OPINION | A Charter Moment for Biddeford

By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette

On Monday (March 2) nomination papers become available for one of the most consequential civic processes Biddeford has undertaken in decades: — the election of a Charter Revision Commission.

In November, voters approved Question Three (The Establishment of a Charter Review Commission) “for the purpose of revising the municipal charter.”

The issue received little coverage at the time. It deserves far more attention now.

Don’t be misled by the word “revising.” In Maine, a charter revision can mean anything from targeted amendments to a ground-up rewrite. Those elected to this Commission will determine the scope of the work, and voters will ultimately have the final say at a future referendum. The direction depends entirely on who chooses to serve and who chooses to participate.

So, what exactly is a charter?

The National Civic League, in its Guide for Charter Commissions, describes a local charter commission as “the closest thing we have to being part of a constitutional convention.” In practical terms, the charter is Biddeford’s governing framework. It determines how power is structured, how elections function, how authority is divided, and how accountability is maintained. It is the rulebook beneath the ordinances and policies we debate each year.

Here in Maine, we operate under the principle of ‘home rule,’ meaning municipalities retain all powers not in conflict with state or federal law. A charter defines how we exercise those powers. It is not symbolic. It shapes how the city works.

Biddeford last adopted a new charter in 2006, followed by amendments in 2012 and 2016. Past revisions have tended to be limited in scope and relatively quiet affairs, often drawing little public attention. That may be comfortable, but it is not ideal for something that governs the structure of local power.

This time could be different

November’s elections brought new energy to City Hall: a 28-year-old mayor, new city councilors, and a new city manager. Regardless of whether one supported those changes, it is difficult to argue that Biddeford is not at an inflection point.

Moments of transition are precisely when foundational questions deserve sunlight.

If we are serious about delivering on promises, including strengthening transparency, accountability or long-term vision — the charter is where those commitments can be formalized.

Each of the city’s seven voting wards will elect one representative to the nine-member commission, with two additional members appointed by the mayor.

Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk beginning March 2. Candidates must collect the required signatures and submit papers before the April deadline, with the election scheduled for June 9.

This is not a ceremonial body

It will decide what questions are asked and what proposals come before voters

That work should not happen in obscurity. It should involve broad conversation, thoughtful disagreement, and genuine civic engagement. Schools, civic groups, and residents alike can treat this as an opportunity to engage in the fundamentals of local self-government.

The outcome of this commission will reflect the level of participation it receives. If you believe Biddeford’s governing document should reflect the city we are becoming, not just the city we were, consider stepping forward or, at minimum, paying close attention.

Processes like this are rare. What we build, revise, or reaffirm now may guide the city for decades.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sam Pecor is a Biddeford resident. Although he currently serves on the Biddeford Gazette’s Advisory Board, his views do not necessarily reflect those of other advisory board members, the Biddeford Gazette’s publisher, staff, volunteers and supporters.

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