Three vie for two at-large seats in Biddeford

Two well-known political heavyweights and one newcomer to the city’s political arena are each vying for one of the two at-large seats on the Biddeford City Council.

Incumbent Marc Lessard, 62, has served on the council for the better part of the last 30 years. School Committee Chair Lisa Vadnais, 64, has served on the school committee for 16 years.

Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef, 34, currently serves on the board of directors for Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization that promotes the downtown area. She moved to Biddeford a little more than three years ago. She was elected to serve the city of Portland’s Charter Review Commission from 2021 to 2022.

Lessard and Vadnais have both led in vote totals during the last several municipal elections.

In 2023, Vadnais garnered 3,374 votes, leading the pack of all other candidates on the ballot, including Marty Grohman who won the mayor’s seat with 2,894 votes.

In that same election two years ago, Lessard was the clear front-runner among council candidates with 3,021 votes.

During a recent candidate forum hosted by Better Biddeford, Sheikh-Yousef said she offers a Biddeford a fresh voice and new perspective. Lessard and Vadnais were both born and raised in Biddeford.

Housing and taxes are top issues

When asked to identify the top challenges facing Biddeford, Sheikh-Yousef said issues regarding housing affordability and homelessness top the concerns of many people she has spoken to. She described housing as a “basic human need.”

“Tenants cannot afford rent increases,” she said. “I am one of those people who are affected by the rent increase. Homelessness is growing. The minimum wage is insufficient to cover the cost of living for most individuals or families.

Lessard said he is concerned about back-to-back property tax increases over the last four years.

“The tax rate has gone up nearly 25 percent over the past four years and is a substantial “black eye” for the administration,” Lessard said. “Too much focus has been placed on low-income housing — housing that is not dedicated to a Biddeford taxpayer — all to impress the limousine leadership with a sound bite about creating the largest number of low-income housing in the state of Maine”

“The tax rate has gone up
nearly 25 percent over the
past four years and is a substantial
“black eye” for the administration,”

— Marc Lessard

Vadnais echoed Lessard’s concerns about property tax increases.

“Most people I talk to say that increasing taxes are just not sustainable, especially for seniors on fixed incomes,” Vadnais said. “So, the question becomes how do we put less strain on existing homeowners? I believe there needs to be a greater focus on attracting industry to Biddeford.”

Traffic and public safety

Vadnais also listed concerns about increased traffic near the center of the city as more inner-city housing is constructed or developed in former mill buildings.

“Our current course [of downtown development] will soon become unmanageable,” she said. “We are putting most of our focus on one demographic of the population. It’s time to take a pause and direct our attention to what’s best for all residents.”

“It’s time to take a pause and
direct our attention to what’s
best for all of us”

—– Lisa Vadnais

Sheikh-Yousef listed public safety as one of her top concerns.

“I believe we should create a public safety committee,” she said. “[We should] focus on funding public safety initiatives, partnering with community organizations and allocating funds to public safety and human services.

Additionally, Sheikh-Yousef said the city council should create or support “alternative models of public safety and implement solutions that focus on preventing crime, addressing trauma, and repairing harm in our community.”

Sheikh-Yousef said she would support a moratorium on what she described as “luxury housing,” and require developers to build more affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

“The need for mental health care has continued to grow, putting more pressure on already limited resources,” she said.

“Biddeford is growing, but I feel
like too many neighbors are being
left behind,”

— Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef

Lessard shared his concerns about the city’s ability to attract and retain municipal employees.

“We need to develop new ways to attract and maintain our associates so they can feel appreciated,” Lessard said. “All cities are dramatically increasing pay to lure employees away. This does not, however, secure loyalty and future commitment to their families which should be our key focus.”

One of Lessard’s other top priorities involves recreational opportunities for the city’s youth.

“If the city does not provide free recreation for our youth, “for-profit” developers will not do it for us,” he said. “This is why properties like the JFK [school] need to be used for recreation and not just another low-income housing project for people that do not currently live here.”

Why run for council?

When asked why she is seeking a seat on the council, Vadnais said she sees it as her opportunity to give back to the greater community.

“My life has changed in the last 16 years,” she said. “I am no longer working in education, and I no longer have children in the school district. I feel it’s time to lend my voice to city issues.”

“I also have great support from my constituents,” Vadnais said. “Many people have encouraged me to run and be their voice.”

Sheikh-Yousef said she wants to take a more active role in her new community.

“Biddeford is growing, but I feel like too many neighbors are being left behind,” she said. “I am running to put people first, ensuring everyone can find stable housing, that our local economy works for working families and small businesses, that we protect our environment, and that every resident is treated with dignity and respect.”

I have called Maine home for 21 years,” she added. “I’ve lived in Lewiston, studied in Portland, and for the last three years, I’ve made Biddeford my community.”

Lessard said his public service is part of a larger promise.

“My main reason for seeking public office is to fulfill a promise that I made years ago to myself, my family, and my creator,” he said. “People need to try and share their knowledge and expertise with their community, for the benefit of all.  I’m just trying to help others. I want to bring peace and balance for everyone.”

Lessard lives on Thacher Brook Lane. Sheikh-Yousef lives in the Lincoln Lofts and Vadnais lives on Granite Street.

NOTE: For more information about Biddeford’s upcoming elections, please visit ELECTION 2025 INFO

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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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