on administrative leave" in February, Bennet filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. Though the city countered Bennett’s claims … Continue reading OPINION: Let the healing begin
City settles lawsuit with former manager
The city of Biddeford announced Monday that they had reached an out-of-court settlement with former city manager James Bennett. Under terms of the agreement released Monday, Bennett will receive $90,000 from the city's insurance company, not taxpayers. City officials also point out that the settlement will save the city thousands of dollars in legal fees … Continue reading City settles lawsuit with former manager
Chamber of Commerce fires director
The Biddeford- Saco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today that they have decided to make a “leadership change” in the executive director position. Matt Lewis, who was hired as the Chamber’s new executive director less than six months ago, said he did not want to comment on this story. Matt Lewis, former director … Continue reading Chamber of Commerce fires director
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