Amid the ongoing and intensifying controversy surrounding the University of New England’s plans to construct a large research pier on the Saco River, the two candidates who hope to represent that area on the city council say they are watching the issue closely.
Former city councilor Patricia Boston and political newcomer Jim LaBelle both say the issue has become “divisive” and lament “missed opportunities for mediation” during the two-year-long review process.
Boston, a Hills Beach resident, has been closely following the university’s ongoing expansion over the last two decades. She is hoping to make a return to the city council after a 14-year hiatus.
Patricia BostonJim LaBelle
LaBelle recently retired after serving seven years as the executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and lives in Biddeford Pool.
Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly voted in favor of UNE’s proposal in August, many coastal area residents and others say the city’s review process was deeply flawed.
Last month, a group of residents were able to collect enough signatures to trigger a special Citizens Grievance meeting about the pier proposal. That meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at City Hall.
Additionally, an appeal of the Planning Board’s decision has been filed with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), a review agency that has not met in more than a year.
Although the ZBA meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 13, attorneys representing both the university and the city said this week that the ZBA has “no standing” to reconsider the planning board’s Aug. 6 decision because those who filed the appeal are not “abutters” to the project and arguments regarding the lack of harbormaster approval are “irrelevant” to the planning board’s review.
“It’s become quite a mess,” said LaBelle. “A lot of people I talk to see UNE as a big asset to the city, but it does look like some things were missed during the review process.”
Specifically, LaBelle pointed to the recent news that the Saco River Corridor Commission failed to include a previous ruling when that agency reviewed the proposal last year.
Ultimately, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s application, but now says that a required 250-foot vegetative buffer zone would prohibit the construction of a necessary access road.
Donald Furman, Biddeford’s representative to the SRCC, abstained from the agency’s vote.
Other regulatory agencies, including the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, approved the project but without opportunity or consideration for public comment or feedback.
“It feels as if this thing has been on greased skids since the beginning,” said John Shafer, former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission.
“It does look like mistakes were made.”
— Jim LaBelle, Ward One candidate
Boston says it is “unfortunate” that the issue has become “so divisive.”
Boston also said she has concerns about how the city was able to remove the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster from the review process last year.
“How did the city authorize or approve a private engineer to fill that position?” she asked.
Both Boston and LaBelle said they plan to attend the special Oct. 23 meeting at City Hall.
“I want to hear what everyone has to say,” Boston said.
“It does look like some mistakes were made,” LaBelle said, pointing out that the university will still need to get a building permit from the city.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY!
Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back to simpler times. Rift Arcade features 40 coin-operated games from pinball to Pac-Man and everything in between with the mission to be an inclusive, affordable, and safe space for all ages.
Bowling on Main Street at The Gutter in Biddeford (Main Street Maine photo)
While you try to best the top scores, enjoy a curated cocktail from the full-service bar or elevated 1990s-inspired grub. If you’re passionate about arcade games and supporting a local business, you can buy into Rift’s NuMarket Campaign and get 120 percent back in credits to redeem (buy-in for $100, get $120 credits).
The Gutter takes a bigger step back in history, turning the first level of the historic Marble Block Building into a mid-century modern delight with wooden paneling, stained glass pendant lights over the bar, and eight classic 10-pin bowling lanes. The full-service bar and kitchen makes it a great place to strike up some fun.
Interested in catching some live entertainment, there are several well established businesses with a weekly roster for you to choose from. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Rumors are true.
Upstairs from Mulligan’s, Rumors offers live shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of musical genres. If you’re looking for a laugh, The Comedy Mill might be more your speed. Also located at Mulligan’s, The Comedy Mill hosts open-mic nights for local standups to take a spin at getting laughs, but has also hosted events for nationally-known comics like Connor McGrath.
Just around the corner, Champions Sports Bar offers a little bit of everything for entertainment, including karaoke, trivia, DJ dance parties, and live local music. It’s also a great place to catch your favorite New England teams on the big screens or the flat screens.
While you’re distracted by the wide selection of books at Elements waiting for your morning cup to be poured, you may have missed that they host live local music every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as social events Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. These curated events foster community while you sip a barista crafted beverage or a selection from the beer and wine list. Other businesses in town offering live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, include Cowbell, Lucky Pigeon Brewing Co., Banded Brewing, and Sacred Profane.
Tour the Riverwalk in Biddeford (City of Biddeford photo)
For those rainy, cold, or snowy days, however, head to The playLOT with your littles. In addition to several structured events throughout the week, this indoor playground offers endless fun and a place for parents to connect. Another great option for bigger littles is Mill Studio Arts. Miss Amy has curated an array of lessons and camps great for the creative kids and teens, with some workshops for the whole family and some just for adults too.
Another great place to explore is McArthur Library, which offers more than books for all ages. The wonderful librarians have curated daily events like educational workshops and book clubs to family-friendly activities and cultural programs. And if you have a library card, you can borrow more than books; check out digital books and audiobooks via Cloud Library and Hoopla, magazines, movies, music, comics, video games, and recreational equipment like fishing poles, snowshoes, lawn games, a telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots and more.
If learning about the city is more your speed, there are a few tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour features our food and beverage scene, combining the tastes of the town with its history, culture, and hometown stories. The Biddeford Mills Tour gives you a deeper look inside the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. You can also delve deeper into the history at the Biddeford Mills Museum.
Learn about Biddeford’s history on a Biddeford Mills Tour (Photo: Main Street Maine)
You can also enjoy a slice of Biddeford history at one of the many stellar shows hosted by the City Theater. With its story dating back to 1860, the John Calvin Stevens designed theater is an iconic landmark dedicated to celebrating performance arts.
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Emma Bouthillette, a special contributor on behalf of Heart of Biddeford is a marketer, writer, yoga instructor, corgi mom, and native of Biddeford, Maine. In addition to publishing A Brief History of Biddeford with The History Press in 2017, her byline has appeared in the Portland Press Herald, Maine Women Magazine, and several other Maine-based publications.
Our board offered us tons of valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas about the next steps on our continuing journey.
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When you turn to the Gazette for local news, you know what you’re getting: a trusted news source developed by professional journalists.
“We believe you deserve more than regurgitated press releases. We believe you deserve straightforward, balanced and honest reporting.”
Our editorial roots in Biddeford go back decades, and we stand behind every story we write with our trademark name and reputation for hard-hitting news coverage.
We are looking for your input and participation. We are accepting Letters to the Editor, Community News announcements and local events.
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The Biddeford Gazette is NOT a business; it is a resource for Biddeford residents and all those connected to this great city.
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Thank you for all the support!
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July.
If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 months.
According to her proposed employment contract, Clavette will be paid $125,000 per year as a salaried employee with four weeks of paid vacation time.
Clavette has worked in several Maine communities, including serving as Saco’s director of economic development for nearly four years, 2018-2022.
According to her resume, Clavette previously served as assistant city manager in Auburn; two years as economic development director for the town of South Berwick.
Clavette is today the economic development director for the Town of Gray, Maine, a position she started 11 months ago.
On her resume, Clavette describes herself as a “professional, ethical and innovative leader with excellent communication skills.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Liam LaFountain says he’s running for mayor because Biddeford needs a “course correction.”
LaFountain, 28, was chosen by his fellow councilors as the council’s president two years ago, at the beginning of his second term as the council’s Ward Seven representative.
Liam LaFountain
A native and lifelong resident of Biddeford, he is the son of former State Senator and school committee member Lloyd LaFountain. And the younger LaFountain says he was “intrigued” by politics at an early age.
Today, LaFountain works as a senior data analyst for Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine, “a collaborative non-profit of private employers and public trusts dedicated to lowering healthcare costs and improving quality.”
After attending Biddeford schools, including St. James, Biddeford Intermediate and Biddeford Middle School, LaFountain graduated from Gonzaga University, a Jesuit school in Washington state, where he earned a degree in international relations.
He and his wife, Eisha, have been married four years and own a home on Elm Street.
LaFountain says his campaign is built on a foundation of increasing public trust and repairing government accountability with a “back-to-basics” approach that will ensure the city’s residents know what is happening at City Hall with improved transparency.
In all his campaign materials, LaFountain uses ‘ACT” as an acronym to describe his priorities. Accountability, Commitment and Transparency.
“Biddeford is at a pivotal moment,” LaFountain said. “The choices we make today—about education, housing, infrastructure, public services and other priorities—will shape our city for decades to come.
“That future must be built with care, grounded in data, and rooted in what residents truly need,” he added.
LaFountain said his top concern is about “affordability” on many different levels.
“We have a situation now where people are paying more than 50 percent of their take-home pay on housing,” he said. “That’s just not a sustainable course for the city.”
LaFountain said it’s important to note that the issue of affordability also impacts small and mid-sized businesses in the city because people have less discretionary income for shopping or dining and said business are also grappling with skyrocketing rents and increasing taxes.
“Our future must be built with care, grounded in data, and rooted in what residents truly need”
— Liam LaFountain
As he continues his campaign, LaFountain says he has heard from scores of residents who are frustrated about a lack of responsiveness from city government.
“We really do need to get back to basics,” he said. “We have to make sure that we’re getting information to residents, but we also have to make sure that all community voices are heard.”
Over the last few months, Liam has voiced concerns about private development projects that offer little or no benefit to residents.
“We need development that serves us, not just development for development’s sake,” he said. “We seem to have our roles reversed, catering to private interest instead of the people we represent.”
As examples of development that relied upon public investments that offer scant benefits for taxpayers, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street that is now home to a bowling alley and luxury apartments that are being rented for more than $4,000 per month.
“We provided that developer with nearly $1 million of credit enhancements, which will put residential taxpayers on the hook for many years to come,” he said. “What are we really getting in return? I’d rather see that money invested in our recreation department that offers safe after school opportunities for all kids, regardless of their ability to pay.”
“The gravy train has to stop,” he added. “Our focus needs to be on the public. We should be promoting things that offer broad public benefit.”
In addition to holding developers accountable, LaFountain says that the same standard needs to be applied at City Hall.
“We are still two years behind on our internal audit,” he said. “That’s just not acceptable. We have let things slide, and it is a disservice to our community.”
LaFountain says city leaders need to “meet people where they are,” whether through rotating, small ward meetings or open-office hours at City Hall.
“Biddeford residents are thirsty for information,” he said. “We cannot just focus on the good news. We need transparency and accountability especially when it comes to facing our challenges.”
When asked why he is willing to give up a lot of his time and energy as the city’s mayor, LaFountain said he is concerned that so many of the kids he grew up with can no longer afford to live in Biddeford.
“Biddeford is where I grew up,” he said. “This is where I hope to grow old.”
For more information about LaFountain’s campaign, please visit his campaign website: LaFountainForMayor.com
Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot.
Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting.
Biddeford residents listen to information about two local bond questions that will be on the ballot,
The Q&A session was followed by a guided tour of the J. Richard Martin Community Center, which houses the city’s recreation department.
Because the city is still behind on completing its FY ’24 and FY ’25 audits, some residents wondered if Biddeford will be able to qualify for a competitive interest rate on the bond repayments.
Both City Manager Truc Dever and Finance Director Gerry Matherne said they expect the overdue FY2024 audit to be done by December, ahead of when the city would be applying for bond approval.
Although the city can only estimate the expected rates, approval of both questions – upgrades to the city’s sewer system ($20 million) and funding repairs and upgrades at the city’s recreational facilities ($6 million) – will have a combined impact of about 37 cents on the mil rate.
The average Biddeford home would see a $147 property tax impact.
Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city is making steady progress in complying with state-mandated sewer separation projects, but said a future project could pose significant impacts on downtown businesses.
“We have already completed what we call the low-hanging fruit,” Demers explained. “We’re going to do the very best we can possibly do, and we will be working closely with business owners.”
City Manager Truc Dever (right) explains the impact of the city’s ongoing efforts to meet state-mandates regarding sewer separation as Public Works Director Jeff Demers listens.
Recreation Director Lisa Thompson listed a number of repair and upgrade projects that are long overdue at several of the city’s recreational facilities, including the West Brook skating rink, St, Louis Field, Rotary Park, the Biddeford Ice arena and the now closed skate park on outer Main Street.
“The city has seen tremendous growth in the past year, and we want to ensure that we can meet the demands that the public wants and needs,” Thompson said.
City Councilor Marc Lessard stood up from his seat in the audience to make an impassioned plea for investments in the city’s recreational assets.
“We are a service center community,” Lessard said. “Our recreational facilities attract new investments and growth in our community. Unfortunately, when things get tight, recreation is usually the first thing to be cut.
“I am a huge supporter of our city’s recreational resources,” he continued. “We have delayed these projects long enough.
“The loss of our skatepark is the poster child of what happens when we put off critical investments,” Lessard added.
Not all residents said they would support the two bonds.
“We’re writing checks we can’t cash,” said Mike Bouthillette of Biddeford.
Bouthillette asked several pointed questions during the presentation, saying the city should be looking for other sources of revenue by selling unused properties and increasing user fees for recreational buildings.
NOTE: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about the anticipated completion of the city’s FY 2024 audit. We apologize for the error.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Although the University of New England has cleared all the reviews and hurdles needed to begin construction of a large pier on the Saco River, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) has now admitted it made a crucial mistake while approving the university’s application in 2024.
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted in August 2024 to approve the university’s pier project, which includes construction of an access road that can accommodate large vehicles including fire/rescue trucks.
That access road, however, will be constructed within a 250-foot non-development “buffer” zone that was created by an agreement between the university and the SRCC in 2001.
Alan Thibeault, a UNE vice president, leads members of the planning board and the public through a wooded area where an access road will be built to accommodate the university’s planned research pier. (Seaver photo)
The agreement came as the result of a quid-pro-quo arrangement between the SRCC and the university, which allowed the university to build two new dormitories that would exceed a 35-foot height restriction.
In return for the height variance, the university agreed to create a 250-foot buffer zone along the river frontage on the school’s campus to protect the “environmentally sensitive” area.
Although the minutes of that June 2001 meeting shows no ambiguity on the matter, the SRCC today admits that the approval they granted last year did not take the previous agreement into consideration.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” said Cherie Dunning, the SRCC’s executive director.
Dunning said there is nothing that can be done today to fix the situation since a 30-day appeal window has come and gone.
Dunning added that her agency has been “overwhelmed” by the number of applications filed by the university over the last few years, describing the agency’s workload as an “administrative burden.”
The SRCC is a quasi-state agency with statutory control over all development along the Saco River.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote.”
— Cherie Dunning, SRCC exec. director
A group of commissioners is made up of representatives from all municipalities along the river. Don Furman, Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC, abstained from voting on UNE’s application in August 2024.
Ben Pinault, the commission chairperson, did not return our request for comment, as of press time.
For her part, Dunning said she and other staff are “working to prevent similar errors in the future.”
When asked if UNE’s permit should be revoked since new information has come to light, Dunning said there is nothing the SRCC can do about the past mistake, suggesting that the matter could be settled in the courts.
Sarah Delage, a UNE spokesperson, said the Saco River Corridor Commission did not impose a ‘no-build’ or ‘no construction’ zone within a 250-foot zone from the river.
Delage also said that Sandra Featherman – the university’s former president – “did not make any commitment that UNE would never seek to build a research pier on the Saco River.”
Many members of the public have expressed concerns about the location of UNE’s proposed research pier (Seaver photo)
However, the minutes of the July 2001 SRCC meeting clearly show that both UNE and the SRCC did work out an arrangement including the creation of the buffer zone so that the new dormitory buildings could be constructed.
These meeting minutes illustrate UNE’s unambiguous endorsement to achieve the same goal: environmental protection.
Featherman attended the July 2001 meeting in which several commissioners voiced strong support for the creation of a 250-foot buffer.
Featherman stated that “the University of New England has absolutely no plans to build within 250 feet of the river, and that the city as well as the university believe this buffer to be very sensitive and necessary for the protection of the river.”
From the SRCC’s 2001 meeting minutes: “The applicants are hereby required to retain and maintain a 250-foot-wide vegetative buffer along the entire shoreline of the property, measured horizontally starting from the mean high-water line and proceeding inland, described herein. Failure to do so will result in revocation [of the permit] and all subsequent amendments.’”
Also, Dunning left no doubt that the order issued by the Saco River Corridor Commission in 2001 is, in effect, state law, quoting the legislative act that created the Commission, she wrote, “Standards, rules and orders issued by the SRCC have the force and effect of law.’”
Local reaction to the SRCC’s error
The city of Biddeford now finds itself in a bewildering predicament, since UNE has not yet put a shovel in the ground and a building permit has not been issued.
Yet, city officials now know for certain that an SRCC order, which has the effect of state law, prohibits construction in the 250-foot buffer where the access road is supposed to be built.
Will the city continue to green light a project it knows to be illegal? The Gazette contacted Mayor Marty Grohman a week ago for comment, but he has still not responded.
The two candidates who are hoping to replace Grohman, however, responded quickly to our request for comment.
City Councilor Norman Belanger said he does “not want to be hasty with an opinion” until he has the opportunity to closely review the documents sent to him by the Biddeford Gazette.
“On its face, it does appear that the SRCC had imposed a 250-foot vegetation buffer,” Belanger said. “I believe, however, that the enforcement of this order would be within the purview of SRCC and not the city unless it was a formal party to the order.
“It is something that definitely deserves research and clarification along with an understanding of how it impacts the prior approvals for the pier,” he said.
“It is something that definitely deserves research and clarification”
— City Councilor Norman Belanger
City Councilor Liam LaFountain said his “initial reaction was one of major concern.”
“Many residents have already expressed frustration about the pier review process, and I understand why,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain noted that a special citizens grievance meeting about the controversial pier project will be held next week at City Hall.
“Given the public’s interest in the integrity of the city’s regulatory review is extremely high, the [newly revealed] information raises serious questions,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain said that the city council is expected to take up the issue at its next regular meeting on Oct. 21.
“In my view, outreach to the SRCC and possibly the Attorney General’s office, for legal clarification, is necessary. If an SRCC order carries the force of law, the city has an obligation to understand the implications and ensure compliance. Biddeford must obey all laws.”
City solicitor Harry Center was asked to comment on this story last week. Center said he needs time to review all of the documents, including the SRCC minutes.
“Many residents have already expressed frustration about the pier review process, and I understand why,”
— City Councilor Liam LaFountain
An insider’s look at UNE’s ongoing development
Biddeford resident Matt Haas graduated from the University of New England in 2005 with a degree in organizational leadership.
Haas was also employed by the university for nearly 18 years and served as a public affairs liaison between the university and its residential Hills Beach neighbors.
In fact, Haas – a registered Maine Guide — said he did extensive work in the creation of the Institutional Zone that covers all of UNE’s Biddeford campus, a process that was guided and promoted by Featherman, the university’s former president.
“This whole process has been mishandled by both the city and the university,” he said. “There absolutely was and is a 250-foot buffer zone in place. This pier is in the wrong location and was approved as part of a mismanaged process.”
Haas is one of several Biddeford residents who are appealing the Biddeford Planning Board’s approval of the large research pier on August 6, 2025.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled to take place on November 13.
Click here to view and/or download a PDF copy of the SRCC’s July 2001 meeting minutes:
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is hoping to keep his seat for a second, two-year term.
Grohman, 57, said he wants to continue his work and the initiatives he started after being elected as mayor in 2023.
Grohman and his wife, Amy, moved to Biddeford in 1999 and they both became active in the community, including volunteer work. Amy Grohman served on the Biddeford School Committee. Marty was appointed by former mayor Alan Casavant and served on the city’s Recycling and Waste Management Commission. He also served as past president of the Biddeford–Saco Rotary Club.
Marty Grohman
Before being elected to the Biddeford City Council in 2021, Grohman served two terms – first as a Democrat before switching to Independent — in the Maine Legislature. As an independent candidate, he lost a 2018 bid to replace U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine’s First Congressional District.
Grohman grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Carthage, a rural western Maine community wedged between the towns of Farmington and Rangeley.
Grohman has an engineering background and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He founded and later sold Correct Deck, a Biddeford-based company that used recycled composite materials in the manufacture of decking products.
When asked what he believes are the city’s biggest challenges, Grohman listed rising property taxes, housing affordability and homelessness as his top priorities.
Although the mayor does not get to vote on budgets or other council matters, Grohman said he proposed trimming more than $730,000 of new spending during a budget meeting in May.
Grohman says continued commercial development will provide new revenue and ease the burden on residential property taxpayers.
“Over the last two years, we have added between $40 million and $60 million of new commercial value,” he said. “That’s the mayor’s job.” Grohman pointed to the recent opening of a Firestone car repair shop and an L.L Bean outlet store as examples of his work to attract more business to Biddeford.
Grohman said he is also heavily advocating for the city when it comes to state subsidies for public education. “We are setting the tone and growing our tax base,” he said.
“We’re on the right track. I want to keep Biddeford growing.”
— Marty Grohman
The mayor said housing inventory needs to grow at all levels, including single-family homes that can accommodate the needs of the city’s workforce, including public employees such as firefighters, police officers and public-school teachers.
Grohman said the city needs “sensible” development that includes land conservation measures.
“I’m not a rent control guy,” Grohman said. “We have added 84 new apartments to the mix and some of those are being rented in the neighborhood of $1,300 per month.”
Grohman described concerns regarding the city’s growing homeless population as his “signature” issue.
“When I came into our office two years ago, we had a lot of problems with a growing encampment near Mechanics Park,” he said. “It was bad; filthy, crowded, unsafe and offered no dignity for those who were forced to stay there.”
Grohman said clearing that encampment was necessary and triggered new opportunities for homeless residents and the city.
“I am proud of what we did,” he said, pointing out that his ongoing efforts on the homeless issue has resulted in finding safe and stable housing for 70 residents over the last few months.
“There is still a lot to do,” he said when asked about growing complaints about homeless individuals congregating near the McArthur Library’s main entrance. “That’s not okay, but it is not illegal,” he added, pointing to the fact that the York County shelter, which provided services for nearly 40 people, closed in July, creating a surge in Biddeford’s homeless population.
Grohman said his weekly “huddle” meetings with homeless advocates and volunteers has produced some “positive results,” including hiring a city liaison that can directly work to find resources for unhoused residents.
Although the other candidates both say that the city needs “stronger leadership,” Grohman says he has a proven track record and is proud of his work on several fronts.
“It’s a tough job,” he said. “But we have a great team of city staff and employees who are all very committed to serving the needs of our community.
“We’re on the right track,” Grohman said. “I want to keep Biddeford growing. I have a proven track record; People know me and trust me.”
To learn more about Grohman’s campaign, please visit his campaign website at martymayor.com
NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette will publish profiles of all three mayoral candidates, including Norm Belanger and Liam LaFountain.
Norman Belanger points to his homegrown roots and professional accomplishments as reasons why he should be Biddeford’s next mayor.
He said he is the only candidate who can bridge gaps between lifelong residents and a growing population of newer residents; a candidate with an intimate understanding of the city’s history and a vision for its future.
Belanger, 68, grew up in Biddeford, the son of textile mills workers. In fact, Belanger himself worked in those same mills when he was a student.
Norman Belanger
After graduating from Biddeford High School in 1975, Belanger attended Harvard University both as an undergraduate studying economics and later as a law school student who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.
Belanger’s interest in local politics began when he was still in high school, where he was valedictorian and class president. In fact, he was selected to serve as “mayor for a day” during Lucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble’s administration.
Today, Belanger says he is semi-retired and is still a partner at Verrill Dana, a highly respected, Portland-based law firm.
Belanger and his wife Betty have three children and eight grandchildren.
He joined the city council in 2017, appointed by then mayor Alan Casavant to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Councilor Rick Laverriere. Belanger has since won three consecutive elections as the council’s Ward Six representative, including one term as council president.
Belanger says the city needs “strong leadership,” a central theme of his campaign to oust Mayor Marty Grohman.
“I have the ability and the experience of being able to bring people together,” he said. “There has been an ongoing loss of public trust. That needs to be fixed. We simply have to improve our responsiveness to our citizens.”
Belanger also said the public has a role to play in improving the relationship between the public and City Hall.
“We have to move beyond just belly aching on Facebook,” Belanger said. “Part of the distrust is rooted in perception, but it is also rooted in reality.”
“There has been an ongoing loss of public trust. That needs to be fixed.”
— Norman Belanger
Belanger said he wants to find new and innovative ways to better connect local government leaders to the public.
“If we can improve the dialogue, then we can begin to restore public trust,” he said. “We make better decisions when we have robust public input.”
Belanger said a shifting media landscape has exacerbated the issues related to communication between City Hall and the public.
“Many of our constituents are missing out on information because we no longer have printed newspapers,” he said. “The shifting technology requires the public to actively seek out the news, and older residents may not have the savvy to find the news that is important to them.”
Belanger said that if elected, one of his top goals will be to finally update the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which has not been updated for 25 years.
When it comes to the city’s budget and increasing property taxes, Belanger said a “realistic approach” needs to be the cornerstone of all financial planning at City Hall.
“We’re not doing enough to prioritize our expenses,” he said, pointing out that he has tried to limit spending during creation of the annual budget, including voting against the hiring of a facilities manager and funding vacant positions in the police department.
Belanger said he will not be supporting the upcoming recreation bond question. “I certainly support the city’s recreational assets, but the timing is bad,” he said. “We have to be realistic. We simply cannot fully fund every good idea. We need to prioritize.”
“I think Biddeford is still going through an amazing renaissance,” he said. “But we are also seeing that energy begin to plateau.”
When asked why he is running for mayor, Belanger said it’s all about a deep love and appreciation of his hometown.
“I am proud of this city,” he said. “I believe that I have the temperament and experience to lead us forward.”
For more information about Belanger’s campaign, please visit his website: norm4mayor.com
Note:The Biddeford Gazette will also be publishing interviews with the other mayoral candidates this week.
The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner.
It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year!
Autumn at Chez Seaver
Biddeford Mayoral Debate
Last night, I served as one of the panelists at the 2025 Biddeford Mayoral Debate. We had a really good turnout, especially when considering it was the Friday night of long, holiday weekend.
I’ll pat myself on the back here and say I put several hours and lots of effort into organizing and coordinating the event. I think it went well, and I really appreciated the kind comments from members of the public.
The candidates were candid and addressed a wide range of issues with civility and respect. More than 130 people attended the event. READ MORE
Many people asked me if there will be another debate before the election. I don’t know, but I do know that I won’t be organizing another one this year.
Upcoming Election Information
Absentee ballots are now available from the City Clerk’s office, and voting day is November 4. The Biddeford Gazette has dedicated an entire section of our website for Biddeford election information.
Here you can find comprehensive information about the candidates, the referendum issues, political events and general information about voting and this year’s election.
The profiles of the three mayoral candidates will be published over the next week. In alphabetical order, we will begin with Norman Belanger on Tuesday; Marty Grohman on Wednesday and Liam LaFountain on Thursday.
A team effort
It’s hard to believe that the Biddeford Gazette is quickly approaching its one-year anniversary, and I am very pleased with our trajectory. The Gazette is melding into its mission statement of being a community-driven media outlet.
When looking over just the past week, you may have noticed that we posted 14 original news and opinion stories. Of those, 12 were exclusive and seven of them were written by other people.
We are also leveraging our media partnership with The Maine Monitor. And Gail Toussaint is still volunteering her services as the copy-editor for several of our stories.
“50 percent of what we published this week came from community voices“
Send us your stuff and event notices
We want more community voices! And we are now accepting Letters to the Editor and Guest columns from our readers! We are also expanding our Local Events page
On a final note, you can learn more about our expanding and talented team in the OUR TEAM section of our website
Furthermore, our volunteer Advisory Board will have its very first meeting on Thursday, and I am feeling so grateful that the idea Laura and I concocted 11 months ago is really beginning to take shape.
Enjoy your pumpkin-spice coffee and the clean, brisk air of autumn!
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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NOTE: An unedited audio recording of this event can be found at the end of this article
The three men who want to be Biddeford’s next mayor squared-off Friday evening during a public debate that was held at Biddeford High School.
The candidates – including incumbent Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and City Councilor Norman Belanger – answered a wide range of topics, including public concerns about rising property taxes, infrastructure, homelessness and issues surrounding gentrification in the downtown area, including soaring residential rental costs
.
(Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and Councilor Norman Belanger tell the audience why they each think they should be Biddeford’s next mayor (Seaver photo)
Roughly 130 people attended the 90-minute debate that included several questions previously submitted by residents.
Craig Pendleton, former executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, served as moderator of the event.
In their opening statements, each candidate laid out their vision of the city’s future and the reasons they are seeking to lead the community over the next two years.
“Biddeford needs a course correction,” LaFountain said. “The city’s leadership needs to be stronger and I will not support back-room deals with private developers.”
Belanger reminded the audience that he is a Biddeford native who grew up as the child of mill workers; worked part-time in the mills himself before earning his law degree at Harvard University.
Grohman also said he comes from humble roots, growing up on a dairy farm in Carthage, a rural community in western Maine.
“It has been a good two years, but there is still lots of work to do.” Grohman said,
“Biddeford needs a course correction,”
— Liam LaFountain
All three candidates drew rousing applause when they each said they would not want to see the Biddeford Police Department enter into an agreement to assist the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
One of the early questions from the public centered on the issues of homelessness and its impacts on the downtown area, most notably near the entrance of the McArthur Library on Main Street.
“Certainly, homelessness is one of the most complex and complicated issues in our city,” LaFountain said. “It’s not just a Biddeford issue. It’s happening all across the country and the world.”
LaFountain said he would focus on creating stronger partnerships with state, federal and county agencies. He also suggested the creation of a day-time location that would offer shelter, WIFI and an alternative place to congregate. “Dignity must be at the center of these conversations,” he said.
“It has been a good two years, but there is still lots of work to do.”
— Marty Grohman
Grohman said he is proud of his track record in addressing the issue of homelessness in Biddeford, describing it as one of his “signature issues.”
Grohman said he led the way in clearing out a growing encampment near Mechanics Park last year, a situation he called reminiscent of a “third-world country.”
Grohman also pointed out that his efforts, including weekly “huddle” meetings with advocates and others concerned about unhoused residents, have resulted in finding stable housing for 70 people during the last year.
Belanger said the issue is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach that includes more non-city resources for mental health and substance abuse without losing “compassion.”
“We need a regional solution,” Belanger said. “Biddeford can’t be expected to solve the issue. We need a reasonable solution, but we simply cannot do it alone.”
On the issue of what to do with the former JFK Memorial School building, Belanger said any decision should preserve its available parking, regardless of how the building is used.
Belanger said he would like to see the building used as some sort of a community center, perhaps a daycare center that would be privately operated.
LaFountain drew rousing applause when he said he opposes any credit enhancement agreements or tax increment financing (TIF) deals that do not benefit the entire city.
As an example, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street, the home of a new bowling alley, saying the city provided nearly $1 million in incentives for a place where families have to pay $35 for a lane.
“I would rather see that money going to the city’s recreation resources that provide free opportunities,” he said, pointing out that he was the only candidate who voted against that particular deal.
“The public has lost its trust in local government,”
— Norman Belanger
Given that a “citizens grievance” meeting will be happening in less than two weeks, all three candidates agreed that the city made “some mistakes” in how it handled a proposal by the University of New England to build a large research pier on the Saco River.
“I believe the university is a major benefit to the community, and something to be proud of,” Grohman said. “That said, some steps were bungled along the way. I’m hoping that the upcoming meeting will promote some community healing.”
On the UNE pier issue, LaFountain said there was a lack of accountability from former city manager James Bennett on a variety of issues. Bennett was removed from office in February. “We are still dealing with the ramifications of those mistakes,” LaFountain added.
Belanger agreed with LaFountain. “That [review] process was botched from the beginning,” he said.
The candidates discussed ways in which they would address increasing property taxes and rising housing costs.
In his closing statement, LaFountain said Biddeford is at a “cross roads” and needs data-driven leadership.
“We can continue down a path of decisions being made behind closed doors and residents shouldering the burden of unchecked growth,” LaFountain said. “Or, we can chart a new course grounded in accountability, transparency and a genuine commitment to the public good.”
Grohman said the city is at risk of “losing its magic” that has resulted in revitalization of the downtown area and an improved reputation as one of the state’s largest municipalities.
“I am proud to partner with people who want to invest in Biddeford,” Grohman said. “I think we want to keep building Biddeford, keeping it a better place with an opportunity for everyone to succeed.”
Belanger said the city has lost sight of its need to prioritize municipal spending. “The public has lost its trust in local government,” he said. “We can easily bankrupt ourselves with compassionate spending. We need to be careful how we spend taxpayer money.”
Note: There was a last-minute glitch in providing video recording of the event. We have included a rough, un-edited audio transcript of the debate.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio?
My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences.
Photo credit: South Dakota Department of Health
Finally, after years of research, Dr. Jonas Salk was able to develop the first effective polio vaccine. By 1961, only 161 cases in the U.S. remained. Salk was committed to ensuring that the vaccine was available to all, famously saying, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”
Life-saving vaccines have helped to all but eradicate some of the most dangerous diseases that affect humans. Now this progress, and the decades-long progress made against diseases like polio, measles and mumps is in serious peril due to recent actions from the federal government.
Unfortunately, alongside the successful track record of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry has sprouted up and flourished in recent years as a result of misinformation shared widely online. The unscientific views of anti-vaccine advocates gained an even stronger foothold due to the significant social disruption of the pandemic and the corrosive effect of social media. What was once an overwhelming bipartisan and nonpartisan societal agreement that vaccines are a good thing has sadly become polarized.
Alongside the successful track record of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry has sprouted up and flourished in recent years as a result of misinformation shared widely online.
And the groups that push these beliefs are profiting from their lies. In 2023, the Informed Consent Action Network, an anti-vaccine group run by Del Bigtree, who is an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., reported $23 million in revenue. Kennedy’s own organization, Children’s Health Defense, has also raked in millions through the years. They push lies blaming vaccines for autism and various other maladies, use it to sell products and propaganda, and get rich off vulnerable people getting sick.
This is why it is so distressing to witness Kennedy’s actions to gut the federal CDC and to stack vaccine advisory boards with anti-science skeptics, which will make it more difficult to effectively investigate rare but real cases of vaccine injury, and stifle necessary research and development. Right now, the federal CDC is attempting to restrict access to the COVID-19 vaccine for folks 65 and older and for younger people who have preexisting medical conditions, in contradiction to the fact-based guidance of experienced medical professionals.
So, what are we doing about it in Maine? Thankfully, we have strong vaccine protections in place. Certain vaccines are mandatory for children to attend Maine schools, with exemptions only allowed for medical reasons. This helps preserve the herd immunity necessary to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases. The weakening of standards in other parts of the country like Florida is still alarming. But that gives us more reasons to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our communities.
Rep. Marc Malon says Maine is leading the way in ensuring public access for vaccinations
For the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, the Mills Administration has issued a standing order to ensure that every Mainer who wants a vaccine can get one. The standing order essentially serves as a prescription for all Maine people, and it will allow them to get the shot at local pharmacies, clinics and health care offices.
It also requires state-regulated health insurance carriers, including those with MaineCare, to provide full coverage of the cost of the vaccine. The shot is recommended for all children from ages six months to 23 months, all individuals ages 18 and older, and children two to 18 years old based on risk factors – check with your children’s medical provider. If you want a vaccine, you should be able to receive your COVID-19 booster at your local pharmacy. I encourage folks to do so. I did it this week.
Vaccine opponents like to paint the decision to vaccinate as purely a personal choice. The problem is that these personal decisions can impact other families and broader communities. The miracle of vaccination is a miracle of community, and when communities need action, our history shows us that we take it because we care about not only our families, but those around us.
So, let’s band together once again, roll up our sleeves, literally, and not take for granted the hard work, sacrifices and medical advancements that have actually made America healthier for decades.
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Rep. Marc Malon is serving his second term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Housing and Economic Development Committee. He can be reached via email at marc.malon@legislature.maine.gov.
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In our not-too-distant future, the coast of Maine will look nothing like it does today — fewer beaches, many houses and businesses displaced, roads and utilities either abandoned or relocated further inland.
That’s a certainty, according to Dr. Cameron Wake, a University of New England professor who served as the keynote speaker during Tuesday’s SOS Save Our Shores conference, which was held at the Ferry Beach Conference and Retreat Center.
The only variables, Wake said, are how much and how fast the Atlantic Ocean rises and how quickly we realize that our treasured coastal communities and waterfronts require immediate action.
The annual SOS Saco Bay conference, now in its fourth year, has historically focused on strategies to mitigate the impact of sea rise on beaches and nearby properties in Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach and Scarborough.
SOS Saco Bay was formed six years ago by citizens concerned with the beach erosion that has taken homes and roads in Camp Ellis — still an unrealized issue. The conference has grown steadily to become a major information source and a starting point for organizing coastal residents and owners.
Roughly, 175 people attended this year’s conference.
Over the last two years — since the devastating January 2024 storms — citizen groups have formed in Hills Beach, Biddeford Pool and around the health of the Pool itself.
The Biddeford Coastal Preservation Coalition (BCPC) continues to build chapters along the coast. The city of Biddeford’s Sustainability Committee is focusing more on coastal issues, as well.
“The University of New England has emerged as a major source of support for coastal communities”
Sea rise is generally associated with global warming, but Wake also pointed to glacier melting as the wild card. It is now clear that glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate, faster even than temperatures. Wake displayed graphics of Greenland and some of the ice shelves in Antarctica and explained how feedback loops of warming air and water lead to ever-increasing calving of icebergs that float away and melt.
The University of New England has emerged as a major source of support for coastal communities, finding ample research opportunities for faculty and students.
Research projects include a recently published report on beach and dune loss and an on-going study of changes to the tidal pool at Biddeford Pool. This year, dozens of UNE students attended the conference and displayed their research on posters. The university has a new master’s degree track for “climate change leadership.”
To be sure, many of the conference workshops were clearly focused on the short term — new ways and materials to rebuild dunes and arrest beach erosion, information on how other coastal communities have managed their shorelines; and successes in protecting shore bird migration at Maine’s beaches. New this year were discussions about retreat, the most realistic and most difficult of the long-term responses to sea rise.
No answers were offered.
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Tom McPheeters is a life-long lover of Maine and a year-round resident of nearly three years. After a journalism career or 25 years at three newspapers in Ohio and New York State, Tom spent the last 30 years as a community organizer and advocate in Albany, NY. He lives in Biddeford Pool.
The Biddeford Gazette welcomes commentary and feedback from our readers. To learn more, please CONTACT US
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The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco.
Organizers say that “this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction,” all in a lively, social atmosphere.
The event features 10 local speakers, each sharing a five-minute talk on a topic of their choice. The result is a fast-moving, inspiring program that highlights the voices and perspectives of our community.
Newly hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever will be one of the 10 speakers during this year’s event. (Jim Krause photo)
The wide range of speakers this year includes Biddeford’s new city administrator Truc Dever; Ellis Baum from Tiger Investment Services; Jessica Walter from Maine Trust for Local News; Rhona Deah from Rhona’s Beauty Shop and many more.
Before and after the presentations, guests will enjoy networking, food, drinks and the chance to bid on unique items in the silent auction. Donations range in value, from $25 to over $1,000, including gift certificates, experiences, services, and specialty products from local businesses.
“We’re excited to once again bring together local voices, businesses, and community members for an evening of ideas and generosity,” said Chamber Director Matt Lewis. “Ten Talks has become one of our signature events, showcasing the talent, creativity, and spirit that make our region thrive.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Funds raised through the silent auction support the Chamber’s work to strengthen and connect the Biddeford and Saco business community.
For more information, please contact the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce at 207-282-1567
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The two men who each want to represent Ward Seven on the Biddeford City Council have been regularly attending city council meetings over the last few months.
And, once again, a former councilor is running against a political newcomer.
The bulk of Ward Seven features working-class neighborhoods and includes the city’s industrial parks and the municipal airport.
Brad CoteSam Pecor
Brad Cote, 44, is a Biddeford native who previously served on the city council, representing Ward Three from 2012 to 2015.
Sam Pecor, 30, is a real estate agent who moved to Biddeford four years ago.
Pecor says he applied to serve on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, the Policy Committee, the Planning Board, and the Citizens Advisory Committee earlier this year but has received “no response” from city officials.
Cote says making “data-driven decisions” that benefit the largest amount of Biddeford residents should be the council’s priority.
He also said the city needs to “improve its transparency to rebuild faith in city government.”
“We need to be realistic that in today’s fiscal environment, prices are going to increase due to inflation,” Cote said. “Costs are going up everywhere, so it is crucial to create an updated plan to determine what expenses are on the horizon and how we can best prepare for them.”
Pecor said the city needs to face a “fiscal reality.”
“Biddeford’s growth is running into a hard math problem,” Pecor said. “We have capital plans without committed funding,” he added, pointing to the city’s long-range goals for sewer separation projects across the city.
“A 2018 internal estimate put combined sewer -related needs around $100 million. In today’s dollars that’s plausibly between $150 million and $170 million.”
“The longer we delay, the more it costs,” Pecor said, pointing out that the upcoming sewer bond only covers a thin slice of the total need.
“We need a transparent, multi-year financing plan that pairs phased bonds with a predictable sewer rate path.”
“Biddeford’s growth is running into a hard math problem,”
— Sam Pecor
Cote also expressed financial concerns for the city.
“Nobody likes tax increases,” he said. “But at the same time, it is not feasible to freeze taxes either. All this does is kick the can down the road and delay necessary expenses until things are falling apart and cost a lot more to repair or replace.”
Cote also said Biddeford has changed a lot since he last served on the council. He said the city no longer needs to offer “handouts” to developers.
“When I was on the council, we were able to get the votes to close MERC. That decision helped turn Biddeford from “Trashtown USA” to a city that has flourishing businesses and a variety of economic drivers.” Cote said.
“To get development started then, we used tax incremented financing (TIFs) and credit enhancement agreements to give developers incentives to redevelop older mill buildings. This was necessary to begin Biddeford’s renaissance, but we’re in a different place today,” Cote said.
“Occasionally, there are instances where perks make sense if data and other information prove it is ultimately a wise investment for the city,” Cote added. “But in most instances, it is not fair that encouraging new development results in the regular taxpayers shouldering that additional tax burden.”
“I like to be helpful, and I have a variety of skill sets that I learned from my previous experience on the council”
–– Brad Cote
If elected, Pecor says he will make trust and clarity in government one of his top priorities.
“People will fund real needs if they believe the plan is honest and the dollars lead to outcomes,” Pecor said. “Right now, trust is shattered. Let’s fix that with clear budgets; quarterly dashboards on sewer progress, costs, and timelines; and routine two-way communication via representative office hours, social media updates, and partnerships with local journalists.
“If we square up to the fiscal reality, streamline what we control in housing, and rebuild trust through consistent transparency, Biddeford can keep growing without pricing out the people who make it work,” Pecor said.
Cote said he is excited about the prospect of using his prior council experience to help Biddeford move confidently into the future.
“I like to be helpful, and I have a variety of skill sets that I learned from my previous experience on the council,” Cote said. “I will be a good steward of tax money and will work hard to pursue alternate funding streams to take a bit of the emphasis off property taxes.”
Pecor said his lifetime interest in history, government and politics has left him increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, citing “divisiveness, a lack of imagination, and a system that can feel both too present in daily life and yet ineffective at governing.”
“I’m running to replace cynicism with participation and make engagement the norm again,” Pecor said. “My goal is a local government that’s approachable and easy to understand, responsive to questions, and clear about tradeoffs.”
To learn more about the candidates, please visit their websites:
Marie Metcalf, 12, of Biddeford, has been named the STAR Student of September at Maine Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 7-12 statewide.
Marie began her first year at Maine Connections Academy as a 7th grader this year, and she couldn’t be happier as she balances online schooling and her ongoing passion for competing in gymnastics.
For the last four years, Marie has grown increasingly passionate about gymnastics.
What started as an athletic and creative outlet has turned into nine to 11 hours a week of dedicated training and practice. After her first year, she was invited to be on the team at Dudziak’s Gymnastics.
This year, Marie reached the gold level and is allowed to use her creativity and build her own floor routine. Marie and her family are excited to see heads turn at her first gold performance in November.
(Marie Metcalf, Contributed photo)
In her previous brick-and-mortar school setting, Marie was finding it difficult to dedicate enough time and attention to her educational needs while still allowing time to pursue her passion for gymnastics.
So, her family turned to Maine Connections Academy for the next step in her education. After only the first three weeks of classes, Marie’s mother, Lisa, saw the difference: “She is more engaged with her teachers, more engaged in the work, and is starting better study habits already.”
“We hope to hear more inspiring stories as she builds her career as a competitive gymnast locally, regionally, and potentially nationally one day,” said her instructors.
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About Maine Connections Academy:
Maine Connections Academy opened in 2014, and is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12 with 500 students enrolled. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, Maine Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.MaineConnectionsAcademy.com.
The Biddeford School Department issued this statement in response to recent media coverage regarding bed bugs at Biddeford Middle School. We want to provide our community with complete and accurate information about what occurred.
What Actually Happened:
On October 6, 2025, we received a report of a possible bed bug sighting in Room 37, a small office space at Biddeford Middle School. In response, we immediately contacted pest control companies to conduct a professional inspection.
Based on past experience encountering significant difficulty in securing prompt availability of pest control services, when Ehrlich Pest Control was available on Monday, October 6, but could only treat that day, our facilities director made the decision to proceed with same-day treatment to prevent possible spread. However, no bed bugs were found in the space. The official Ehrlich Pest Control report clearly states “No Activity” after their thorough inspection. The room was treated as a precautionary measure, and proper 4-hour reentry warnings were posted.
Why We Proceeded Without a 5-Day Notice:
This was a common-sense decision based on past experience. In the past, we have experienced several delays in the ability to have pest control attend to issues based on the volume of their outside work and their workforce availability. Last year, when we followed the 5-day notice requirement, community members were upset we weren’t treating immediately, and past pest companies couldn’t return after the waiting period because of other jobs and workforce constraints. It took up to 2 weeks to reschedule treatment. When you have a company available and willing to treat schools—which is extremely rare—you cannot afford to wait, or you may lose the opportunity entirely.
Additionally, the transient nature of bed bugs in schools makes timing critical. A sighting of one bed bug on a Tuesday doesn’t mean it will be in the same spot on Wednesday when a pest control company arrives. These bugs are hitchhikers in schools; they don’t establish permanent colonies the way they do in homes.
The reality is that prevention truly starts at home. Schools can only be as sanitary as the homes from which our students come. Bed bugs are hitchhikers—they travel to school on clothing, backpacks, and personal belongings. Unlike pests that are attracted to poor sanitation, bed bugs can infest even the cleanest homes and are constantly reintroduced to schools through students’ belongings.
The Biddeford School Department operates approximately 575,000 square feet of building space serving 2,400 students and 500 staff members who report to work each day. We also operate 30+ buses and vans daily. It is impossible to inspect every space daily. Even if we had no bed bugs one day, a student or staff member could bring them in the next.
Maine Department of Education policy explicitly states that students should not be excluded from school due to bed bugs. Students have a right to education regardless of the circumstances in their homes. As the state guidance confirms, bed bugs can hitchhike from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, books, and other items, and we have no way to prevent what people bring into our buildings each day.
Our Commitment to Supporting Families:
Our nonprofit educational foundation has invested thousands of dollars to help households be treated for fleas and bed bugs. We do this to preserve the dignity and comfort of affected students and to try to mitigate any “hitchhikers” that might enter our schools. However, we are not a social service agency with infinite resources. We simply cannot send pest control into everyone’s home, no matter how much we might wish to solve the problem at its source.
When we have disclosed such information in the past (one bed bug observed on one particular day), it created panic in the community and significant absence rates for students. This kind of reaction actually makes families less likely to report problems—making the situation worse for everyone. We are committed to handling these situations with sensitivity and discretion while protecting the health and safety of our entire school community.
We do everything within our control—regular cleaning, immediate response to reports, professional inspections when concerns arise, and due diligence—but we cannot control external factors beyond our facilities.
Attached Documentation:
The official Ehrlich Pest Control inspection report is available and clearly documents that no bed bug activity was found at Biddeford Middle School. We value our partnership with Ehrlich as they have provided quality professional service over time.
We remain committed to maintaining safe and healthy learning environments for all students and staff while being transparent with our community about the challenges we face.
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever took to the podium during Tuesday’s city council meeting to provide a snapshot of her objectives and goals over the next several months.
According to Dever’s employment contract, she is required to provide the council with “specific, measurable performance goals” within 60 days of taking over the helm at City Hall.
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever presented the city with a list of six objectives she is hoping to achieve over the coming year (Seaver photo)
“I just completed my first two months with the city, and I’m happy to report that I still wake up every morning excited to come to work,” she laughed.
Dever presented the council with six goals that she says are aligned with the city’s strategic priorities.
City Finances
Because voters will be faced with two bond questions in November, Dever said her top objective is working closely and quickly with Finance Director Gerry Matherne to ensure that the overdue FY ‘24 and ‘25 annual audits are completed and reported to credit agencies.
“We need to get this done in order “to re-establish the city’s credit rating,” Dever said, pointing out that a better credit rating will have a positive impact on the interest payments if voters approve $26 million in borrowing for sewer and recreation upgrades in November.
Dever also listed preparing the annual municipal budget as another objective, along with staff training for new software for Finance and Human Resources functions.
Dever also said she will provide monthly and quarterly financial reports to council.
Other strategic priorities identified by Dever include employee retention strategies, economic development and affordable housing.
Dever said she is hoping to reach an agreement on a three-year labor contract with police officers and she wants to have “fireside chats” with city employees in order to learn and understand their needs and ideas.
As spelled out in Dever’s contract, her goals and objectives will be reviewed and updated annually, serving as a basis for formal performance evaluations.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council.
Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge — and the ward is bordered by the town of Dayton.
The mostly residential ward is comprised of relatively newer single-family homes and quiet neighborhoods, featuring pastoral landscapes that include farmland pastures.
Ward Six has been represented by Councilor Norman Belanger since 2018. Belanger is giving up the seat in order to run for mayor on this year’s ballot.
Roger HurtubiseJake Pierson
Roger Hurtubise, 80, served on the city council in the late 1990s during the Donna Dion administration.
He returned to the council for one term in 2013, upsetting incumbent Rick Laverriere, 331-236. He currently serves on the Biddeford Housing Authority’s board of directors.
Jake Pierson, 42, is making his first bid for elected office, but has been actively involved in city government, serving on the Policy Committee for three years; the Police Advisory Committee for two years; and the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee for two years.
Hurtubise, now retired, is well-known for his volunteer work with La Kermesse and the area’s Franco-American community, including a weekly radio show that he hosts about southern Maine’s Franco culture. In 2019, he was inducted into the state of Maine’s Franco-American Hall of Fame.
Hurtubise also served on the city’s 2012 Charter Review Commission and has been an active member of the city’s Cable Television Committee.
Pierson is a nursery professional, joining the family-owned Pierson Nurseries, Inc. in 2004.
Pierson told the Gazette that affordable housing is one of his top concerns.
“We need to address the need for more cost-effective housing in our city,” Pierson said. “I think the incentives that the city has attempted to put into place are a start but I believe [that we need to take] a more direct role in creating that housing, using city property and resources.”
Hurtubise said rising property taxes are putting a significant strain on many homeowners, especially seniors and those living on fixed incomes.
“If elected, I will work to be a strong advocate for accountability and transparency,” Hurtubise said. “I want to make sure citizens know about how the city’s mil rate is being impacted by the council’s decision making.”
I will work to be a strong advocate for accountability and transparency,”
— Roger Hurtubise
Pierson said he will advocate for continued “intelligent” development in the city’s downtown area.
“Downtown is a cornerstone of our community,” Pierson said. “It led directly to our rebirth as a destination city. We need to keep working towards smart and balanced development downtown to keep it vibrant and attractive.
“By being engaged as a council with the downtown development commission, we can allow development to continue to happen with an eye toward increasing diversity and options in the downtown district.”
Hurtubise said he is concerned about the city’s “aging infrastructure,” including roads, drainage systems and hydrants. “I also want to keep an eye on the city’s telecommunications systems, broadband connectivity, our electrical grid and street lighting,” he said.
Pierson said the city need to improve its transparency regarding operations.
“Recently, the public’s faith in our city government has been tested by poor performance of some staff and a lack of communication by staff, elected officials and volunteer members of our boards, commissions and committees,” Pierson said.
“We need to do a better job of keeping the business of governing transparent and continue to improve the communications coming from the city.”
–– Jake Pierson
Hurtubise said creating a “fiscally responsible” budget will be one of his priorities if he is returned to the council.
“Our city is facing some serious headwinds,” Hurtubise said. “If elected, I vow to work tirelessly for all citizens and will demand accountability from all city departments.”
Pierson said he believes strongly in civic duty.
“If you can — and have the willingness to serve the public good — you should do it,” he said. “I enjoy dialogue and problem solving. As a business owner, I feel that I have the requisite skill set to be an effective leader and collaborator at the city level.
“Being a part of the governing process is one of the most important things that an American citizen can do,” Pierson continued. “I want to be part of solving today’s problems, not just complaining about them. Progress is only made when folks get involved and roll up their sleeves to work towards it.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman told the Biddeford Gazette Tuesday that a special, “Citizens Grievance” meeting has been scheduled for Oct. 23 and will be held in the council chambers at Biddeford City Hall, beginning at 6 p.m.
The special meeting will focus on the controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River.
Several opponents of UNE’s proposed pier location attended the Biddeford Planning Board’s meeting when the project was approved in a 3-2 vote (Seaver photo)
The Citizens Grievance meeting was triggered last month when a group of residents were able to collect more than 100 signatures of registered voters to demand an opportunity to publicly address the mayor and city council about their concerns.
The university’s proposal — although controversial — has already been approved by several regulatory agencies, including the Saco River Corridor Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Biddeford Planning Board, which voted 3-2 on Aug. 5, 2025, to approve the project.
The special meeting comes only a few weeks ahead of a scheduled Zoning Board of Appeals meeting about the pier on Nov. 13.
The ZBA appeal was requested and filed by John Shafer, an outspoken opponent of the pier project and the former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission.
Although Shafer said he helped gather signatures to trigger the special Citizens Grievance meeting, he said he is not actively involved in coordinating the Oct. 23 citizens meeting.
Alexander told the Gazette she that became angry during the review process of UNE’s proposal, especially when University of New England officials publicly implied that her late husband supported the school’s desired location for their large research pier.
“They just made that up,” Alexander said. “Marshall never approved that site. They [the university] are just trying to cover their butts now because our current harbormaster also doesn’t approve of the site.”
Other members of the public have expressed concerns about how former Biddeford City Manager Jim Bennett removed both the city’s current harbormaster and assistant harbormaster from the review process.
A number of residents also expressed anger about Grohman’s push to remove Roch Angers from his position on Biddeford’s planning board.
Grohman said Angers violated the board’s code of ethics by publicly addressing the city council regarding his concerns about how the city has handled its review of the university’s application.
According to the city’s charter, a special grievance meeting requires the mayor and council to be present and listen to the concerns of residents. Organizers will choose their own moderator for the meeting.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 