One of the most used words during this year’s Biddeford election cycle is the word “Transparency”
It has a nice ring to it, and it sounds very noble when used by political candidates hoping to curry favor with disgruntled voters. I mean, really – – who is opposed to more transparency in local government?
Abigail WoodsNasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef
That’s why I was a bit stunned when I stumbled upon a planned “candidates’ open house” on Facebook.
The post comes from the campaign page of Abigail Woods, the political newcomer who is taking on John McCurry in the battle for the Ward Two city council seat.
According to information publicly shared by Woods, she and at-large city council candidate Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef are hosting their own “open house” event on Sunday, Oct. 12.
They didn’t send out a press release, and they also declined to provide the location of this forum, telling those who may be interested that they were required to RSVP before organizers would provide the location of their somewhat secretive meeting.
I find this event to be soaking wet in irony. Two of the most vocal and ardent supporters of increased public participation and transparency in political affairs, don’t want the public to know where they are holding their event.
What happens if they win their respective elections?
Will we now need to RSVP if we want to attend a city council meeting? Will members of the press need a secret decoder ring in order to provide news coverage for Biddeford residents?
I’ll chalk this mistake up to inexperience, but people who want the public trust really should be at a place where they can trust the public.
The last thing Biddeford needs from its elected leaders is more secrecy. It’s just not a good look, especially if you’re going to demand transparency from others.
NOTE:An earlier version of this story misspelled the last name of Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef. 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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Mills also resigned his position as York County Treasurer on the same day. Eight days later, on April 17, Mills told me he was “eager” to seek the seat he had resigned.
Doughty, a former planning board member, was unopposed in that special election and is now hoping to keep his seat.
Doughty, 34, said rising property taxes are one of his biggest concerns, pointing out that increased property taxes also impact tenants because landlords typically pass on those increased costs to their renters.
“As property values increase, and the cost to deliver city services is impacted by inflation, families have been faced with much higher tax bills the last several years,” Doughty said. “We have to do a better job of balancing our city needs and priorities with potential property tax increases.
“It is critical that we reevaluate our approach to the city budget with that in mind,” Doughty said.
Mills, 60, also listed rising property taxes as a top concern. “Taxes are out of control,” he said.
Mills also said he is concerned about “failing infrastructure” throughout the city, particularly in the downtown area, where an ongoing sewer separation project is impacting both traffic and small downtown businesses.
Like many other council candidates, both Doughty and Mills say housing issues are among the biggest challenges facing the city.
“We have to reduce barriers and look strategically at what the city can do to incentivize housing of all kinds to be built,” Doughty said. “We’ve done a pretty good job on council working with developers to approve many affordable housing developments, but I think we need to direct our focus now to additional housing types such as – starter homes, town houses, and other types to address the “missing middle” in housing.”
Mills was succinct in his assessment about the city’s housing challenges.
“Affordable housing doesn’t exist for anyone,” he wrote on the candidate survey that was sent to him by the Biddeford Gazette.
Doughty said the city council needs to rebuild and strengthen its “public trust” with the greater community.
“It’s no secret that there have been a number of issues over the last few years that have greatly diminished the public’s trust in city government,” Doughty said. “Like most people, I don’t want to lay awake at night worrying about whether things are being mismanaged in our city.”
“We need councilors who will ask tough questions, work hard to find solutions to these issues, and keep the public informed along the way,” Doughty added. “The council has a duty to be the voice for the people who elect us.”
When asked why he’s seeking re-election, Doughty – a native of Arkansas — said he loves Biddeford, but is concerned that the city is “getting way too unaffordable for residents.”
“The upcoming term will be incredibly difficult, with complex issues facing the city.” Doughty said. “There are national, state and local pressures that will impact Biddeford, and we deserve a city council that is focused on what needs to be done for the best interests of the community.”
Mills — a native of Texas — said he is again running for council in order to meet “the needs of our city first and ensure that our citizens are treated fairly.”
“We deserve a leader who will stand up to special interests and make decisions that benefit our community as a whole,” Mills added.
“Road construction that has disrupted our city is an example of what happens when we prioritize developer interests over our community needs,” Mills said. “I’m committed to putting an end to these sweetheart deals and finding solutions that work for all of us.
“With my experience and proven track record of challenging the status quo, I’m confident that we can create a better future for our community and achieve zero tax increases. We’ve done it before and with the support of my fellow councilors, we can do it again.”
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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 Biddeford’s municipal elections are a non-partisan affair, the two candidates hoping to represent Ward Two on the Biddeford City Council each offer a stark difference in their campaigns.
Former city councilor John McCurry is currently a member of the Biddeford School Committee.
McCurry, 68, previously served as the Ward Two representative from 1997 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2021, serving a total of four terms as the council president.
Abigail Woods, 36, has been a Biddeford resident for 11 years; as a renter for six years and as a homeowner for five years.
John McCurryAbigail Woods
Woods currently serves on the city’s Recycling and Waste Management Commission. She also does volunteer work with the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, Better Biddeford and the Twin City Tenants’ Alliance.
McCurry – well known for his fiscally conservative perspective – said city spending is his top concern.
“We need to prioritize our spending,” McCurry said. “Our current trajectory of hefty property tax increases are just not sustainable, especially for seniors, working families and those on fixed incomes.”
Woods said the city is currently facing what she described as “a housing crisis.”
“Housing is our most acute issue and one we’re not alone in facing rent and tax increases that are impacting long-time residents who are losing their housing,” she said. “New housing construction cannot happen fast enough to meet the need, particularly for average households.”
Woods says the skyrocketing costs of housing have caused “more and more people into homelessness without a safety net.”
“While we are starting to address some of these issues, we have an uphill battle to truly address the crisis.” Woods said. “I believe we need to explore more creative solutions and engage with the public on the challenges they’re facing. Housing is a basic human right, and we owe it to our community to ensure that everyone has safe, stable and affordable housing.”
McCurry said the city should focus on commercial development to help soften the impact of increasing property taxes on homeowners.
“It’s not just new housing,” he said. “We also need to look at innovative ways in which we can build our commercial tax base. This approach creates more tax revenue, more local job opportunities and less of a burden when it comes to city services, such as our schools.”
McCurry described changes to the current school funding formula as a brewing nightmare for taxpayers.
“As the city’s valuations increase, we lose state funding in the form of General Purpose Aid (GPA) for education,” he said. “Our school system is feeling the pressure of increasing demands for service and state mandates.”
McCurry described Biddeford’s current school funding challenges as a “chicken and egg” quagmire. “Decreased student enrollments actually hurt us, but increased enrollments mean higher cost for services. Our backs are against the wall and we need to be creative and innovative in our approach. It might be hard to believe but Saco is getting more state funding than Biddeford.”
Woods said the city is now experiencing lack of public trust, pointing to a bigger divide between policy makers and their constituents.
“The last several years have been challenging for Biddeford, particularly around lack of communication and transparency,” Woods said. “We must do better to engage with the community to hear and address their concerns – both immediate responses and long-term planning toward solutions that will make Biddeford more resilient.”
Woods said citizens should expect elected officials and city staff to be active listeners and problem solvers.
“The last several years have been challenging for Biddeford, particularly around lack of communication and transparency.”
— Abigail Woods
McCurry said he is happy that Biddeford has a new city manager, but also says the mayor and council should have taken action sooner to get rid of the former city manager.
“All the red flags were there,” McCurry said. “From an outsider’s perspective it feels as if the current administration was very reluctant to face the obvious. I understand that we all want the city to look good, but we also have to be willing to acknowledge and address whatever problems come down the pike.”
McCurry said many people have complained to him about a lack of “customer service” from City Hall, including a four-day work week.
“We’re still two years behind in getting our audit done, and people I talk to have not seen a sewer bill in months,” he said. “We need to do a better job of getting information out to the people.”
Woods said she believe in “fiscal responsibility rather than fiscal conservatism.”
“These concepts are often conflated,” she said. “Fiscal conservatism focuses largely on reducing spending, where fiscal responsibility is a broader lens that looks to have balanced budgets and is focused on financial stability in the short and long term.”
When asked why he is seeking a return to the council, McCurry said he has a deep love for the city.
“You can’t just sit back and complain,” he said. “I want to be able to live here for a few more years before rising taxes force me out of my home. Someday, I’d like to retire.”
McCurry says he has the experience and skills to “hit the ground running” if elected. Ward Two is a working-class neighborhood that needs a representative who will keep a close eye on spending.
McCurry says the city has a multitude of assets but needs better oversight of its resources. “There is a lot of work to do, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
You can’t just sit back and complain. I want to be able to live here for a few more years before rising taxes force me out of my home.”
— John McCurry
Woods said she hopes to use my knowledge and expertise, as well as her passion for Biddeford, for the good of the entire community.
“Over the course of my career, I have served as the director of a Main Street America community nonprofit, involving community engagement, economic development, and event planning.
She said her previous employment as the city’s community development coordinator gave her experience in managing complex grants and improving community outreach.
“When I moved to Maine from West Virginia in 2014, I moved directly to Biddeford. “I wanted to live in a place that had a rich community that I could be involved in, and I have done so the entire time I’ve lived here.
“I feel fortunate to live in a place with such a strong sense of community, rich history, and access to nature, and want everyone who loves Biddeford to be able to stay here, be involved, and thrive.”
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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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Two candidates have stepped forward in hopes of representing Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods (Ward One) on the city council.
Patricia BostonJim LaBelle
Pat Boston of Hills Beach is hoping to make a return to the city council after a 14-year hiatus. Political newcomer Jim LaBelle recently retired after serving seven years as the executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and lives in Biddeford Pool.
Boston, 71, says she wants to help renew trust and confidence in local government by exercising fiscal responsibility and promoting “transparency and citizen engagement” at City Hall.
LaBelle, 61, said he is concerned about the high cost of living for residents, pointing out that regional incomes have grown, but have not been keeping pace with increasing property taxes and soaring utility and food costs.
Both candidates say that housing issues are among Biddeford’s biggest challenges.
“The housing issue presents several concerns,” Boston said, pointing to issues surrounding the city’s unhoused population, the need for more workforce housing and the need to promote “smart growth” strategies. “While some of these can be addressed through local funding, policies and ordinances, others require us to reach out to other local and state entities,” she said.
LaBelle pointed to his experience in the private sector world of management and business and said, “constrained resources have been the norm, requiring frugality and creativity.”
“For the city, this will require limited spending growth, creative sourcing of alternative funding and continued business growth to expand and diversify the tax base,” he said.
Boston said “preserving our natural environment, which includes our beaches and river, where recent storms took their toll” will be a top priority for her in addition to increasing walkability and use of alternate forms of transportation.
LaBelle said the city “needs to enhance our partnering with local and regional community organizations to expand solutions toward a future where none of our residents are unhoused.”
LaBelle currently serves as a voting member of the Saco River Corridor Commission. He also served as executive director of the Biddeford & Saco Chamber of Commerce for seven years, retiring a few months ago.
Boston served one term on the Biddeford School Committee, from 2005 to 2007. She was then elected to Biddeford City Council and served one term as Ward One councilor until 2009. She was then elected as an at-large representative, serving in that role from 2009 until 2011
Today, Boston serves on the St Louis Alumni Association Board; as treasurer of Age Friendly Biddeford and the McArthur Library Association Board.
When asked why she is seeking a return to the council, she said “Biddeford is my hometown, and I care about its future.”
“I have previously served the city as a councilor, school committee member, and as a member of several ad hoc committees. I have also held leadership positions in neighborhood, civic and professional organizations.
“My commitment to my community is clear. I would be honored to have the opportunity to utilize my experience to assist in moving Biddeford forward,” she said.
LaBelle served as executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, retiring a few months ago.
LaBelle – who moved to Biddeford in 2018 – said he has come to “love the city, its many amenities and its spirited and can-do residents” and wants to bring his 40 years of business experience to the city.
“I think Biddeford is an ideal place to live and work and enjoy, a big-enough city to have so much to do, but small enough that you get to know your neighbors, the business community, and the special character that makes it feel like home for all of us,” he said. “I would be honored to give back to this community in public service to keep advocating for community progress, improved standards of living for everyone, and ongoing quality-of-life enhancements new developments.”
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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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Mainers will see two big questions on the ballot this year: one about election procedures, and one about a potential red flag law.
Maine citizens can put proposed legislation directly before voters through a process called a citizen initiative. For a citizen initiative petition to be approved by the Secretary of State’s Office, petitioners must collect the signatures of registered Maine voters equal to at least 10 percent of the votes cast in the previous gubernatorial election, which in this case was at least 67,682. The petition then goes to the Legislature, which can choose to enact the bill as written or send it to a statewide referendum.
Photos by Stephanie McFeeters.
On Nov. 4, Maine voters will decide on two referendum questions brought by coalitions of citizens through this process: one that would change voter ID and absentee voting rules and one that would create a process by which family members could petition the courts to temporarily remove weapons from an individual at risk of harm to themselves or others.
As in-person absentee voting begins this week, here’s what you need to know:
QUESTION ONE
Question 1: “An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting”
Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?
This referendum question was brought forward by a coalition that calls itself Voter ID for ME. The proposed legislation would make a number of changes to the way votes are cast in Maine.
It would require all voters to present photo identification in order to vote in-person or absentee, and would allow voters from the same municipality to challenge the validity of another person’s ballot for alleged failure to comply with the ID law or for a non-matching signature on an absentee ballot envelope. Exceptions would only be granted if someone had religious objections to being photographed.
Valid forms of photo ID would be limited to a Maine driver’s license, non-driver identification card, or interim identification card; a U.S. passport or passport card; or a military or veteran identification card. Voters would not be able use a student ID, Tribal ID or Maine Department of Corrections-issued ID.
The legislation would also make significant changes to absentee voting procedures. In addition to requiring photo ID from those requesting an absentee ballot, election officials would also have to issue an “identification envelope” with all absentee ballots for voters to fill out with information, including their political party affiliation and ID.
If passed, Maine’s current laws that allow an immediate family member to request an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter and make it possible for a voter to request an absentee ballot by telephone would be repealed.
Instead, voters would be required to request an absentee ballot electronically or in person themselves, though they could still designate someone else to return a ballot on their behalf. The proposed changes would also eliminate two days of absentee voting.
Maine’s current ongoing absentee voter enrollment program, in which a senior or person with disabilities can register once to vote absentee and is automatically sent an absentee ballot each election thereafter, would be repealed. Voters, regardless of age or ability, would have to request an absentee ballot for each election.
The proposed law would also limit each municipality to one drop box, designate one municipal office at which election officials could accept absentee ballots, prohibit election officials from including prepaid return postage with an absentee ballot and would bar the Secretary of State’s Office from charging a fee for non-driver identification cards, which are currently sold for $5 each.
The Legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal and Program Review estimated that the free non-driver ID cards would decrease the state’s highway fund by about $29,000 annually. The Secretary of State’s office, according to OFPR, estimated the voter ID requirement would cost the state more than $1.3 million the first fiscal year and about $156,000 every following year.
The law would go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Supporters
The Maine-based conservative political action committee The Dinner Tableis behind the citizen initiative. Alex Titcomb, who co-founded the group with state representative Laurel Libby (R-Auburn), said the proposed law emerged out of “election integrity issues.”
He emphasized that Question 1 is meant to be “future-looking,” and said he believes it will increase the “security and transparency of the election process.”
It’s also about fairness, he said, explaining that every municipality and every voter should start on a level playing field. That means every town should get one drop box, regardless of size, he said, and that people who want to cast absentee ballots should have to make that request themselves.
“I can’t go in on election day and go in line and ask, ‘Hey can I have my ballot and my wife’s ballot and go take care of it?’” But Titcomb said he can request both his and his wife’s absentee ballots, which he did last year and finds unfair to people who aren’t voting absentee.
Same goes for requesting an absentee ballot by phone.
“Every person should request their own ballot, and there should be a paper trail,” Titcomb said.
He called the opposition’s campaign “fear-mongering.”
“Every person should request their own ballot, and there should be a paper trail,”
— Alex Titcomb
“Maine people are smart people and they’re independent people,” Titcomb said. “Every person that wants to cast a ballot will figure out how to cast a ballot.”
David Farmer, the campaign manager for Save Absentee Voting, said Question 1 is a “clear attack on absentee voting in Maine.” While the campaign spearheaded by Titcomb is called Voter ID for ME, the majority of the proposed legislation has to do with absentee voting, Farmer said.
Among his coalition’s concerns are the “new and onerous restrictions” on election officials and the reduction of local control.
“This is a voter suppression measure. It’s meant to reduce the number of people who participate,” Farmer said.
Absentee voting has been around in some form for more than a hundred years, he added, and has proven to be safe and secure. Question 1, if passed, would put up “new hurdles,” particularly for seniors, people with disabilities and people in rural areas who Farmer said “disproportionately use the absentee voting system.”
He added that he encourages all voters to read the full proposed legislation before heading to the ballot box.
“This is a voter suppression measure. It’s meant to reduce the number of people who participate”.
– David Farmer
“They’re putting in new restrictions to how people access absentee voting and they’ve used language that’s unclear in its intent and purpose,” he said.
Members of the Save Absentee Voting coalition include the ACLU of Maine, Disability Rights Maine and the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, among several others. The Maine Democratic Party also opposes the proposal.
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QUESTION 2
Question 2: “An Act to Protect Maine Communities by Enacting the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act”
Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?
If voters approve this question, it would enact an Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, which would create a process by which family members or law enforcement could petition the courts to temporarily remove weapons from an individual at risk of harm to themselves or others and temporarily prohibit them from possessing or purchasing firearms.
Extreme risk protection orders are already in Maine statute, currently as a one-of-a-kind yellow flag law, which went into effect in 2020. Under the current version of the law, only law enforcement officers have the ability to submit a court petition to temporarily take away a person’s weapons.
Under the yellow flag law, a law enforcement officer must first bring a person into protective custody, which is different from arresting someone, and obtain a behavioral health practitioner’s assessment that a person may hurt themselves or others. Only then can they bring a weapons restriction order (also called an extreme risk protection order) to a judge or justice for final approval.
Following the mass shootings in Lewiston in 2023, state lawmakers passed a bill that, among other changes, gave law enforcement officers the ability to obtain a warrant to take someone into protective custody.
There are two key differences between the proposed red flag law and the current yellow flag law: one is that family or household members, in addition to law enforcement, could file a petition requesting the court issue an extreme risk protection order; the second is that a red flag order would not require a behavioral health assessment.
If passed, the proposed legislation would add the red flag law to Maine statute without repealing the yellow flag law, meaning Maine would have two different methods of temporarily confiscating weapons from people deemed to be a danger.
If the red flag law passes, the Administrative Office of the Courts, via OFPR, estimated a one-time cost of $76,000 to the Maine Judicial Branch for “significant system programming updates” and temporary staffing to implement it.
The administrative office estimated that the red flag law would require an additional annual appropriation of approximately $1.1 million to establish six new positions “to handle the increased workload expected to be generated.” OFPR also noted state and local law enforcement agencies may see increased costs for the collection and storage of firearms.
The law would go into effect 30 days after the governor makes a public proclamation of the result, which must be within 10 days of the election. The governor has no veto power on legislation enacted via a citizen initiative.
Supporters
Jack Sorensen, the spokesperson for the Safe Schools, Safe Communities initiative that submitted the petition for Question 2, said red flag laws have been “proven effective at saving lives, disarming people who threaten mass shootings, including school shootings, and reducing suicide.”
Sorensen called the current yellow flag law, which went into effect in 2020, an “experiment” negotiated by the governor, lawmakers and gun rights lobbyists.
“The experiment failed in Lewiston, horrifically and tragically, despite the fact that the gunman’s family knew he was dangerous and repeatedly warned law enforcement,” he said.
Giving family and household members, who may be the first to notice concerning behavior, the ability to directly petition the court “adds a tool to the toolbox,” he said, noting that families may not want to get law enforcement involved immediately out of fear that it could escalate a situation.
In response to opponents’ argument that a red flag law diminishes a person’s right to due process, Sorensen pointed out that subjects of a red flag order still get their day in court: Once a petition is filed, the court must schedule a hearing within 14 days to determine if there is a preponderance of evidence that the person poses a significant risk before approving the order.
Family or law enforcement can also petition for an emergency extreme risk protection order, which does not require that the subject be given prior notice before an order is approved. A hearing is still required within 14 days of when the order was issued.
Supporters of the proposed red flag law include the Maine Gun Safety Coalition (the sponsor organization behind Safe Schools, Safe Communities), many of the state’s professional medical organizations and the Maine Education Association.
Opponents
Opponents of Question 2 said that the proposed red flag law is not only unnecessary, given what they called the yellow flag law’s success, but infringes on due process and personal liberty.
As of late September, Maine law enforcement agencies had completed nearly 1,100 yellow flag orders since the law went into effect in 2020. David Trahan, executive director of the Maine Sportsman’s Alliance, said this is evidence that the yellow flag law is working. Law enforcement cited threats of suicide in three-quarters of all orders, which Trahan said weakens supporters’ argument that a red flag law would help reduce suicides.
“Our law is working. There’s no way they can spin that any other way,” he said.
Some supporters of a red flag law, like Sorensen, said that Maine shouldn’t have a law that conflates mental illness with violence. A person could be violent without an underlying mental illness, and mental illness does not necessarily predispose someone to commit a violent act, which is part of why supporters want to do away with the behavioral health assessment requirement.
But Trahan sees it differently. To him and other opponents, getting rid of the assessment — and giving people who are not law enforcement officials the power to directly petition the court to remove someone’s weapons — suggests the aim of the red flag law is “eliminating due process in the law.”
“This is a slippery slope,” he said. “Because if you can do it for a person’s Second Amendment, you can do it for a person’s First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, Fifth, 14th, you name it.”
Trahan said there are already other ways to take away weapons from a person who poses a threat of violence, like protection from abuse orders or arresting someone on criminal threatening charges.
Other opponents of the red flag law include the Maine State Police — with Lt. Michael Johnston writing in testimony earlier this year that the agency worries it could increase the likelihood of a violent encounter — and Gov. Janet Mills. The Democrat was part of the bipartisan group who helped draft the yellow flag law in 2019.
In an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald, Mills said a red flag law would “create a new, separate and confusing process that will undermine the effectiveness of the law and endanger public safety along with it,” adding that based on her experience, “if there is a potentially dangerous situation, I want the police involved as soon as possible.”
Update (Oct. 6): This article has been updated to reflect the fact that the National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine is no longer listed among the organizations endorsing Question 2 on the Safe Schools, Safe Communities website.
This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from The Monitor, sign up for a free Monitor newsletter here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Emily Bader is a health care and general assignment reporter for The Maine Monitor where she covers substance use, mental health and access to care.
She is particularly interested in exploring how these issues affect Mainers’ everyday lives, how communities are seeking solutions and in serving as a watchdog on decision-makers.
Prior to joining The Monitor, Emily was a reporter for three years at local Maine papers. She has earned recognition from the New England Newspaper & Press Association, Maine Public Health Association, National Newspaper Association Foundation and Maine Press Association. She is a member of Investigative Editors & Reporters and the Association of Health Care Journalists.
David Kurtz, 38, is running unopposed for the Ward 5 seat on the Biddeford City Council.
Kurtz — an attorney specializing in corporate law and debt restructuring — grew up in the city and serves on the city’s Waste Management Committee. He said his legal background gives him tools to serve both residents and businesses in the ward, which stretches from the Saco River to the Five Points intersection and includes Main Street’s business district and the mills complex.
David Kurtz will be the only candidate on the ballot to represent Ward 5 (downtown) on the city council
Top issues:
Kurtz said affordability is the city’s most pressing challenge.
“Affordability, and not just housing — though that is a big issue these days — but also affordability in daily living,” he said.
Kurtz pointed to rising rents and landlords who leave properties vacant rather than offering them at lower rates, a trend he argued both worsens the housing crisis and reduces tax revenue.
“If we can’t attract people into homes and apartments, and we can’t encourage more affordable building, then the system itself could become unsustainable,” he said. “If we lose the people because of housing that isn’t affordable, then we lose the customer base at the businesses, which, in turn, drops the tax revenue from the businesses as well.”
Kurtz also emphasized public safety as another top issue, recalling Biddeford’s reputation decades ago as a city with high crime and struggling neighborhoods.
“We aren’t that Biddeford anymore, but we need to continue to grow with the city in terms of safety infrastructure and within the communities,” he said.
Kurtz praised Police Chief Fisk and the department’s reputation in the region, pointing to improvements in community policing and public confidence
“It isn’t always about housing and community projects,” he said. “We need to invest in the safety surrounding it all, and that safety is more than just policing.”
Kurtz also said the city’s unhoused population remains a challenge that extends beyond local government.
“This is more than just a city issue,” he said. “The cities rely on the state, and the state relies on the country. It isn’t as simple as just putting up a building for people to go to. You have to have resources, and those resources take funds.”
Kurtz also expressed concerns about the stability of federal funding for communities.
Why is he running for office?
Kurtz said his decision to run stems from frustration with communication at City Hall.
“I couldn’t get answers to a lot of my questions,” he said. “I’m not alone. My neighbors are always asking me about this issue or that because they’ve sent emails and haven’t gotten responses.”
Kurtz said one of his campaign goals is to create a single webpage tracking all of the city’s ongoing projects.
“I really just want to be involved, and I want to be able to communicate what is going on in the city better for everyone,” he said.
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Jim Krause is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He can be contacted at jiggyjim@live.com
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The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center (BCHC) is pleased to announce the Eighth Annual Biddeford Hall of Fame Award Winners for 2025, bringing attention to those who have made significant contributions to the city and/or to the world at large.
A ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday, October 4, in the Biddeford High School Little Theater on Maplewood Avenue. The induction ceremony for the six winners is open to the public and will be followed by a light luncheon for all current inductees and members of the Hall of Fame along with their guests.
Jim BeaudrySam ZaitlinDelilah PouporeQani Hilmi Bilishti Harold OsherLucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble
Banners of current Hall of Fame members are presently visible on the light poles in downtown Biddeford and after the presentation ceremony, banners honoring the six recipients will also be placed alongside them. Plaques honoring the inductees will be added to the display of past recipients found in Council Chambers.
“This is our eighth year, and as always, we are so fortunate to have such a great selection of people representing our community,” said Diane Cyr, BCHC president. “Some individuals have directly affected our lives in Biddeford, while others have had a broader impact on the county and the world. We are pleased to be able to recognize them in a way that brings awareness of their accomplishments and generate community pride
The Six Hall of Fame Award recipients of 2025:
James Beaudry: An athletic coach as well as a coach of life, he was a role model, mentor, and teacher to many. He gave of himself, and through his demeanor, tone, and actions, he conveyed the importance of charity, empathy, and compassion, and in doing so, motivated and nurtured others.
Qani Hilmi Bilishti :
Representative of the Albanians and Muslims who toiled in the Biddeford Textile Mills, his association with the formation of a mosque reminds us that America has always been a melting pot of ethnicity, religion, and culture, for the betterment and enrichment of all. As one of the founders and the first leader of the National Muhammadan Religious Society of America, Bilishti played an important role in establishing a formal, organized Muslim presence in the U.S. in the early 20th century.
Lucien “Babe” Dutremble:
Strongly influenced by the death of his father and the strength of his mother, he spent his life working for the benefit of others. A man loved by his community and never losing an election, he made the city a better place in which to live.
Harold Osher:
Learning from his parents the importance of giving to others, he, like his siblings, absorbed that lesson and left the people of Maine a legacy of medical care and historical philanthropy. His generosity not only inspires but also lives prominently at the University of Southern Maine.
Delilah Poupore:
As director of the Heart of Biddeford, she has meshed her giving personality with the renaissance of the downtown area. Energetic and visionary, she has enhanced the lives of volunteers and residents and transformed the vitality of the community.
Sam Zaitlin:
A man of extraordinary talents and a thinker who was always concerned about the quality of life for others, his energy and vision altered the ideas and perceptions of those who knew him, while his actions and decisions helped to propel Biddeford and Maine into the 21st Century.
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In a modest, second-floor apartment on Alfred Street, Zimra Winters is making his dream come true.
Winters, 29, has a daytime job working as a baker at Rover Bagel in Biddeford. But his real passion is cookies – cookies so delicious that after your first bite, you may think you have died and gone to heaven.
Earlier this week, Winters formally launched his own small business – Thank You Cookie Box, a boutique, mini bakery he operates in his own kitchen with a standard oven that you would find in most homes.
Zimra Winters of Biddeford shows off a tray of his artisan cookies that are made in his own kitchen. (Seaver photo)
Winters says he cleared all the hurdles necessary before launching his business, including inspections by the city’s code enforcement office and a state inspection.
“This is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Winters said. “When I was just 10 years old, I would bake cookies and sell them at the end of our driveway.”
Winters is truly passionate about cookies.
“I like how they look, and especially how they smell” he said.
Although the focus is on making handmade cookies from scratch with local ingredients, Winters points out that a standard artisan box of cookies comes in a recyclable cardboard box with eco-friendly wrapping.
“It really does make the perfect thank you gift for individuals or companies,” Winter says. According to their website, giving someone a custom-made box of cookies is “an effortless, consistent and customizable way to show gratitude.”
Winters says he can add a company’s logo to each gift box and provides online ordering and free delivery in the Biddeford-Saco area.
Thank You Cookies come in four signature flavors with a gourmet twist, including:
Chocolate Chunk – Fudgy soft with a rich brown butter flavor and generous chunks of milk chocolate – an elegant twist on the classic cookie;
Birthday Cake – A buttery vanilla sugar cookie is studded with creamy white chocolate chips and bright sprinkles for a birthday party in every bite
Red Velvet Crinkle – A delicate dusting of powdered sugar tops this velvet soft cocoa cookie on a local version of the classic red velvet cake;
Snickerdoodle – The timeless snickerdoodle with a rich brown butter flavor that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon.
Winters is also proud of his new company’s commitment to sustainability. Each cookie is individually wrapped in biodegradable cellophane sleeves to keep it fresh and soft for over a week while also reducing single-use plastic waste.
While Zimra is the cookie expert, his partner Katie Schraeder handles all other aspects of the new business. “We make a good team,” Winters said.
“I hope that someday we can expand this business,” he said. “For now, we’ll just have to see how it goes.”
For more information about Thank You Cookie Box, please visit their website.
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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
According to a press release from the City of Biddeford, the city recently announced its annual Employee and Volunteer of the Year awards.
City Manager Truc Dever and Mayor Martin Grohman presented the awards at the annual Employee and Volunteer Banquet.
Volunteer of the Year: Kim Cochrane This award is presented by the mayor to a volunteer who goes above and beyond in service to the city. Grohman selected Kim Cochrane as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
Kim Cochrane receives her award from Mayor Grohman
Cochrane serves currently serves as the head coach of Biddeford Recreation’s Youth Field Hockey program and served as a volunteer assistant coach during basketball season. Outside of coaching, she has donated her time for various projects, including work at Rotary Park during the Fall 2024 community playground build initiative and spearheading the construction campaign of the new Biddeford Little League Softball cantina facility at Mayfield Park..
“I’m so proud of Kim and her company and everything she stands for. She runs a successful business and always steps up for every community need,” Grohman said. “Whether she’s coaching on the field, repainting the lodge at West Brook Skating Rink, or rallying support for new facilities, Kim gives her time, talent, and heart to make this community stronger.
“Her leadership shows our kids what true teamwork looks like on and off the field. We are proud to recognize Kim as Biddeford’s Volunteer of the Year, and grateful for all she has done to make our city a better place,” Grohman said.
Employee of the Year – Shelly MacNeill, Executive Assistant to the City Manager and Mayor
This award can go to any employee who is nominated by the peers for their positive impact on the organization.
MacNeill has made an extraordinary impact on City Hall in her three years in her position, especially through her leadership during a time of major transition,” said city officials
“MacNeill brought a wealth of knowledge about government with her to Biddeford and is a go-to person for problem solving or for brainstorming new ideas. She is known for her professionalism, warmth, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed, whether that means mentoring new staff, supporting leadership, troubleshooting building issues, or even rolling up her sleeves to take on tasks far outside her job description. Her coworkers consistently describe her as the person who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes,” according to the press release.
MacNeill always shows up with a positive attitude and has a genuine commitment to serving both colleagues and the public with kindness.
“Even in my short time here, I have quickly seen just how invaluable Shelly is to City Hall and to our entire organization,” Grohman said. “She is the steady hand behind so much of what we do, and her knowledge and positivity set the tone for our workplace. Shelly has been a tremendous support to me personally as I’ve gotten started in this role, and I know her impact is felt across the city. This recognition is so well-deserved.”
Management Team Member of the Year – Jeff Demers, Director of Public Works
This award goes to a team member in a management or supervisory position who is an exemplary leader.
Public Works Director Jeff Demers (center) receives his award from City Manager Truc Dever and Chief Operations Officer Brian Phinney
Demers has been with the public works department since 1996. As Public Works Director, he oversees a number of divisions that require unique expertise: wastewater, engineering, streets, solid waste, the airport, parks, and the cemetery.
Despite the enormous scope of his responsibilities, Grohman said that Demers leads with dedication, honesty and loyalty, often working long hours, nights, and weekends to make sure the city runs smoothly.
According to the press release, Demers’ employees recognize him not only a leader but as someone who is willing to step in alongside his crews to get work done, whether it’s working overnight to handle a major snowstorm, pitching in on trash collection, or troubleshooting major infrastructure projects. His “innovative approach has saved the city millions of dollars by completing projects in-house, all while maintaining high standards of service.
Though his role often comes with intense pressure, Grohman said Demers continues to put the needs of the community and his staff first and asks for little recognition in exchange.
“Jeff is honest, dedicated, loyal, and always has the city’s best interest in mind,” said Joey Lovejoy, assistant director of Biddeford Public Works. “He is proud of where he works and of the work that his team completes to serve Biddeford residents, but he never looks for praise for his important contributions. He leads by example, and it is special to be a part of.”
Technical and Service Team Member of the Year – Daniel Hammond, Safety and Training Coordinator
This award goes to an employee whose work may not be customer-facing, but impacts the organization more broadly, from technology to safety to positions that require technical expertise.
Hammond has worked in two different departments with the city in the past three years, starting with a role in the Recreation Department before moving to the Human Resources Department.
Daniel Hammond (center) receives his award from Phinney and Dever
His colleagues say that since he accepted a position in the HR department, he has risen to every challenge with “energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. His commitment to helping both employees and residents with safety issues and training has made him a trusted resource for all, while reducing risk and saving the city money in the process.”
As the leader of the City of Biddeford’s Wellness Committee, Hammond has played a key role in bringing fun employee-driven activities to life. His dedication and contributions have touched all city departments.
“Daniel’s leadership in safety, training, and wellness has measurably raised our standards, strengthened our culture, and ensured our workplace is safer and more supportive for everyone, said Diana DePaolo, Human Resources Director.
“Beyond his expertise, he is a hardworking, kind colleague whose positivity and dedication make him an invaluable member of our team.”
Customer Service Team Member of the Year – Starr Cloutier, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police
This award goes to an employee who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service to residents and colleagues.
(L-R) Brian Phinney, Starr Cloutier, Police Chief JoAnne Fisk and City Manager Truc Dever
Cloutier has served the city for nearly 26 years. Her coworkers at the police department know her as “the heart of the department” and as someone who keeps a positive and friendly attitude every single day, all day.
According to the press release, Cloutier is an incredible source of knowledge about the Police Department because of her long tenure. She is willing to step up to help out coworkers and take on new tasks above and beyond the normal duties of her position without complaining – and her coworkers say she excels at all of them. She does her job extremely well, with a smile and is always ready to help wherever necessary while juggling many things at once.
“Starr’s commitment to our team is constant and unwavering, and her dedication, integrity, and positive spirit make a lasting impact every single day,” said Chief JoAnne Fisk. “Through some of our darkest hours, Starr’s calming presence has gotten us through. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the award than Starr and I thank our coworkers for recognizing her.”
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.
Marc LessardNasreen A. Sheikh-YousefLisa Vadnais
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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