NEWS | Former city councilor eyes City Clerk’s post

Despite a flurry of senior staff transitions at City Hall, Neva Lance said she would like the opportunity to again serve Biddeford residents

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Former Biddeford City Councilor Neva (Gross) Lance is hoping to make a return to City Hall but not as an elected official.

Instead, Lance is hoping this time to serve the city as the person in charge of overseeing the city’s elections and managing the department that handles everything from paying excise taxes to getting an annual dog license.

**READY FOR A BIDDEFORD COMEBACK |** Neva Lance says she is hoping to use her experience on the city council to benefit the day-to-day operations in the City Clerk’s office | *Contributed photo*

Former city clerk Robin Patterson unexpectedly announced her resignation in March. Patterson took over as Biddeford City Clerk in 2023, recommended by former city manager James Bennett.

RELATED | Biddeford City Clerk resigns

Since Patterson’s departure in early April, the city clerk’s office has been without a full-time permanent department manager.

The city council recently voted to hire Lisa Ward to serve as an interim city clerk until a permanent replacement can be found.

Many political observers are predicting a higher-than-normal-turnout for the upcoming June 9 primary elections, which features several gubernatorial candidates from both political parties plus a high-profile bid to replace U.S. Senator Susan Collins by political newcomer Graham Platner.

Patterson’s abrupt departure from her post became just one more piece in a flurry of senior staff transitions at City Hall.

A few weeks ago, City Manager Truc Dever unexpectedly announced her own resignation after only nine months on the job.

Earlier in the year, Brian Phinney – the city’s deputy manager and chief operating officer – announced his own resignation. That position has yet to be filled.

Over just the past 18 months, frequent staff turnovers have impacted several City Hall departments, including finance, assessing and economic development.

Mayor Liam LaFountain acknowledged the staff transition issue, which began a few years before he was elected as mayor in November.

“These are critical positions for our city,” LaFountain said. “We want to get the right people – the best possible people who will be able to complement and work with our existing staff and be completely committed to improving service.”

Lance – a professional pharmacist – was appointed to the city council in 2024 by former mayor Marty Grohman to fill a vacancy that was created when Councilor Julian Schalver announced his resignation for personal reasons in 2024.

Lance said she enjoyed her time on the council but did not seek reelection last year because she and her partner were planning to buy a home in Westbrook.

“We want to get the right people
– the best possible people.”
— Mayor Liam LaFountain

Lance says her experience as a city councilor – combined with her professional accomplishments in private-sector management – makes her an ideal candidate for the job.

“I have developed a strong understanding of municipal operations, public service, and the importance of maintaining professionalism, organization, and transparency within local government,” Lance wrote in her cover letter, which she provided to the Biddeford Gazette.

“My experience working directly with residents, city departments, and community stakeholders has strengthened my communication skills and deepened my commitment to serving the Biddeford community,” she added.

Lance also points out that unlike the previous city clerk; she actually has a Notary Public commission.

“Having lived and worked within the community, I value the opportunity to contribute to the city in a meaningful way while supporting residents with efficiency and respect.”

But Lance is not the only candidate hoping to become Biddeford’s next city clerk.

Marina (Gagne) Reynolds previously worked in the city clerk’s office alongside long-time city clerk Carmen Bernier for five years, from December 2015 to May 2021. She then served as the town clerk for the town of Waterboro from May 2021 to Nov. 2024.

“Biddeford has a lot to offer and has really great people,” Reynolds said. “Biddeford is one of the largest municipalities in Maine, and the clerk’s office has to be ready and responsive to the public.”

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