Wow! What a wild ride it’s been. Although I am a junkie when it comes to local politics, I must confess I am quite relieved that Biddeford’s municipal elections are now over. This year’s election had a certain energy. There was a sense of enthusiasm among those waiting in line to cast their votes. Mayor-elect … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Glad it’s over; I need a nap
Author: Randy Seaver
Randy Seaver is a veteran journalist who has been covering news and politics in the city of Biddeford, Maine for nearly three decades. He may be contacted at news@biddeford-gazette.com
City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River. In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals … Continue reading City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier
How much was raised, spent by mayoral candidates
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford Gazette has obtained copies of the preliminary campaign finance reports that were filed by each of the mayoral candidates in October. The final reports, according to state law, mut be filed no later than Dec. 9, 2025. The preliminary reports, however, cover the time period from July 1, 2025 … Continue reading How much was raised, spent by mayoral candidates
Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Just hours after losing the mayor's seat, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he will issue a formal apology to Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain during Thursday's city council meeting. LaFountain narrowly won the three-way race with 42 percent of the vote (2,623). Grohman received 2,413 votes (38.3 percent). After the polls closed Tuesday, I offered Gazette readers … Continue reading Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Biddeford chooses new mayor
Biddeford voters chose City Council President Liam LaFountain to be Biddeford's next mayor. LaFountain edged incumbent Marty Grohman 2,623 - 2,413. City Councilor Norman Belanger placed third with 1, 272 votes. For the first time, the Biddeford City Council will include three women. Patricia Boston won her campaign in Ward One; political newcomer Abigail Woods … Continue reading Biddeford chooses new mayor
Election Day Updates:
Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson said Thursday that the number of absentee ballots she received had already exceeded the number of absentee ballots that were cast two years ago, in the 2023 election. As of Thursday (Oct. 30), more than 2,300 absentee ballots were casts, compared to a total of roughly 2,100 ballots in 2023. … Continue reading Election Day Updates:
OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty
I have to break a promise. A few weeks ago, Dennis “Duke” Dutremble invited me to join him for lunch. I seized that opportunity. If you’re into local politics, you already know that the Dutremble name is legendary and highly respected in the community. Duke’s father, Lucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble, served three terms as Biddeford’s mayor … Continue reading OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty
Belanger explains why he wants to be mayor
By NORMAN BELANGER, Special to the Gaztte I want to thank the Biddeford Gazette for giving each candidate an opportunity to address the voters and explain why they are running for mayor. Giving voters information so they can make an educated decision is crucial to our democracy. Voters need to know what motivated me to … Continue reading Belanger explains why he wants to be mayor
Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote
Mayor Marty Grohman touts his accomplishments, skewers his opponent By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote. The Council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures. The mayor, according to the City Charter, can only set the tone, act as a catalyst for change and … Continue reading Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote
Ingwersen working to stabilize childcare costs
Contributed Story State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford) and Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) visited the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford, as part of a statewide Child Care Listening Tour. “As the Senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I know that access to affordable child care remains a top priority across … Continue reading Ingwersen working to stabilize childcare costs
OPINION: Biddeford needs leadership that listens
Liam LaFountain makes his case about why he should be the city's next mayor By LIAM LaFOUNTAIN, Special to the Gazette Biddeford stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make this November will shape the direction of our city for years to come. We can continue down the same path or we can chart a … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford needs leadership that listens
OPINION: Teachers’ endorsement sends wrong message
By BEN NEVEUX, Special to the Biddeford Gazette The Biddeford Teachers Association’s decision to endorse two candidates while leaving Norman Belanger off its list may have been meant to project strength — but instead, it sends a mixed and disappointing message. When an organization meant to represent fairness and unity appears to play politics, the … Continue reading OPINION: Teachers’ endorsement sends wrong message
Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
All across Maine, people are scrambling to help those who may be facing increased food insecurity as a result of the federal government shutdown. Typically, Maine’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are distributed near the middle of the month. The program relies on federal funding. According to state officials, nearly 170,000 people receive SNAP … Continue reading Biddeford leaders tackle food insecurity
Boys & Girls Club gets ‘big surprise’
Contributed Story/ Special to the Gazette Members of the Southern Maine Boys & Girls Club got a special surprise on Wednesday when they were presented with a new passenger van to support the many programs the Club offers to area youth. The van was donated by Bridgestone Retail Operations as part of an ongoing celebration … Continue reading Boys & Girls Club gets ‘big surprise’
Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement. The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor. Councilor Norman Belanger … Continue reading Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds
Pumpkins will fly and smash in Dayton
You may have heard about the Great Pumpkin, but have you ever seen a pumpkin fly hundreds of feet through the air and smash into a thousand pieces? Well, get ready because the much anticipated 22nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin event will take place on Sunday (Nov. 2) across the road from Andy’s Farm and Garden … Continue reading Pumpkins will fly and smash in Dayton
OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
We’re coming into the final stretch, and we’re now less than one week away from Biddeford’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This is a busy time of year for journalists and for city clerks around the state. The work-load drops considerably on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That day – the day after the elections are … Continue reading OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette
Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford's upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZVaHFLfdE
Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Ten candidates are hoping to win one of seven at-large seats on the Biddeford School Committee. This year’s race will feature some new faces, and a few current members – including Randy Forcier, John McCurry and Lisa Vadnais -- will not be seeking reelection. We asked each of the candidates what … Continue reading Meet the Biddeford School Committee Candidates
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 