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 randy@randyseaver.com
Mady Denault, a UNE sophomore, says volunteering downtown helps her feel more connected to the community. (Seaver photo)
Over the past few days, other volunteers — from both La Kermesse and the Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center — have placed holiday wreaths and bows on the lampposts lining Main and Lincoln streets.
When asked why they volunteer, many of the students said it just felt like a fun thing to do. “We are part of this community, and this downtown is also our downtown,” said Tighe Archambault from Pepperell, Massachusetts. “It feels good to give back to the community.”
Sophomore Mady Denault is studying dental hygiene at UNE. She said helping string strands of lights in downtown Biddeford makes her feel more connected to the community and a bit more excited about the upcoming holiday season.
The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce announced Saturday that Alex MacPhail has been named as the agency’s executive director.
MacPhail, the husband of Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, is well known in the Biddeford–Saco region.
According to a press release, MacPhail brings “strong connections with local businesses, community partners, and municipal offices. His familiarity with the Chamber’s systems, communication platforms, and member network gives him a strong starting point as he steps into this role.”
Alex MacPhail
MacPhail will be responsible for managing all day-to-day Chamber operations, including member services, communications, event planning and coordination and community outreach
“Because he already understands the organization and the community, Alex will be able to begin working immediately without a lengthy transition period,” reads the Chamber’s press release. “The Chamber looks forward to this new chapter and is confident in the steady leadership Alex will bring to the role.”
New mayor; changing business hours at City Hall and approaching holidays
The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, but it feels good to approach the holiday season with some enthusiasm and contentment.
This week, we are asking our readers to tell us what they believe were the Top-Ten news stories in Biddeford for 2025.
We are also soliciting ideas about holiday coverage and feature stories that you may enjoy learning about.
Of course, we expect to once again offer an exclusive, sit-down interview with Santa Claus, but we also want to highlight and celebrate the diversity of Biddeford’s holiday season.
This is a great opportunity for you or your organization to share news and events about the holidays and community celebrations. CONTACT US
Now that the local elections are over, we are returning to a much more manageable schedule, focused on original, in-depth reporting.
For the time period between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, we published an average of more than one story per day. Now, we anticipate two-to-three stories per week, not including obituaries, public events or business profiles.
Nutting was always very bullish about both cities, and he was perpetually on the hunt for partnership opportunities. It seems only fitting that a bridge connecting the two cities would be named in his honor.
The council’s chamber was packed for Thursday’s ZBA meeting
Biddeford’s Policy Committee tackled both next steps for an updated Comprehensive Plan and a review of the council’s Code of Ethics.
From our friends at Saco Bay News, we learned this week that three former York County corrections officers were indicted on charges that they facilitated the delivery of contraband items to prisoners.
What’s on deck:
On Saturday, we sat down with Biddeford Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain for an exclusive, free-ranging interview about a number of issues facing the city.
Biddeford Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain
We also met with folks from the Age Friendly Saco program to highlight the many services they provide to seniors and how they hope to work closely with the Age Friendly Biddeford program.
On Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council will tackle the issue of business hours at City Hall.
Currently, City Hall is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 5 pm; and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In an effort to minimize public confusion, the council will consider streamlining business hours at City Hall to 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Changing hours at City Hall?
And that’s a wrap for this week.
Remember: What do you think were the Top-Ten news stories in Biddeford this year? Drop us a line at BiddefordGazette@gmail.com
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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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The University of New England cleared another hurdle Thursday when the Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) voted unanimously to reject an appeal of the university’s proposed research pier.
Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved the controversial pier in August, a group of private citizens – led by the former chair of the Biddeford Harbor Commission – filed an appeal of the planning board’s approval.
Thursday’s meeting lasted only a few minutes, despite an agenda packet of more than 3,000 pages of information related to the project.
The Biddeford City Council Chamber was packed for Thursday’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding the University of New England’s proposed pier. (Seaver photo)
ZBA members did not discuss specifics about the pier, its location or the city’s review process of the project. The discussion instead centered on whether the citizen appellants had legal standing to appeal the planning board’s prior approval.
Ron Schneider – the university’s senior attorney – told ZBA members that the citizen appellants had “no standing” to file an appeal because they were not injured by the planning board’s earlier approval.
Biddeford resident Matt Haas, a former UNE employee, spoke for the appellants and said the citizens group was made up of an “organic” group of citizens, including property abutters and mooring owners who will be displaced by the large pier.
Schneider rejected that argument, pointing out that only Schafer’s name was listed on the appeal filed in September.
“You cannot just add names as you go along,” Schneider argued before the ZBA, pointing out that Schafer lives more than a mile away from where the large pier will be built. “Otherwise, this just becomes a game of whack-a-mole.”
City Attorney Harry Center told the ZBA that they should send the issue back to the planning board for further review.
“New information has recently come to light,” Center said. “The appellants do have standing.”
Center previously supported the planning board’s decision but now says new information about a 250-foot, non-development buffer zone created nearly 25 years ago should trigger a reconsideration of that decision.
“This just becomes a game of whack-a-mole.”
— Ron Schneider, UNE’s senior attorney
As originally reported in the Biddeford Gazette, that buffer zone was overlooked and not raised as an issue of concern during the nearly two-year review process.
The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously last week to seek guidance and advice from the Maine Attorney General’s Office about the buffer zone and its impact on the university’s plans.
When asked for comment about Thursday’s ZBA decision, a university spokesperson said the zoning board followed the city charter’s requirements for appeals.
“These rules exist to ensure fairness and clarity in the appeals process,” said Sarah Delage, vice president of communications.
“UNE looks forward to moving ahead with this important research facility that will benefit Maine’s marine environment, economy and students for generations to come,” she added. “We remain committed to being good neighbors and responsible community partners.”
When asked about next steps for the citizen’s coalition, Haas said the group has to rely on the city council for relief.
“The city seems to understand the significance of the buffer zone, and it is heartening to see them pursue that issue with the attorney general’s office,” he said.
“This is not the end of the story,” Haas said.
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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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Gen. Wallace Nutting’s children attended the dedication ceremony of a bridge named in their father’s honor. (L-R) Sally Nutting Somes, John Nutting, Katherine Haughs and Elizabeth Hood.
Nutting’s four children were on hand for the dedication of the bridge at the base of York Hill.
This year’s parade featured marching bands from Thornton Academy, Biddeford High School, and Saco Middle School.
Members of the Biddeford High School marching band played Taps during the opening ceremony.
A small crowd on the Biddeford side of the bridge awaits the start of the annual parade
Local leaders pose with members of Gen. Nutting’s family moments after the bridge was dedicated (L-R) State Rep. Marshall Alexander (D-Saco), Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), Katherine Haughs, John Nutting, Sally Nutting Somes, Elizabeth Hood and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman (Randy Seaver photo)
Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman attended the ceremonies.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 310 raised the American flag
City attorney finds new info, says UNE pier should go back to planning board
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
Biddeford City Attorney Harry Center says that the Biddeford Planning Board should reconsider its prior approval of the University of New England’s controversial research pier.
Although the planning board narrowly approved the university’s proposal in August, Center now says the Planning Board should reconsider that approval based on new information that came to light a few weeks ago.
An aerial view of where UNE wants to build its research pier (Courtesy photo)
As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) failed to consider a previous ruling that created a 250-foot, no-development, vegetative buffer zone on the university’s campus in 2001.
Shortly after the Planning Board approved the controversial project, a group of residents filed an appeal with the Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
The ZBA is expected to take up the matter at its next meeting on Thursday.
Center, representing the city’s Planning Board, filed a request Monday with the ZBA on behalf of the planning board and Biddeford’s planning department.
Center also discovered that the permit issued to UNE by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may have expired.
“In the last 10 days, far too many legal questions have been raised.”
— City Attorney Harry Center
A university spokesperson said the permit they received from the Army Corps is still in effect, and said the 250-foot no-development zone does not preclude appropriately permitted development.
Sarah Delage, vice president for communications at UNE, said the university received clarification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in August that their permit remains in effect.
“The project was required to start prior to October 14, 2025, and the [Army Corps] has confirmed that the design and permitting process, which was underway well before that date, satisfies this condition.
Delage also said that “there is no inconsistency between UNE’s master plan –which was previously approved by the Biddeford Planning Board — and development within this buffer zone.
When asked about the legality of the SRCC’s permit, Delage said the SRCC’s executive director recently clarified that the approval remains valid and is neither under review nor in question at the SRCC office.
“The [SRCC] executive director sent her letter after consulting with the Maine Assistant Attorney General, who represents the SRCC,” Delage said.
“The university has carefully followed all legal and regulatory processes in permitting the project, and looks forward to continuing to do so,” she added.
Center said he has also researched prior versions of UNE’s master plan, and that those records reveal “that the University of New England’s master plan also references a 250-foot, no-development buffer.”
Red Flags Raised
Center said major red flags were then raised when Cheri Dunning, the executive director of the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC), wrote an unsolicited letter on October 20 to Roby Fecteau, Biddeford’s code enforcement officer.
In that letter to Fecteau, Dunning created the impression that the SRCC — while issuing UNE a permit for the pier — had deliberately overridden the 2001 order creating the buffer. She implied that present-day commissioners consciously intended to create new law. “The condition was created by, and thus can be altered by, the Commission,” she wrote.
Dunning specifically stated that the 2001 order was not discussed during the SRCC hearing. The current commissioners absolutely did not engage in any deliberative process to override the law created in 2001, according to the minutes from the August 2024 meeting.
Since the buffer was never even mentioned, the commissioners were flying blind, Center said.
“My legal analysis is that the order creating the 250-foot buffer remains in place, at least until the Attorney General’s office tells us that it has been rescinded by the commission,” Center said.
“The university has carefully followed all legal and regulatory processes in permitting the project, and looks forward to continuing to do so.”
— Sarah Delage, UNE spokesperson
Center said the ZBA has the jurisdiction to send UNE’s application back to the planning board, and given all the new information that has surfaced, it should do so.
Furthermore, Center said the city may ask a judge to overrule the SRCC’s approval of a permit for UNE’s pier, and recent statements by Dunning that the 250-foot buffer and other SRCC decisions can be ignored by regulatory authorities.
“In the last 10 days, far too many legal questions have been raised,” he said.
Center said he has the full support of Mayor Martin Grohman and the Biddeford City Council to advise the ZBA as he did today.
Last week, the Biddeford City Council unanimously voted to seek clarification and guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office regarding the 250-foot buffer zone.
The council’s resolution stated that the city “will withhold further permitting or authorization related to the proposed UNE pier to ensure full compliance with applicable state law.”
Center says he firmly stands by his previous legal advice on other issues related to UNE’s application.
“I have one duty, and that is to properly advise my client on legal issues at all times. New information has come to light, and I’ll continue to execute my professional responsibilities accordingly,” Center said.
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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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The McArthur Library’s board of directors today announced that Nicole Clark has been hired as library director.
Clark, who first joined McArthur Library as Adult Services Supervisor in December 2024, has been serving as Interim Director since earlier this year.
Nicole Clark (Seaver Photo)
“It is with great excitement that we announce the hiring of Nicole Clark to lead McArthur Library as its new director,” said McArthur Library Board Chair Victoria Foley.
“In her time as Interim Director, Nicole has strengthened the library’s community relationships and expanded program offerings, delivering on McArthur’s mission to enrich the lives of its patrons. The board looks forward to working with Nicole to continue to serve the Biddeford community.”
“Libraries are incredibly special places, and McArthur exemplifies what a public library should be,” Clark stated. “Over the past year, I have been absolutely blown away by the dedication the staff and board put in every day to create a space that is warm, creative, and deeply connected to the people it serves. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to support them in this official capacity.”
Before joining the McArthur team, Clark worked at Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford, Maine, where she held the positions of Youth Services Librarian, Assistant Director, and Interim Director throughout her tenure. Prior to her library career, she taught English and Theater at Sanford High School.
Clark holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/English from the University of Maine at Farmington.
Originally from Kittery, Clark now lives in Berwick with her partner, Jake, and a lively household of pets—a bunny, two guinea pigs, and two cats. The guinea pigs are frequent visitors at the library, where patrons enjoy reading to them and saying hello during visits.
If you’re looking for a friendly, relaxed place to watch the Patriots game; or if you just want to gather with some of your friends and enjoy a wide array of pub-style food, search no more because Champion’s Sports Bar in Biddeford is the place to be.
Champions was first opened in Saco in 1993. Seven years later, the popular tavern moved to its current location on Thornton Street in Biddeford.
Manager Carly McDermott has worked at Champions for 17 years, and says the tavern has a big base of regular customers who would drive through a building to get to their favorite sports bar.
Manager Carly McDermott says Champions offers something for everyone. (Seaver photo)
“It’s our die-hard regulars who have kept us alive over the last few months,” McDermott said, pointing to the ongoing sewer upgrade project on Elm Street.
“We’ve definitely taken a big hit since that project started,” she said.
McDermott says regular Champions customers are “tight-knit,” and enjoy the tavern’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Despite its name, Champions is not just a sports bar, McDermott explains. The tavern is also one of the area’s most well-known destinations for karaoke singing on Sunday through Thursday nights.
Trivia contests are featured on Sundays and Thursdays and live musical performances take place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. McDermott says Champions has the best sound system in the area.
Feeling hungry? Champions is ready to help — offering a menu of affordable appetizers and entrees, including their famous chicken wings and hand-made, half-pound burgers that are made fresh to order.
The wings come in a variety of flavors, but the big news is that they are half-priced on Monday evening. Champions also serves “stone-baked” pizzas, wraps and sandwiches.
Champions offers ample parking and is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday; and between noon and 1 a.m. on Sundays during football season.
So, if you want to relax in a fun and friendly environment, Champions is the place for you.
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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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On Tuesday – during this year’s annual Veterans’ Day ceremonies — the cities of Biddeford and Saco will pause for a brief ceremony to dedicate and rename the York Hill Bridge in honor of General Wallace Nutting.
The York Hill bridge connects Biddeford and Saco and sits at the bottom of hills on each side, from the entrance of the Riverdam mill complex in Biddeford to the Run of the Mill restaurant in Saco.
General Wallace Nutting (Photo, Dept. of Defense)
Nutting – a native of Saco and a former mayor of Biddeford – lived an exemplary life and had a remarkable career in service to his nation.
Nutting, 95, died on August 17, 2023.
The idea of renaming the bridge came from a recommendation by the Biddeford City Council’s Veterans Committee in 2024. Because the bridge is maintained and owned by the state, the idea needed the approval of the Maine legislature.
In February, State Rep. Marc Malon of Biddeford introduced a legislative bill to rename the bridge in Nutting’s honor.
“When I think about the future of Biddeford and Saco, naming this bridge after General Nutting, a leader who bridged our communities himself, is a great symbolic step forward,” Malon said during an interview earlier this year.
Malon’s bill was supported by every member of the Biddeford-Saco delegation and supported by both the Biddeford City Council and Saco City Council.
At the height of his career, Nutting was Commander-in-Chief, United States Southern Command. He was the one who executed the plan to extract Manuel Noreiga from Panama in 1990.
While working at the Pentagon, Nutting was also a senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan.
In 2003, Nutting easily won a three-way to become Biddeford’s mayor. Two years later, he was unopposed for a second term.
Nutting chats with downtown business owner Erin Donovan during a 2004 walking tour
During an interview with this reporter, I described Nutting as “the walking, talking definition of being a local bad ass.” But I also opined that he was one of the most “humble and sincere people I have ever met: a man who led by persuasion — a man always in search of the potential good in others.”
Nutting loved both Biddeford and Saco equally. He served on Thornton Academy’s Board of Trustees but also recalled his childhood playing with model airplanes on the runway at the Biddeford Airport.
Nutting saw tremendous potential in Biddeford’s downtown while so many others were cynical about the location of a trash-to-energy-incinerator on Pearl Street.
Nutting was nothing short of daunting. He was tall, well-built and leaned into his words with a gravelly voice and a demeanor that reeked of honor and respect.
The four-star general had a reputation for being blunt but was also a solutions-focused leader.
But he was also a bit mischievous and his blue eyes would often twinkle while his mouth formed a sly grin.
His remarkable career began at West Point. Soon thereafter, he saw combat in the Korean War and received the Silver Star and the Soldier’s Medal. The latter was for rescuing a wounded Korean woman from a minefield. He also received two Purple Hearts for his service in Korea.
During the Vietnam War, Nutting commanded the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
He and his wife Jane were active members of the First Parish Congregational Church. He was an Associate Fellow at the Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
The four-star general had a reputation for being blunt but was also a solutions-focused leader.
Nutting didn’t like the invisible division between the cities of Biddeford and Saco. He pushed for regional planning, for shared resources and ideas. To him, the two cities were one community, much stronger when they worked together.
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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 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 Liam LaFountain (left) talks with his supporters on Election Night at Pizza by Alex (Seaver photo)
Unlike the 2023 election, this year’s contest saw seven council seats being contested. People were ready for a change.
There was also a big uptick in voter participation this year. In fact, a record was broken for municipal turnout. Typically, 29 to 33 percent of registered voters make the effort to cast a ballot in Biddeford’s off-year elections.
This year, roughly 43 percent of registered voters cast a ballot.
Speaking of numbers, I am proud of our in-depth and comprehensive reporting.
The Biddeford Gazette began its political coverage on Oct. 1. During the month of October, we published a total of 51 stories. Forty-three of those stories were connected to the election. We also created a special section on our website that provided easy-to-find news and information about the election.
As many of you know, in late August I broke my right arm in two places and shattered my elbow. I am pleased to say that it’s getting better with each passing day, but it certainly impacted the Biddeford Gazette.
An X-Ray of my shattered elbow
Between my broken arm and my somewhat manic approach to covering the elections, I let a lot of other things slide.
So, I think it’s time for me to get back to basics and remind myself that the Gazette is supposed to be fun. It does not (as of today) generate any income or revenue.
We’re going to focus on quality, not quantity
I don’t need to chase down every wailing siren. I have the luxury of deciding what stories I will cover.
When I formally launched the Gazette in January, I wrote that this project was designed to “fill gaps in local media coverage by developing and publishing original news and opinion pieces about the city of Biddeford.”
What does that mean? Basically, we’re going to focus on quality, not quantity. We’re going to be more selective and put more emphasis on publishing contributed stories from the community.
Thank you so much for reading the Biddeford Gazette! Please feel free to drop us a line to offer your thoughts about our coverage or to suggest story ideas and news tips.
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 from multiple agencies, including the Saco River Corridor Commission, a quasi-state agency that has jurisdiction regarding development along the length of the river’s shoreline.
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s project on Sept. 13, 2024. Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC abstained from the vote.
In 2001, the university agreed to the creation of a 250-foot buffer zone as a compromise to build two dormitory buildings that would exceed a 35-foot height limit.
The university’s current proposal requires the construction of an access road for the pier. That road needs to accommodate large trucks, including rescue vehicles. The road would cut through the 250-foot vegetative buffer.
When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette in October, the SRCC’s executive director said the contradiction was an oversight.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” said Cherie Dunning, the SRCC’s executive director.
Following the Gazette’s story — Just two weeks before local elections — several city councilors said they want the advice of the state attorney general before the city issues any construction permits for the project.
“We want to make sure that we have done our due diligence” said Council President Liam LaFountain during a previous interview.
LaFountain won his bid Tuesday to become the city’s next mayor. His core campaign message focused on transparency and accountability.
Thursday’s resolution passed without any discussion or comments by council members.
LaFountain and Councilor Marc Lessard tried unsuccessfully to have an agenda item about the university’s proposal discussed at the Oct. 21 council meeting,
Mayor Marty Grohman said he did not realize the item was not on the agenda for that meeting.
A portion of Thursday’s resolve reads as follows:
“Questions have arisen as to whether the SRCC’s Permit #20-491 approval is consistent with, or in conflict with the SRCC Permit #20-209, and whether the existence of a vegetative buffer zone may affect the legal validity of the current pier permit.”
“This situation has created uncertainty for the city, the university, and the public regarding the . . . the city’s obligations under state law.”
Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said the school “does not oppose the council’s pursuit of clarification from the AG’s office.”
The full text of the council’s resolution may be viewed or downloaded here:
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 to October 21, 2025.
According to the preliminary reports, City Councilor Norman Belanger raised $3,135 and had $2,714.60 remaining in his campaign for mayor.
Belanger captured a little more than 20 percent of the tallied votes on Election Day (1,273 votes).
Mayor Marty Grohman raised $3, 771.38 and spent $3,693 on his campaign as of October 21.
Grohman garnered 2,414 votes (38.3 percent) on Election night.
Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain raised $4063 and spent $3, 380 on his campaign between July 1 and Oct. 21, 2025.
Copies of all three reports are posted below.
The Biddeford Gazette will also publish the campaign finance reports for all city councilors.
According to the city clerk’s office, voter turnout on Tuesday was roughly 43 percent of registered voters. As of Election Day, Biddeford has roughly 15,100 registered voters.
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 feedback I received from several voters, speculating that Grohman shot himself in the foot on Sunday by penning a vitriolic op-ed column that leveled attacks against LaFountain.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman
Grohman lost the election by only 210 votes. It was not a landslide election.
Yes, there are lots of reasons why LaFountain was able to defeat two older and more-seasoned candidates, but Grohman’s op-ed left a sour taste in the mouths of several voters.
Many voters told me yesterday that they are upset about skyrocketing property taxes, a lack of affordable housing and a sense of unchecked development.
Marty is not responsible for many of the things that motivated voter turnout, but he is the incumbent, and most people wanted change. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of voters chose someone other than Marty to be the city’s next leader.
The analysis of yesterday’s election doesn’t matter much, but what does matter is the fact that Marty realized his mistake and says he will issue a “formal apology” tomorrow.
Grohman indicated that he will apologize in a comment he posted on my personal Facebook page.
“Let me use this thread to apologize to Liam,” Grohman wrote. “However you read the race, he ran an excellent, excellent campaign, extremely well run with a great team, and worked very, very hard.
“I will issue a more formal apology at Thursday’s Council meeting,” he added.
Grohman’s willingness to publicly own and acknowledge his mistake is an excellent example of leadership.
We all make mistakes. The first step in correcting those mistakes is to acknowledge and own them.
Marty is a smart, innovative thinker with lots of energy. I am not worried about his future.
The loss of Tuesday’s election will likely sting for a long time, but so will the never-ending list of opportunities for leadership and community service.
Thank you for your service, Marty. You are one of Biddeford’s loudest and most passionate champions. I hope you will continue to be involved in the community you love.
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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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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 will be the next Ward Two councilor; and School Committee member Lisa Vadnais will join the council as one of two at-large representatives.
Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) chats with supporters who gathered at Pizza By Alex
Incumbent Marc Lessard will keep his at-large seat. Councilor Roger Beaupre was unopposed on the ballot and will return to represent Ward Three. Political newcomer David Kurtz was unopposed and will represent Ward Five.
In Ward Six, Jake Pierson won his race against Roger Hurtubise. Former councilor Brad Cote edged out challenger Sam Pecor in Ward Seven.
Biddeford voters also approved two local bond questions for sewer separation projects and recreational facility upgrades,
“I am honored to have the support of so many people.” LaFountain told his supporters during a campaign party at Pizza By Alex.
Bobby Mills (right) congratulated his opponent Dylan Doughty who won the Ward Four race, 430-340 (Seaver photo)
Detailed results from the City Clerk’s office are included below:
Question 1: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $20,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Separating and Improving the City’s Storm and Sanitary Sewer Systems in accordance with the signed Administrative Consent Agreement with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection” be ratified and approved?”
Yes: 4708
No: 1497
Blank: 396
Total: 6601
Question 2: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $6,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Improvements to the City’s Recreation Facilities” be ratified and approved?”
Yes: 3984
No: 2221
Blank: 396
Total: 6601
Question 3: “Shall a Charter Commission be established for the purpose of revising the municipal charter?”
Yes: 3457
No: 2305
Blank: 839
Total: 6601
Mayor
LaFountain, Liam: 2626
Grohman, Martin: 2414
Belanger, Norman: 1273
Blank: 288
Total: 6601
Councilor at Large
Vadnais, Lisa: 3766
Lessard, Marc P.: 3005
Sheikh-Yousef, Nasreen: 1897
Blank: 4532
Total: 13200
Ward 1 Councilor
LaBelle, James: 217
Boston, Patricia: 610
Blank: 73
Ward 1 Total: 900
Ward 2 Councilor
Woods, Abigail: 381
McCurry Jr., John: 289
Blanks: 115
Ward 2 Total: 785
Ward 3 Councilor
Beaupre, Roger P.: 850
Blank: 220
Ward 3 Total: 1070
Ward 4 Councilor
Doughty, Dylan: 430
Mills, Bobby, J.: 340
Blank: 105
Ward 4 Total: 875
Ward 5 Councilor
Kurtz, David: 553
Blank: 211
Ward 5 Total: 764
Ward 6 Councilor
Pierson, Jacob: 562
Hurtubise, Roger: 381
Blank: 189
Ward 6 Total: 1132
Ward 7 Councilor
Pecor, Samuel: 375
Cote, Brad: 581
Blank: 119
Ward 7 Total: 1075
School Committee
Amy E. Clearwater: 2718
Meagan E. Desjardins: 3242
Andrew Chad Barrs: 1970
Stephanie C Edwards: 2360
Michele L. Landry: 2799
Marie E. Potvin: 3175
Timothy P. Stebbins: 3044
Jessica A. Cinquegrano: 1971
Karen S. Ruel: 2486
Henley, Emily L: 2667
Blank: 19757
School Total: 46189
Wardens and Ward Clerks for Wards 1-7 are all blanks, as there were no candidates listed on the ballot for these races.
Statewide Referendum Return of Votes Cast
MUNICIPALITY: BIDDEFORD – 1 (1-1)
Total Number of Ballots Cast: 6591
Question 1:“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?”
Yes: 1608
No: 4940
Blank: 43
Question 2: “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?”
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.
Patterson told the Biddeford Gazette that slightly more than 15,000 people are registered voters in Biddeford. That number is likely to increase because of same-day voter registration.
A steady stream of voters kept ballot clerks busy Tuesday morning.
Several candidates were congregating near the entrance of Tiger Gymnasium, greeting voters on their way to the polls.
According to various reports, there was a long line of voters ready to cast their ballots as soon as the polls opened at 7 a.m.
Candidate Pat Boston was all smiles and said she would likely remain at the polls “all day.”
Although City Councilor Roger Beaupre and political newcomer David Kurtz will each be unopposed in their respective races, both men were greeting voters and chatting with other candidates.
This page will be updated throughout the day.
NOTE: For more information about the candidates or issues on this year’s ballot, click on this link
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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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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 and 15 terms in the Maine House of Representatives.
Duke followed in his father’s footsteps and served seven terms in the Maine Senate, including one term as senate president.
When Duke Dutremble talks, you listen.
Duke Dutremble and I seem to be channeling Marty Grohman’s insatiable need for selfies.
In 1994, Duke almost won a U.S. Congressional seat. Almost.
Duke lost his race against Republican James Longley, Jr. by less than two percentage points. Dutremble says that — more than 30 years later – the loss still stings.
During our lunch meeting, Dutremble shared his theory about why he lost that campaign. “I refused to go negative,” he said. “Most of my supporters and campaign staff were saying I needed to go after Longley because it was such a tight race. But I refused.”
Dutremble narrowly lost that election because his integrity and principles meant more to him than winning an election.
A new low for Biddeford?
Duke offered me some sage advice two months ago: Between now and Election Day, do not write any opinion pieces about the candidates, he advised.
Duke’s advice made good sense — right up until this morning when I received Mayor Marty Grohman’s guest column for the Gazette and then threw up a little in my mouth.
Two weeks ago, I notified the three mayoral candidates that they could each submit one column, outlining why they should be the city’s next mayor.
Both Belanger and LaFountain used the opportunity to underscore the principles of their campaigns and explain their positions on various issues.
Neither Belanger nor LaFountain made any comments about other candidates. But Marty used the bulk of his column to attack and vilify LaFountain and his supporters
“The gloves are off,” the mayor wrote. “Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.”
Of course, Grohman shared no evidence to support his claims.
Marty Grohman:Biddeford’s most insecure mayor?
Grohman touched upon some of his accomplishments, but the bulk of his column was a rambling screed against LaFountain.
I have been watching Biddeford politics for 30 years. I have never seen a sitting mayor personally attack an opponent, relying on scare tactics and innuendo to make their point.
A promise broken
I apologize to Duke, but I cannot just sit by and silently watch the floundering and desperate mayor hurl personal insults.
Grohman’s column reveals and explains several things about his character and his approach to city politics in three simple steps.
Step One: Start off by being a victim, blaming others and absolving yourself of any responsibility.
“In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote,” Grohman wrote. “The [city] council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures.”
Step Two: After absolving yourself from any responsibility, brag about things that others have accomplished. Take credit for only the positive things happening in the city.
“It’s been a good two years,” Grohman writes, conveniently forgetting how much others have contributed to the city’s success. “We’ve gotten a lot done.”
Step Three: Attack your strongest opponents. Raise doubts about their character and commitment to the city. Accuse them of things with no evidence. Cast them as a boogeyman.
A used car salesman approach to politics
A common complaint about our mayor: “When you shake hands with Marty, you can almost see him looking over your shoulder to see if someone more important is in the room.”
Two weeks ago, Marty was ready to throw City Clerk Robin Patterson under the bus when he was asked why an agenda item about the UNE pier was not on the city council’s agenda.
He ignored the request made by Councilors Marc Lessard and LaFountain, and publicly said he “didn’t know about their request.” That is a lie. How do I know that? Because after I called him on it, he provided copies of the emails sent to him by Lessard and LaFountain several days prior.
He knew about it. He just didn’t want it on the agenda. When pressed, he backstepped and said the error happened because of a “busy city clerk.”
Forty-eight hours later, during a citizens meeting about the UNE pier, the mayor was handing out documents and saying he was not responsible for the removal of the harbormaster from the review process.
But the mayor sure changed his tune when confronted with a roomful of residents who were pissed about the harbormaster’s removal.
Grohman has done a pretty good job in being a cheerleader for the city, but he can never resist a photo op for himself. If there’s no one there to take his picture, he simply posts yet another selfie.
Sure, it’s good to support local businesses, but why do you have your picture in every post?
Last night, I witnessed a stunning difference between Marty Grohman and Liam LaFountain during a charity event for the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
Marty spent the evening gladhanding the crowd, pointing out that he is the mayor. LaFountain, on the other hand, remained at his own table with his wife and a few other people. He didn’t work the room. He was there – like most of us – to help a deserving charity.
Marty is always kissing babies and posing for flattering photos. He diligently avoids talking about difficult or challenging subjects.
He’s always looking for the easy way out, furtively scanning the horizon for the next vote or handshake. He is the consummate politician, and that is the problem.
Dutremble chose integrity over votes. It’s too bad Marty wasn’t at that lunch meeting. He could have learned something valuable; something about leadership and integrity.
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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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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 run and why I believe I am the best suited person for the job. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the City Council for the last nine years and have played an instrumental part in the city’s renaissance. Biddeford is a much better place than it was when I began my service in January of 2017.
Norman Belanger
However, in the last couple of years a few things have occurred which has spurred me on to enter the race. First, taxes have increased each year at a percentage rate that is simply not sustainable. During my first six years on the council, we managed to set priorities on our spending that kept tax increases within a manageable level that was at or below inflation. That has been lost of late.
I tried hard during the recent budget cycles to prioritize what we spend money on with the understanding that I’m spending other peoples’ hard-earned money.
Second, there has been an increased level of distrust in local government. Distrust in the council, the mayor and the staff. Collegiality and cooperation seems to be slipping away.
I have spent my entire legal and political career working to bring people together to try to find approaches and answers that create the best result by considering diverse opinions. Politics should not be a zero-sum game that I only win if you lose. Compromise is not only necessary; it generally results in the best solution. I want to work hard to make sure all stakeholders (the council, the mayor, staff, voters and local businesses) have a seat at the table and are able to be heard and participate in the process.
“Politics should not be a zero-sum game that I only win if you lose”
— Norman Belanger
There’s been much discussion in this race about the need for change. But that begs the question of what does change look like? We achieved much good change in the last decade, and we need to keep those ideas and action going and build upon them. Change can and should be additive. Inclusiveness and teamwork should be our goals. The city does not benefit from pitting the old against the new, the landlords against the tenants, or the businesses against the residents.
Real leadership builds bridges between competing interests and does not set them against each other. My entire time on the council, and frankly over my whole adult life, has been committed to such bridge building.
I want to continue to use those leadership skills as Biddeford’s mayor, if I’m fortunate enough to be elected.
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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 progress and project a vision.
Still, it’s been a good two years. We’ve gotten a lot done. A new attitude of responsiveness and customer service in city hall. New businesses opening, new programs that are housing the homeless at more than one a week. But there’s a lot at stake.
I’m running against a young firebrand, who’s gotten a lot of endorsements, but voters need to know there is a cost to those endorsements.
I suspect many of you have wondered why vocal fiscal council conservatives would be supporting a candidate whose fiscal philosophy is from the far left.
Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.
I have never played that political game and never will. I won’t put you on the Finance committee if you endorse me. I’ll put you on the Finance committee if you’re the best person for the job, and that’s it.
And if that kind of backroom dealmaking isn’t the opposite of “accountability” and “transparency”, I don’t know what is.
With me, what you see is what you get. No games. No secret deals. No demonization of investors and businesses. Just a deep caring for this community and a desire to make things better. While I am not perfect, I try my best and assist everyone that I can.
It’s disingenuous for my opponent, who is the Council President, to now claim that he’s pro-business, when he has relentlessly driven up the costs of business: like making it cost ten thousand bucks to hook up a sink.
Yes, the gloves are coming off. But I think it’s important that you know these things.
— Marty Grohman
He never took a risk and started a business. He has no idea how hard that is, how every chance you take puts your life savings on the line.And he attacks the people who invest in Biddeford, including developers trying to create affordable housing opportunities. He’s earned a statewide reputation as anti-development.
Importantly, the Council President presided over the biggest increases to the municipal services budget that the city has ever seen and increased fees, including for many permits and licenses. Though by Charter I could not vote on the budget, the $733,000 in cuts that I proposed, trying to be responsive to the concerns of taxpayers, instead were blocked by the Council President.
Of the three candidates running for mayor, the Council President is, by far, the most fiscally liberal. In this economy, I don’t think the city can afford his budgetary philosophy and excessive spending.
Yes, the gloves are coming off. But I think it’s important that you know these things. Portland-style policies like rent control will end Biddeford’s comeback. And if some of his endorsements sound like strange political bedfellows, now you know why.
So, if you want to go back to the days of empty storefronts and avoiding downtown, that’s what’s at stake in this election. Remember when you used to tell people you live ‘near Portland’ instead of now proudly saying, ‘I live in Biddeford’?
I don’t want to go back there either. I want to keep Biddeford growing, positive and a place that you’re proud of. A safe place for you to raise a family and build a career. Together we can make that happen. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 4.
Editor’s Note: All three mayoral candidates have been given the opportunity to submit their own guest column.
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 the district,” Ingwersen said. “This time of year, I have the opportunity to be in the district, listening directly to the folks who do this great work.
Ingwersen (left) listens to staff at the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford.
“They know what the issues are, and I am grateful for the chance to listen to them and zero in on what the actual problems are so that we can formulate a way to solve them. Affordable childcare makes the economy and the community healthier and better. It’s good for the future of our state.”
Daughtry is conducting the listening tour that includes stops at community childcare centers, public pre-K partnerships, Head Start programs and nonprofit organizations across the state.
“Affordable childcare makes the economy and the community healthier and better.”
— State Sen. Henry Ingwersen
The goal is to spotlight innovative solutions, identify gaps in service and elevate the voices of those most impacted by Maine’s child care crisis. Parents, businesses and early educators are invited to complete a survey to share their experiences: http://www.tinyurl.com/supportkidssupportmaine.
The insights gathered will help inform future legislation and policy aimed at expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care for all Maine families.
Ingwersen has two child care-related bills that have been carried over to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature. LD 1728, “An Act to Establish the Maine Child Care Affordability Program Advisory Board,” seeks to establish a board to advise the Office of Child and Family Services on the Maine Child Care Affordability Program. The bill awaits further action and work in the Health and Human Services Committee.
LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs,” seeks to establish, through contracts with community entities, early childhood learning and development resource hubs. Earlier this year, it received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Maine Senate. It now awaits funding on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Table.
Additionally, Ingwersen plans to introduce “An Act to Secure and Sustain the Maine Child Care Affordability Program,” which was approved for introduction by the Legislative Council on October 23.
As proposed, the bill would allow Maine to protect a proven strategy for stabilizing the childcare workforce, supporting businesses and ensuring children of early childhood programs have access to high-quality care. It will be drafted, referenced and worked on in the Second Regular Session.
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Henry Ingwersen is serving his second term, representing District 32 in the Maine Senate, which includes Biddeford and the surrounding communities of Arundel, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman. He may be reached at Henry.Ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov
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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 new course grounded in accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the public good.
Over the past several months, I have knocked on thousands of doors, hosted weekly meetings in every ward, and listened as residents shared their hopes, concerns, and ideas for Biddeford’s future. Across every neighborhood, I’ve heard a mix of pride and frustration: stories about neighbors who look out for one another, about teachers who go the extra mile, and about the growing challenges of housing costs, property taxes, public safety, and aging infrastructure.
LaFountain has been endorsed by a wide array of Biddeford residents and leaders
Through it all, one message has been clear: Biddeford residents want a city government that listens, plans ahead, and keeps the public interest at the center of every decision.
My vision for Biddeford is a city that grows with purpose: a place where people can afford to live, raise their families, and age with dignity. A city where progress does not leave residents behind. That begins with leadership rooted in accountability, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
One message has been clear: Biddeford residents want a city government that listens, plans ahead and keeps the public interest at the center of every decision.
— Liam LaFountain
Accountability means making decisions grounded in evidence, not influence, with clear goals, transparent reporting, and follow-through when promises are made. Transparency means a City Hall where information is easy to find and residents are part of the process not afterthoughts to it. And data-driven leadership means using facts to guide investments in housing, infrastructure, and public safety, so that every dollar spent improves the quality of life for Biddeford residents.
This campaign has never been about one person. It has been about building a shared vision for Biddeford, one shaped by listening. In my four years representing Ward 7 on the City Council and two years as Council President, I have worked with tenants concerned about rising rents, business owners navigating complex city processes, and seniors on fixed incomes striving to remain in their homes. I have also listened to high school students and young families who see promise in Biddeford and want a city that invests in their future.
Those conversations, on doorsteps, in meetings, and across kitchen tables, have guided my approach to every issue. My goal is simple: to ensure the voices of Biddeford residents are reflected in our policies, ordinances, and budgets. The best ideas come from the people living them, and I believe the role of mayor is to turn those ideas into action with discipline, fairness, and transparency.
This Tuesday, November 4th, we have the opportunity to choose what kind of leadership we want for the years ahead. I believe Biddeford deserves leadership that is visible, steady, and grounded in service, a mayor who listens first, acts with integrity, and measures success by how well the city works for its residents.
That is the leadership I will bring to City Hall, and I would be honored to earn your support on Tuesday.
Accountability. Commitment. Transparency.
— Liam LaFountain
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Editor’s Note: The Biddeford Gazette offered all three of Biddeford’s mayoral candidates an opportunity to submit their own column.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 