NEWS | Angers, Ortiz vie for county commissioner seat

By RANDY SEAVER | Editor

Maine Democrats will soon be asked to choose their party’s nominee for governor and a U.S. Senate seat.

But during the upcoming June 9 primary, Biddeford Democrats will also be asked to choose a new candidate to represent the city on the board of the York County Commissioners.

Democrats Roch Angers and Doris Ortiz – both former members of the Biddeford City Council – are each hoping to replace retiring commissioner, Richard Dutremble, the board’s chair.

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Biddeford is part of York County District 2, which also includes the towns of Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

Often overlooked in regular news coverage, county commissioners are responsible for day-to-day county operations, including managing the York County Jail, the Sheriff’s Department, the Registry of Deeds and the District Attorney’s office.

Voters throughout York County will soon to be asked whether to approve a $31.2 million spending plan to maintain and operate essential county government operations.

Angers, 73, is retired and lives in Biddeford. He is hoping voters will recognize his many years of public service – both as an elected official and longtime community volunteer. He currently serves on the Biddeford Planning board but also previously served the city as a member of the city council and the school committee — as well as serving on several other boards, commissions and committees.

Ortiz, 58, is a former Biddeford resident now living in Arundel.

Ortiz served as an at-large representative on the Biddeford City Council from 2019 to 2025, leaving only because she is now living in Arundel.

A native of Chicago, Ill., Ortiz is employed as a client service specialist for Bernstein Shur, a well-known Portland law firm. Her time on the council was punctuated by her concerns regarding affordable housing.

In 2023, Otiz was tapped by former Mayor Alan Casavant to chair a special task force that was charged with developing recommendations for addressing the city’s housing squeeze.

For his part, Angers said one of his top concerns will be focusing on the county’ annual budget and spending levels.

Angers said he would like to see more support for county operations coming from both the state and federal governments and stressed the need for efficiency and examining the difference between needs and wants when it comes to future spending.

Both candidates say the city of Biddeford carries a large burden when it comes to funding county operations.

Biddeford is the largest municipality in York County. That designation comes with certain benefits and challenges, the candidates say.

Angers said “there are always opportunities for increased efficiencies and collaboration within our county government structure,” stressing that such an approach will help minimize budget increases and improve county services.

Ortiz points to her experience and track record of working with others to achieve compromise and common-sense solutions to complex problems.

“If you look at my time on the council, you can see several examples of where I was able to bridge a gap between differing political philosophies,” Ortiz said. “I have the ability to work with people who may not always share the same perspectives or philosophies.”

I have the ability to work with people who may not always share the same perspectives or philosophies.”— Doris Ortiz

Angers said he is running for the county office because he wants to continue and expand his public service role.

“I am a good listener and possess the ability in finding dialogue amongst tough issues,” Angers said. “I always seek a different perspective in tough situations to find compromise that will make sense.”

I am a good listener and possess the ability in finding dialogue amongst tough issues.” — Roch Angers

Absentee ballots for the June 9 primary are now available from the City Clerk’s office.

In person voting will take place in the Biddeford High School Tiger Gymnasium on Maplewood Avenue on Tuesday, June 9. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about the June 9 election, please visit Biddeford Election Information 2026

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