Brian Pellerin — deputy chief of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office — recently announced that he is running for York County Sheriff in the November 2026 election.
“I am running as a principled independent candidate, committed to professional, nonpartisan leadership in public safety,” Pellerin wrote in a press release that was sent to several media outlets in southern Maine.
Brian Pellerin, IndependentBill King, Incumbent
The York County Sheriff’s Office operates the York County Jail and provides law enforcement to 14 rural towns without police departments. The Sheriff’s Office also provides contract deputies to several municipalities within the county and maintains a civil process division.
According to the Maine Secretary of State’s office, incumbent Sheriff William King – a Democrat –will be seeking a fourth, four-year term. First elected sheriff in 2014, King – a Saco resident — began working at the Sheriff’s Office in 2010.
King did not return the Gazette’s request for comment on Monday.
For his part, Pellerin says he is running as an independent candidate because the sheriff’s office “must remain above partisan politics.”
As of Monday, no Republican candidate has yet filed the required candidacy paperwork for the York County sheriff’s position.
Pellerin says the job requires accountability, transparency and a clear focus on putting people over politics.
“I have more than 30 years of law enforcement experience at the local, county, state, and federal levels,” Pellerin wrote in his press release. “I currently serve as Chief Deputy of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, a nationally accredited agency serving more than 300,000 residents.”
Pellerin – a Saco native – today lives in Dayton, where he has resided for more than 20 years and served as a community volunteer, coach and civic leader.
Pellerin previously spent more than two decades as a federal special agent with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, conducting complex investigations and protective operations both domestically and internationally, according to his press release.
“The Sheriff’s Office exists for no other reason than to serve and protect the people of York County,” Pellerin said. “In the coming weeks and months ahead, I look forward to earning the trust of voters and building a Sheriff’s Office that sets the standards for professionalism, accountability and service.”
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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.) 2026 All Rights Reserved Biddeford Gazette, Inc.
By STATE SEN. HENRY INGWERSEN,Special to the Gazette
On the first day of the legislative session, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate at a press conference to outline our sweeping “Lower Costs, Stronger Communities” bill package. From health care and energy to childcare and housing, we are going to work hard to lower everyday costs for Maine families.
As part of this package, I’d like to highlight my bill, LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs.” It seeks to address Maine’s childcare crisis by creating a network of regional hubs to connect families, childcare providers and employers with much-needed information and support. It would help them locate early childhood programs and similar resources, including training opportunities for providers in the state. I know that childcare is a personal issue for many, and, as a grandfather, it’s personal for me and my family, too.
Photo: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families
In that same vein, following another press conference a couple of weeks later with Senate President Mattie Daughtry, parents and childcare workers, I introduced a bill to invest in Maine’s essential child care system. I presented LD 2066, “An Act to Establish the Child Care Employment Award,” to the Health and Human Services Committee, which I chair.
Seeking to build on a successful two-year pilot program, the bill would make the Child Care Employment Award (CCEA) a permanent component of Maine’s child care subsidy system, supplemented by the Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP). The CCEA maximizes existing public investments in child care and gives an added boost to those who work as child care professionals. 62% of participating families are eligible for the CCAP and receive subsidies from it. The CCEA covers the required co-payments for those children whose parents are child care professionals at an average of $114 per child. That’s real money that parents can keep in their pockets. This is an added incentive to the child care staff who currently are some of the lowest-paid professionals in Maine.
At its core, this bill recognizes a simple truth: our child care system cannot function without the educators and staff who show up every day to care for Maine’s youngest children – and those workers must be able to afford child care themselves. When child care workers can afford care for their own children, staffing levels stabilize, classrooms stay open and parents across all sectors can continue working. This program is not simply a benefit for individual educators – it is essential infrastructure.
I told the Committee: As of September 2025, the program currently supports 511 Maine children from 313 working families. Without additional funding, 470 children from 312 families will remain on the waitlist. These children – and their hardworking parents – have already waited too long. We need to get them off the waitlist and into child care centers across the district, like St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford.
I had the opportunity to tour St. Louis Center in Biddeford in the fall. During the visit, I learned about the high-quality childcare that St. Louis has been delivering to children of all backgrounds and needs for over 35 years. Indeed, the Center has extensive experience navigating Maine’s childcare system, and they excel at working with families from all walks of life. I especially appreciated their comments and feedback on how we can make the childcare system less burdensome for care providers and families alike.
I, along with some of my colleagues, have taken that feedback to heart. The child care workers at St. Louis emphasized the importance of predictability and stability in state child care programs in order for centers to keep their doors open and retain staff. We need to continue to fund and support the child care subsidy system, and we need to be creative in making it work for more families.
With these critical investments, we can support Mainers with children and those who take care of them, making it easier and more affordable to start a family here in Maine.
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State Sen. Henry Ingwersen represents the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman in the Maine Senate. (District 32)
According to campaign finance reports, a total of more than $14,200 was spent by the three mayoral candidates in Biddeford’s Nov. 6 municipal election.
Yesterday (Dec.16) was the deadline for filing those reports with the city clerk.
Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain (City of Biddeford photo)
Former Mayor Marty Grohman spent the most money in his campaign for a second term, a total of $6,539.31.
Mayor Liam LaFountain spent a total of $4,957.13, and former city councilor Norman Belanger spent $3,135 on his campaign.
In terms of votes, LaFountain edged Grohman by a margin of just 212 votes (2,626 – 2,414). Belanger finished in a distant third with 1,273 votes.
Based on data from the finance reports, Grohman also spent the most on a per-vote basis, roughly $2.71 per vote; Belanger spent $2.46 per vote and LaFountain spent the least on a per-vote basis at $1.89 per vote.
As required by state law, all candidates are required to file two reports regarding details about their campaigns, contributions and expenses. The first report must be filed in mid-October.
The second cumulative report is due no later than 42 days after the election. The city maintains public records of all campaign spending by municipal candidates, including city councilors, school committee members and mayoral candidates.
You can view or download the final reports submitted by the mayoral candidates below.
Candidates are required to detail line-item totals for all money contributed to their campaigns by specific individuals or businesses.
Each candidate must also provide details about how they spent their money during the campaign.
All three mayoral candidates had similar expenses, including direct mail, lawn signs, website design and social media advertising.
Campaign signs are a major expense for most local campaigns.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate information regarding former city councilor Norm Belanger’s mayoral campaign. Belanger spent a total of $3,135. His per vote total was $2.46. We apologize for the error. The story has been amended with the correct information.
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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 first regular meeting of the new Biddeford Council — along with a new mayor — should give us a good preview and set the tone for what we can expect from these 10 individuals over the next two years.
I have been through this before. Many times.
Former Ward Five Councilor Neva Gross, one of the councilors I am going to miss as a new administration begins.
I should be better prepared for the transition. In fact, Liam LaFountain is the sixth Biddeford mayor I have covered as a journalist.
I have seen lots of change over the last three decades: Five city managers, six mayors and more finance directors than you can count.
All kidding aside, I am optimistic about this new group, and I expect we’re going to see rigorous and thoughtful debate as this new council tackles a wide range of issues.
I really believe that we are at the beginning of a new era at Biddeford City Hall, but I will miss a few of the councilors who decided not to seek reelection this year.
In particular, I am going to miss former Ward Five Councilor Neva Gross – especially during the roll call at the beginning of each meeting.
During the roll call, each councilor answers the city’s clerk’s question. Councilor Belanger? “Here.”
Councilor Beaupre? “Here.”
Councilor Whiting? “Here.” And so on . . . with one notable exception: Councilor Gross would invariably set her own mark. Instead of saying “here,’ she would always respond: “Present.”
For the better part of two years, her response irked me. I thought she was just being a smartass, making a joke of the roll-call process.
Before we proceed any further, it should be noted that I consider Neva Gross to be a friend. She and her partner are expected to attend my family’s annual Christmas Chaos party.
Neva Gross poses for a picture with Mayor Grohman and other councilors moments after being sworn into office (Seaver photo)
Shortly after she was appointed to the council to fill a vacancy in 2024, Neva agreed to an interview with me.
In that interview – published in Saco Bay News – I described Neva as “somewhat reserved.” I told readers that she “listens intently to discussion, often sitting back with her chair leaning away from the council dais.”
So finally — just a few weeks ago – I got up the courage to ask Gross why she always bucked the roll call trend during council meetings.
She smiled. “It’s something that was literally drilled into me by my drill instructor during basic training,” she said.
“He expected more from us than just showing up,” Gross explained. “He demanded that we were ‘present.’ We were expected to know what was happening next to us, behind us and ahead of us. We were expected to be aware, ready to take action and constantly examining the landscape.
“Simply being here was never good enough for him. I always wanted to be present during council meetings.”
I suspect that Neva will still be present in Biddeford, even though she is no longer a city councilor. Maybe we should all be present instead of just being here.
Regardless, I am going to miss Neva’s smile and her thoughtful approach to governance.
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 Mayor Liam LaFountain is floating the idea of hiring an “in-house” city attorney, a significant departure from the current model of operating under a retainer contract with a local law firm.
Although the concept of hiring an attorney as a full-time city employee was discussed and rejected more than 30 years ago, LaFountain says it makes sense today to at least “explore” the idea.
Currently, Harry B. Center serves as the city’s attorney when needed. Center also has several other clients and is a managing partner at Woodman Edmands, a small Biddeford-based law firm located on Main Street.
City Attorney Harry B. Cnter, II (Courtesy photo)
During the Dec. 16 council meeting, LaFountain will ask the council to approve a six-month contract renewal for Center. Typically, the city’s attorney is appointed for two years.
LaFountain said it only makes sense to keep Center on board while the council digs deeper in consideration of the proposed change.
“We need to make sure that we have stability moving forward,” LaFountain said during an interview with the Gazette. “We have lots of items and issues under consideration. I am not proposing to make any changes without fully vetting the plan with the city council.”
LaFountain said it may turn out that hiring an in-house attorney would not be a good idea. “I just want us to consider the possibility and think about potential benefits and advantages.”
In a memo to the city council, LaFountain wrote: “Biddeford is entering a period of increased legal activity across land use, development agreements, personnel matters, and policy implementation.”
Center says he will continue to serve the city to the best of his ability, regardless of whether the council decides to make a change at the beginning of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2026.
Center says he bills the city at a rate of $225 per hour, a fraction of the billable rates of attorneys working in larger Portland firms.
“It’s just a matter of what makes the best overall sense for the city,” LaFountain explained. “We are in a transition period. We have six new councilors coming on board, a new city manager and we’re looking to hire a new economic and development director and new chief operating officer.
“This may be the exact time to consider making a change in how we handle our legal services,” the mayor added.
On the advantage side, LaFountain says having an in-house attorney could improve efficiency, responsiveness and long-term cost management, similar to models used in other municipalities of comparable size. Both Portland and Bangor have an in-house attorney, he said.
Shortly after graduating from law school, Center was hired by the late Mayor Roger Normand in 1992.
Center resigned his position as city solicitor in 2004 to pursue a new job in the private sector. Center returned as the city’s attorney after being appointed by Mayor Alan Casavant to replace Keith Jacques upon his retirement in 2022.
Over the years, Center has served under five mayors (Normand, Grattelo, Dion, Casavant and Grohman).
A Biddeford native, Center attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Biddeford High School in 1980.
“I have seen a lot of changes over the years,” Center said. “There are always ups and downs. The bottom line is that I serve at the pleasure of the mayor and city council.”
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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 city of Biddeford’s 153rd inauguration ceremony was markedly different than in years past.
For the first time, the ceremony was held online because of inclement weather.
Although typically an evening of pomp and circumstance, including an emcee and reception, this year’s ceremony – held on the Zoom platform — took less than 10 minutes.
Mayor Liam LaFountain takes the oath of office from City Clerk Robin Patterson (top left) while School Committee member Michelle Landry looks on during an online ceremony via Zoom.
City Clerk Robin Patterson first administered the oath of office to school committee members and then moved on to the city council members before swearing in Mayor Liam LaFountain.
The new mayor – wearing a jacket and tie – offered brief remarks, congratulating the members of the city council and school committee.
LaFountain urged the new councilors and school committee members to “govern with courage,” ensuring that “the public interest must be at the center of every decision we make.”
“I look forward to working with each of you as we address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” LaFountain said while invoking his campaign promise to ensure city government is held to strict standards of accountability and transparency.
The new mayor highlighted several policy goals and priorities for the new administration, including housing, affordability, good schools and accessible parks and open spaces.
“Biddeford has always been a community of giving,” the mayor said. “Let us continue that tradition of giving as we move forward.”
The new city council features three returning members: Councilors Marc Lessard, Roger Beaupre and Dylan Doughty. New members include Patricia Boston in Ward One; Abigail Woods in Ward Two; David Kurtz in Ward Five; Jake Pierson in Ward Six; Brad Cote in Ward Seven; and Lisa Vadnais as an at-large councilor. Both Boston and Cote previously served on the council.
The new school committee includes Emily Henry, Tim Stebbins, Michelle Landry, Megan Desjardins, Amy Clearwater, Marie Potvin and Karen Ruel.
The requirements of the city’s charter prohibited rescheduling the event. The public was invited to join the meeting as observers.
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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 little more than two weeks ago, Biddeford voters sent a clear message that they wanted change and more accountability from City Hall.
In fact, nearly two thirds of the people who cast ballots in the Nov. 4 municipal election chose candidates other than incumbent Mayor Marty Grohman for the city’s top job.
Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain was able to tap into that voter discontent, but he was also a late entrant — and a somewhat unlikely candidate — in the three-way mayoral race.
Biddeford Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain
Skeptics said LaFountain, 28, was “too young” for the job. Others questioned his experience and his ability to effectively lead the city because he has a full-time job.
But many other voters saw LaFountain’s candidacy as a breath of fresh air, and his youthful energy appealed to younger voters in a city that has become Maine’s youngest municipality.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age of all Biddeford residents is 35, and it’s even younger — just 29 — in the city’s downtown area.
Typically, only 30 percent of registered voters participate in Biddeford’s off-year municipal elections. And those consistent voters are typically over the age of 50.
But this year saw a marked change and an elevated level of interest in local elections, especially among younger voters. In fact, turnout exceeded 43 percent for the first time in the last 30 years.
Many younger voters said they came to vote because of their concerns about a statewide referendum regarding voter identification and absentee voting. One woman waiting in line said, “We can’t let [President] Trump and his supporters eat away at our democracy. I felt it was important to take a stand.”
LaFountain says he is honored and humbled by the support he received, but he is quick to point out that 57 percent of voters did not choose him to be the next mayor.
“I am honored by the support I received but my job now is to lead the entire city, and that includes everyone, not just those who voted for me,” LaFountain said. “It was not a landslide. I won the race by only 210 votes.”
As is usually the case, LaFountain was eager to share his thoughts and opinions with us. During our interview, he was simultaneously self-deprecating and equally passionate about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Biddeford.
Has the reality of being Biddeford’s next mayor set in yet?
“Oh yeah. I quickly went from being excited about the results and then had a sense of dread wash over me. You spend so much time on the campaign trail that you don’t give a lot of thought to what will happen if you win. (Laughs)
“That night – while we were celebrating at Pizza By Alex – the reality set in pretty quickly.”
You are not only going to be the city’s youngest mayor in recent memory but also the first mayor who will simultaneously hold a full-time job. Is your employment going to impact your leadership of the city?
“I don’t think it’s going to be much different than how I handled serving as council president and a city councilor.
“Most people in Biddeford have full-time jobs, and I think it helps my perspective about many issues through the lens of someone who is still working and facing many of the same challenges.
“As mayor, my top priority is to the people of Biddeford. I want to meet people where they are. I’m thinking about things like holding open hours at City Hall so constituents can meet with me informally. Being accessible and accountable will continue to be my focus.”
During your campaign, you talked a lot about accountability, accessibility and affordability. How do you plan to put those goals into action?
“The talking points I used during the campaign primarily came from the people I was talking with as I was campaigning. We need to make sure that residents are able to access the services they need and get information and news that is important to them.
“We need budgets that reflect both the values and needs of the public. We heard a lot about transparency this year. We need to make sure people are aware of what is happening in city government and how those things may impact them, and how they can be part of the process.
“The affordability issue stretches across the spectrum of Biddeford residents, whether you’re a property owner worried about tax increases, or a tenant who is seeing your rental payments increase each year – even downtown business owners are experiencing rapidly increasing lease payments.”
“As mayor, my top priority is to the people of Biddeford. I want to meet people where they are”
— Mayor Elect Liam LaFountain
Voters also approved a $6 million bond for upgrades and repairs to the city’s recreational assets. That money is not going to cover all of the city’s needs. How do you propose those funds should be allocated?
“That is going to be one of our top priorities in the coming year. I think we’re going to need a process that includes a lot of public input, working with the Recreation Commission and the [city] council to identify how we use those funds because Biddeford residents wanted us to use that money to improve recreation opportunities.
“Obviously, we cannot fix everything, so we need a good process to identify the priorities from the public’s perspective and look for ways to capitalize on our existing resources.
“As an example, we still haven’t made any decisions about what to do with the JFK School. When we think about all the challenges we have, it’s going to involve looking at how we can use existing resources to make sure we’re addressing challenges without missing existing opportunities.”
What do you consider as the challenges facing the city of Biddeford?
“We really need to get back to basics. Our finance department is making good progress on correcting some of the things that caused a variety of problems. We need to make sure that we have adequate reporting, timely audits and reconciliations. We need continuous improvement because our financial position impacts everything the city does.
“I also believe we need to pursue a regional approach when it comes to addressing the needs of our unhoused population. My basic perspective on that issue is rooted in providing dignity for all residents, whether they live in a home or not.
“It’s a regional issue, and I want us to work closely with county officials and the state of Maine because we cannot do it all on our own.
Have you spoken yet with Saco’s mayor about opportunities for collaboration between the two cities?
“Yes, we had a good conversation, and I’m excited about how we can work together and leverage our shared strength when it comes to advocating on both a regional and state level.
“We have a new city manager, and they are about to welcome a new city manager so I think we have a nice, clean slate to work from.”
What do you think about the new council that you will be working with?
“I am really excited about the council. I think we have a really good mix, including experience and fresh perspectives. I think Lisa Vadnais will bring a valuable perspective about our city’s schools to her new role on the council. We also have three councilors who will be serving for the first time.
“I really look forward to working with them and our new school committee as we collectively chart the city’s future.”
What will be your mantra as Biddeford’s mayor?
“My primary goal will be focused upon putting the public interest at the center of all our decisions. That means making decisions that primarily benefit Biddeford residents.
“We need a data-driven decision-making process, and we also need to listen to Biddeford residents to reflect their goals, needs and wants when it comes to policies, budgets and ordinances that we pass.
“I want to be accessible and available to listen. I will readily admit that I don’t have all the answers, but I am ready to work with residents, city staff and the council to address our direction going forward.”
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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 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 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.
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
________________
Editor’s Note: The Biddeford Gazette offered all three of Biddeford’s mayoral candidates an opportunity to submit their own column.
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 credibility of its endorsement suffers.
Endorsements are supposed to mean something. They should signal confidence in a candidate’s record, character and commitment to the people they serve. By dividing its support and opening the door to statewide PAC money, the union risks turning what should be a local, values-based decision into a political transaction.
That’s not what Biddeford voters expect from their educators’ representatives.
“Endorsements are supposed to mean something.”
— Ben Neveux
Leaving Norman Belanger off the endorsement list doesn’t just look like a strategic move — it looks like a snub. Mr. Belanger has a long record of public service and deep roots in this community. To pretend that doesn’t matter undermines the idea that endorsements are earned through experience and trust.
This decision doesn’t strengthen the union’s influence — it weakens it.
Endorsements should lift up leaders who’ve proven their dedication to Biddeford, not serve as bargaining chips in a broader political game. The union owes its members, and this city, better judgment.
____________
Disclosure: Ben Neveux is a member of the Biddeford Gazette’s volunteer advisory board.
Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.
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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 – the third mayoral candidate – was not endorsed by the BTA. He was unavailable for comment at press time.
Beyond bragging rights, the endorsement from the Biddeford Teachers Association also opens up potential campaign funds from the statewide Maine Education Association Political Action Campaign (PAC) fund.
Marty GrohmanLiam LaFountain
According to an email the BTA sent to Grohman and LaFountain, they both earned the recommendation from the union’s Screening and Endorsement Committee.
The teachers’ union sent all candidates a questionnaire. The endorsements were based upon how the candidates answered those questions from the union.
Allison Pickering, vice president of the Biddeford Teachers Association, said the organization – “after great consideration” — decided to make a dual endorsement in the mayoral race, recommending two candidates for support by the union’s membership.
Pickering – a fifth-grade teacher at Biddeford Middle School — was not available for comment at press time, but according to the email she sent both Grohman and LaFountain, she described the two men as “preferred candidates.”
According to Pickering’s email, teachers in the city’s public schools are being asked to support Grohman and LaFountain, writing “we appreciate your commitment to the students and communities we serve.
“We thank you for taking the time to complete our candidate questionnaire and for sharing your views with us.
“We feel you will be a strong candidate dedicated to improving our local schools while listening and respecting the front-line educators who work with students every day,” she added.
Pickering told Grohman and LaFountain, that the BTA “will be working with staff at the Maine Education Association to make sure educators all over our city are aware of our support for your candidacy.”
______________
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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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 over – is actually a holiday. And according to Maine state law, city clerks in each community are required to take local reporters out to lunch and pick up the tab.
A small collection of campaign signs near the intersection of Rte. 9 and Fortunes Rocks Road
On a more serious note, this is the time when people start asking my predictions about the outcome. In Biddeford, I have developed a reputation as the go-to-guy when it comes to local politics.
I know nothing about elections in Saco, Old Orchard Beach or Kennebunk. My “expertise” is rather limited, but I can chat Biddeford politics all day long.
This is the first election for the Biddeford Gazette, a media project I launched in January.
I have tried to be thorough, fair and accurate in all my coverage. I have written candidate profiles on each of the 28 candidates running for office (mayor, city council and school committee)
We have also done in-depth reporting about the local bond issues and thanks to our media partners at The Maine Monitor you can find a balanced analysis of the two state referendum questions.
I also took the initiative to organize the one and only debate featuring the three mayoral candidates, reaching out to my colleagues at Saco Bay News and the Press Herald to join me as panelists. We solicited our questions from the community and we had a great moderator, Craig Pendleton.
This will be my 15th Biddeford election. I started in 1997, and I have been fascinated by this city’s politics since.
Biddeford takes its elections seriously, and it can be a rough and tumble affair. You need to wear your big-boy pants if you’re going to tread in these waters.
I actually met my wife because she was running for office, and I made a mistake in my coverage of the Old Orchard Beach School Board race. (True story. Oct. 2001)
Laura started winning races after she married me and took my last name. (Also, a true story)
You can’t make predictions on just gut instinct or who has the most campaign signs posted at the Five Points intersection. You have to look at the data. Past performance is always a good indicator of future results.
You also have to consider other factors, including weather and various state referendum questions that will also be on the ballot.
According to extended weather forecasts, next Tuesday will be partly cloudy with a high of 53 degrees. The state referendum questions are rather benign and will not be big factors, unlike 2010 when Maine voters were asked to approve the Oxford Casino (Disclosure: I was a paid consultant on that referendum question)
You have to look at the data, past performance is a good indicator of future results
I decided this year to limit my data field to the last 10 years, beginning with the 2015 election.
Sadly, off-year municipal elections only draw about 30 percent of Biddeford’s registered voters to the polls. People in Biddeford love to complain about politics, but most of them can’t be bothered to vote.
So, let’s take a quick glance at past elections.
In 2015, there were 34 candidates on the ballot (mayor, council, school committee) and four local referendum questions. Alan Casavant was seeking a third, consecutive term and challenged by Daniel Parenteau. Turnout was 30.03 percent of registered voters, Casavant kicked ass, 2,494 – 1,437
In 2017, voter turnout was 30.93 percent with 22 candidates. Casavant faced only two write-in opponents and breezed to victory for a fourth term with 3,497 votes.
Laura (Seaver) was also reelected as an At-Large councilor, slightly trailing Marc Lessard, 2,989 – 2,902. More importantly School Committee candidate Lisa Vadnais garnered 3,041 votes (Pay attention here. There will be a test later).
In 2019, Things got interesting, Casavant was almost defeated for a fifth term by Jason Litalien who came in a close second (2,234 – 2,127). Turnout was 29.91 percent. Both Lessard (3,051) and Vadnais (2,971) topped the ballot.
In 2021, Casavant easily rolled over challenger Victoria Foley, 3,237 – 1,849. Voter turnout was 33.05 percent. Again, Lessard (3,403) and Vadnais (3,297) topped the ballot. Why the slight bump in turnout? Not sure. There was a statewide referendum about CMP’s transmission corridor project.
Finally, in 2023, Casavant decided not to seek a seventh term. City Councilor Marty Grohman defeated former State Senator Susan Deschambault, 2,894 – 2,223. Not a landslide, but certainly comfortable. Again, Vadnais (3,374) and Lessard (3,021) topped the ballots with the most votes per candidate.
My predictions for 2025
Yours truly showing off our work for Casavant in 2013.
This is a three-way race. Marty has the advantage of the incumbency, but he also has the disadvantage of being the incumbent. When voters are not happy, the incumbent hears about it.
In fairness, Marty can’t be held responsible for some things beyond his control, but his leadership has been called into question by two city councilors who work with him closely. His endorsements of council candidates this year, have actually been rejected by some of those candidates.
It’s a three-way race, and that’s Marty’s best hope going forward. Will Councilors Liam LaFountain and Norm Belanger split the “anti-Marty” vote. Sure, but by how much?
It all depends on how many supporters Belanger and LaFountain can get to the polls.
Bottom line? This race is too close to call, but I will make a prediction . . . on Tuesday night, one hour before the polls close. Most of my predictions will be posted on this site at the same time.
Sure, we all know Councilor Roger Beaupre is unopposed in Ward Three and newcomer David Kurtz is unopposed in Ward Five, but what about the other council races? Again, most of them are too close to call . . . except one.
Three candidates are vying for the two At-Large seats on the council: Marc Lessard, Nasreen A. Shekh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais.
Past performance matters. Lessard and Vadnais will be the winners, and it will be somewhat interesting to see which one gets the most votes.
First, she did not do any diligent reconnaissance work. Although she is a board member at the Heart of Biddeford, she has not served on any municipal boards or committees. She has lived in Biddeford less than four years. Her name recognition before taking out nomination papers was virtually nil, and it hasn’t improved much since.
Secondly, in my opinion, she bit off more than she could chew by seeking an at-large seat right out of the gate. Yes, it can be done. Doris Ortiz proved that, but not if you’re going up against two of the city’s heaviest hitters.
Had Sheikh-Yousef run for Ward Five City Council, I firmly believe she would have had a fair shot at winning, depending on the other candidates.
Although she did not hire me, I will offer her a bit of free advice:
Keep doing what you’re doing. After election day, continue to find other ways to be an engaged citizen. Biddeford could benefit from your perspective. Stay involved and be a part of the city’s continuing conversation.
And to all the candidates, thank you so much for stepping up to serve your community. You are working really hard to get a job that pays less than $100 a month and will take up several hours of your time.
You are willing to share your address and take criticism for almost every thing you do. You will be required to sit through mind-numbing presentations and smile for photo-ops.
I don’t know why you do it, but thank you.
I will be providing all-day coverage on Election Day with regular social media updates.
On Wednesday, I am going to sleep-in and enjoy the lunch that Robin Patterson is buying for me.
P.S.Campaign signs by the side of the road mean nothing. Campaign signs on peoples’ lawns mean everything.
Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.
_____________________
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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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 they consider as the biggest challenges facing Biddeford’s School System and their top priorities.
Jessica A. Cinquegrano:
Jessica Cinquegrano, 37, is a political newcomer and a “stay-at-home mom” of two young children.
She has been a Biddeford resident since 2019.
Cinquegrano says many of the challenges facing the city’s schools can be traced back to “a lack of adequate funding.”
Jessica Cinquegrano
If elected, she said her three main priorities will include focusing on the wellbeing and safety of our students “so that every child feels supported and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.”
She also wants to make sure that educators have the tools, resources and support they need “to provide every student with a high-quality, forward-looking, and equitable education.”
Cinquegrano also said she wants to maintain responsible stewardship of our budget—”ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to support students, teachers and long-term sustainability while working through some of the roadblocks we’ve faced to secure more state funding.”
“As a parent of school-aged kids, I’m deeply invested in ensuring they—and all their peers—receive the best education possible,” Cinquegrano said. “In today’s climate, I believe it’s vital to support scientifically backed curriculum and to uphold our schools as safe, inclusive spaces for every student.
“Although I’m not originally from Maine, I’ve fallen in love with this small and vibrant city,” she said. “I want to make sure every marginalized voice is heard, because our diversity is one of Biddeford’s greatest strengths.”
Amy Clearwater:
Amy Clearwater, 41, is a former Biddeford city councilor. A Maine native, she moved to Biddeford in 2017. She is married with two kids.
Clearwater serves on several community service boards, including the My Place Teen Center; the Biddeford Housing Authority and the MacArthur Library.
Amy Clearwater
She is the Senior Vice President of Investor Services at what she describes as “a large global bank.”
Clearwater says her top priority is ensuring that today’s students will thrive as adults tomorrow.
“This is a wild time for education in America,” Clearwater said. “We’ve weathered a pandemic and experienced some significant local demographic shifts. Kids growing up today are having a markedly different experience than I had in public school a generation ago. Social media, information literacy, AI tools — there’s a good deal of uncharted territory for them.”
Clearwater says she has “an open mind, a strong understanding of municipal governance, and a stakeholder-focused approach to managing a very complex system.”
“I’m running for School Committee because, at this time of short-sighted and cruel federal attacks on education and social service funding, I feel obligated to do all I can in Biddeford to support our schools and provide my skills and abilities in service of good outcomes for all of Biddeford’s kids.” Clearwater said.
Meagan Desjardins:
Meagan Desjardins, 46, is a current school committee member and is hoping for a third two-year term.
Desjardins is a social worker at Massabesic High School.
Meagan Desjardins
“My focus as a school committee member and curriculum committee member has been to support aligning our K-12 curriculum so that our students have a quality and effective curriculum,” she said. “Student scores are low, so supporting academic standards is a priority of mine. Improving student readiness for college and the workforce is a priority.
Desjardins said state funding issues represent one of her biggest concerns. “The formula to decide state subsidy is flawed, and our community is at a disadvantage,” she said.
“Less money coming into the school means less money for the services our students need,” she said. “We have ELL (English Language Learner) students, homeless students and truancy issues to name a few of our challenges.
“Fewer dollars per child means less of an investment in support the complex needs within our district.”
Desjardins said school staff are spread thin, impacting all students in the school district. Advocating for fixing the state funding formula is crucial,” she said. “It is also crucial to make sure we are putting the most efficient services possible in place for all of our students.”
When asked why she is seeking another term on the school committee, she said serves as a way to “give back” to her community.
“Given my experience in a public school, I believe I have the insight and passion for public education that can be helpful to our district,” Desjardins said. “I believe it takes time to understand the ins and outs of being a school committee member, and with this being my third term, I think I offer experience that can help our district move forward towards the goals we have been setting over the last several years.”
Desjardins said the word “transparency” has been a buzzword throughout this election cycle. “We have been talking about the need for transparency from the school committee throughout the last four years. I believe creating more transparency about our schools, policies and curriculum is vital to getting the community support and creating accountability.”
Stephanie C. Edwards, PhD:
Stephanie Edwards, 40, is involved in several community groups and says she is seeking a seat on the school committee because she was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader.
“I am a proud product of public-school education,” she said.
Dr. Stephanie Edwards
Edwards moved to Biddeford in 2016. She has served on the Downtown Development Commission, as co-chair of the Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Process; and as a volunteer at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
Edwards is a professor at Boston College and executive director at the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
Edwards said she is running for school committee “to help create the best educational environment possible for our students.”
“As a committee member, my primary role will be to offer responsive, transparent, community-led oversight to meet the challenges, and highlight the strengths of our schools,” she said.
Edwards listed her top three priorities as: Maximizing budget efficiency; providing a supportive administration that responds to the needs of teachers, staff, students, and parent/guardians; and implementing policies to support the overall well-being of everyone in the school system.
“As Biddeford grows and changes, we must invest more into our school system to provide the tools necessary to equip our youth for the people they are and are becoming,” she said. “I believe schools must be our number one priority and it is the role of the School Committee to help realize these goals.”
“I was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader, and I am a proud product of public-school education,” Edwards said. “Ensuring quality public education is a mutual responsibility, and one I am excited to engage in as a committee member.”
Emily Henley
Emily Henley, 34, has a master’s degree in education and was a classroom teacher in Westbrook schools for five years. Henley moved to Biddeford in 2019.
Today, Henley works as a Curriculum Coordinator for 240 Tutoring, Inc.
Emily Henley
“Students are struggling in the wake of the pandemic,” Henley said. “Teachers are working hard to meet their needs and need support in the form of effective policies and curriculum, continuing education opportunities and strategically selected resources.”
Henley said the strength of Biddeford schools is directly related to the strength of our future community.
“Biddeford is a special place,” she said. “And we want to ensure our students have a strong education and access to post-secondary education opportunities so they can lead this community into the future.”
Henley said Biddeford’s school curriculum needs to reflect the most recent evidence-backed practices and methods and be the most cost-effective to allow resources to stretch and reach every student.
“Biddeford is blossoming into a beautiful, welcoming, and diverse Maine city,” Henley said. “We need to make sure our schools support all students and help all families feel at home in this beautiful place. The school committee can support this goal by encouraging community involvement in school events, supporting cultural diversity in our classroom resources and programming, and ensuring that schools are empowered and resourced to support struggling families.”
Henley says her background and her expertise will make her a valuable voice for student advocacy on the school committee.
“My experience as a teacher and current position as a curriculum coordinator for a national company have given me unique insight into education policy and opportunities for growth in Biddeford schools,” she said. “I see untapped opportunities for collaboration.
“I hope to collaborate with teachers, student leaders, administrators, community members, and fellow school committee members to help find creative solutions to the complex problems to improve outcomes for our students, families and schools.”
Michele Landry:
Michele Landry, 53, has lived in Biddeford for 28 years. She has served two terms on the school committee since 2021.
Landry has also served as a member of the Biddeford Education Foundation Board member for seven years; and on the advisory board for BLAST (Biddeford Learns After School Together) since 2022.
Michele Landry
Landry says a lack of affordable housing continues to present multiple challenges for the city’s schools because it is difficult to attract and retain talented teachers and other faculty members because they can’t afford to live in Biddeford.
She also said the school system is seeing an increase in the number of students experiencing homelessness and dealing with food insecurity.
Landry also said “inequities in the current state funding formula” are creating financial strains on the city’s public schools.
“The [funding] formula is based in part on city valuations, and as Biddeford’s valuations continue to rise, state funding for schools has decreased,” she said. “We receive less state money than many affluent communities whose valuations have remained more constant over the last few years.”
“Until the state addresses these inequities, we need to find creative ways to do more with less for both our teachers and students,” she added.
Landry said she is running for reelection because she wants to serve her community and give back to the district where her children received their education.
“Our schools face multiple challenges,” she said. “And I want to help find solutions despite the financial constraints, that will aid our teachers in providing all of our students, regardless of situation, the best education possible.”
Karen Ruel:
Karen Ruel, 57, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. She is married and has two children who attended and graduated from Biddeford’s public schools and works as an LTC director.
She has been a member of the school committee for three terms, beginning in 2016.
When asked about her top three priorities and concerns, Ruel listed ensuring a quality academic curriculum for every student as her top concern.
Secondly, Ruel says she wants to make resources for teachers to accomplish and excel in their roles; while providing a safe environment for students and teachers.
“I am seeking a seat on the Biddeford school board as I believe every student should be afforded a quality education in a safe environment,” Ruel said. “I bring experience as a three-term prior school board member, positivity and genuine curiosity. I understand the importance of collaboration and problem solving to turn ideas into action. I am a true believer in lifelong learning.”
Tim Stebbins:
Tim Stebbins, 63, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. He is a retired educator and has served eight years on the city’s recreation commission.
Tim Stebbins
Asked to identify the top three challenges facing the city’s schools, Stebbins said the district needs a solid plan to deal with a rapidly growing MLL (Multi-Language Learners) population. “I see it as an opportunity to expand our capacity to help new families in acclimating to our school system and enriching the school environment in the process,” he said. “I do not want any of our student populations to go without the necessary resources available to help make them successful in their educational journey.”
Stebbins also identified test scores throughout the district as another priority for educators. “With limited resources available and the need to extend those resources to the various mandated programs that exist, it becomes a delicate balance of where to spend the available money,” he said.
Stebbins said he would like to work on “curriculum matters in order to have vertical alignment, K-12.”
“There should be consistency between the grade levels of the schools in Biddeford,” he added. “What are we teaching, how do we deliver the instruction, and how do we know if students are learning are vital questions to ask when assessing any school district?”
Stebbins said school officials need to look at the demographics of a community and to allocate the funds judiciously in order to get the best value for spending.
“Are we meeting the needs of all the learners, or are we meeting only a certain population of the learners in Biddeford schools?” he asked. “There isn’t a program on the market that will meet the needs of all learners, so I’m committed to look at various alternatives that would support the curriculum needs of our teachers”
Stebbins said he is running for a seat on the school committee as “a way to give back to a community that has afforded me many opportunities in my professional life.”
“I have been a teacher, coach, and an administrator in my professional career and always felt supported by the people around me. I want current educators to feel the same way. I want to support initiatives that will enhance our schools and make them stronger for the future.
“I want people moving to Biddeford, not just for the vibrant community it has become, but for the education the schools can provide for their family.”
NOTE: Candidates Andrew Barrs and Marie Potvin did not respond to our request for information about their campaigns.
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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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