Editor: It was great to see the story about Biddeford High School students engaged in their Community Service Day. (BHS students roll up their sleeves for Community Service Day, Biddeford Gazette, May 1, 2026) BIDDEFORD HIGH SCHOOL on Maplewood Avenue | File Photo __________ I think it is important to instill a sense of community … Continue reading LETTER | Maybe BHS students need a ‘refresher’ lesson about littering
Category: OPINION
OPINION | Community in the face of division
The breakdown of traditional media and the rise of social media has rewarded attention-seeking behavior and viral grandstanding.
COMMUNITY | Feeding Families, Funding Farmers Markets
In his monthly column for the Biddeford Gazette, State Sen. Henry Ingwersen discusses the benefits of a bill he sponsored to address hunger and support local farmers
OPINION | Biddeford needs a team effort and UNE needs to get on board
The city of Biddeford's financial challenges requires a team approach and the University of New England should get on board.
LETTER | Gazette should try harder on UNE reporting
Editor: I agree with Linda Morrison's point about the contributions that the University of New England brings to the communities of Saco and Biddeford. [UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community; Biddeford Gazette, April 26, 2026] UNE Professors, students, and graduates bring immeasurable talent, knowledge, and positive energy to our communities. Their civic-minded assistance … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette should try harder on UNE reporting
LETTER | UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community
Editor: I write as a former homeowner in Biddeford and a faculty member for over 30 years at the University of New England. I have been astonished at recent allegations and questions regarding UNE and what we actually offer the community and taxpayers of Biddeford. THE WRITER points out the many significant impacts that UNE … Continue reading LETTER | UNE offers numerous, positive impacts to the community
LETTER | Community is worth the investment
Editor: As a taxpayer on a fixed income who has paid into this system for years, I understand the pressure people are feeling. Rising costs are real. But I’m also the president of a very small, all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing Biddeford’s history and culture, and I think this conversation is missing something … Continue reading LETTER | Community is worth the investment
LETTER | Seeds of Hope remains as Biddeford’s most cost-effective and humane method of meeting human needs
Editor: I would like to respond to your recent article on the city council budget discussions around funding for the Seeds of Hope Center. (Biddeford’s unhoused funding challenges, April 24, 2026). It is helpful to recall that the city, working cooperatively with Seeds of Hope, was successful in resolving a significant human tragedy and public … Continue reading LETTER | Seeds of Hope remains as Biddeford’s most cost-effective and humane method of meeting human needs
LETTER | Biddeford doesn’t face a false choice. It faces a necessary one
Editor: The idea that Biddeford must “hold multiple truths at once” sounds reasonable, but it sidesteps a harder reality: priorities require trade-offs. When costs are rising for residents, choosing not to limit spending is a choice—one that shows up directly in higher property taxes. Organizations like Heart of Biddeford played an important role years ago … Continue reading LETTER | Biddeford doesn’t face a false choice. It faces a necessary one
LETTER | What kind of city do we want?
Editor: As Biddeford’s budget conversations take shape, I’ve noticed a framing of the conversation that doesn’t quite serve our community: the idea that we must choose between keeping taxes low or supporting the services and programs that make our city work. That’s a false choice, and an oversimplification. DELILAH POUPORE testifies earlier this month during … Continue reading LETTER | What kind of city do we want?
LETTER | Guy Gagnon deserved better from the Gazette, and should be thanked for his years of service
Editor: I have mixed feelings about how the Biddeford Gazette reported the news regarding Guy Gagnon and the Biddeford Housing Authority. |.Housing authority dismisses its executive director, April 17, 2026 I would like to add some context that I think has been missing from the community conversation about this story. Learning about Guy Gagnon’s departure … Continue reading LETTER | Guy Gagnon deserved better from the Gazette, and should be thanked for his years of service
LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
Different tax rates -- based on property values -- may sound appealing, but it is not allowed by state law Editor: The city of Biddeford is currently in the time of the year affectionately known as ‘budget season.’ Hard decisions and complex discussions are the name of the game during this season. As I’ve sat … Continue reading LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
Bob Mills -- a former city councilor and York County treasurer who resigned both positions in April 2024, -- lost his 2025 bid to return to his Ward Four council seat and is now again running to recapture his county treasurer seat and is also running to represent Ward 4 on the city's Charter Review … Continue reading LETTER | Perennial candidate offers thoughts about social services funding
LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
A University of New England spokesperson writes that an April 9 story -- regarding the school's real estate transactions and how it impacted public policy -- missed the mark and needs more context Editor: An April 9 Biddeford Gazette article [The city, the convent and the university: What happened?] suggested that the University of New England … Continue reading LETTER | Gazette story omitted context and key details
OPINION | A Maine reporter explains Graham Platner’s campaign success
Platner is not just running ahead of Gov. Janet Mills for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. He’s possibly the most remarkable political story in the country. [Republished, with permission] Maine’s Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate, between the two main candidates of Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, has become perhaps the country’s clearest … Continue reading OPINION | A Maine reporter explains Graham Platner’s campaign success
OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
By BEN NEVEUX | Biddeford The Biddeford Gazette’s editor recently opined that Biddeford residents are being asked—again—to accept a familiar argument: rising taxes are unfortunate, but necessary, and worthy social programs like the McArthur Library should be shielded from scrutiny because they serve the public good. (City should fully fund McArthur Library’s budget request; Biddeford … Continue reading OPINION | Gazette was wrong about library funding request
EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
The McArthur Library on Main Street has been serving every citizen of Biddeford --regardless of income -- for nearly 125 years. They deserve our full support. By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Many Biddeford residents – rightfully so – are very concerned about the city’s ongoing debate regarding next year’s municipal budget. Without even considering likely … Continue reading EDITORIAL | City should fully fund our library’s request
LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
APRIL 6, 2026 Dear Editor: As I approach my 18th birthday, I would like to reflect on my experience in Scouts BSA with Scouting America. When I started as a Cub Scout, I was a goofy kid just wanting to have fun. But through my 11 years of scouting, I have learned more than how … Continue reading LETTER | Don’t miss out on the opportunities that helped me
OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
By JILL (JC) NEWMAN | Biddeford On April 7, the Biddeford City Council will hear a statement from the reestablished 2026 Biddeford Cable Television Committee, which will speak in support of reviving the Biddeford PEG (Public, Educational, Government) Access Television station. Residents supportive of Biddeford PEG Access are encouraged to attend. The meeting will begin … Continue reading OPINION | Please support Biddeford’s Public Access (PEG) programming
OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
City councilor explains the challenges and economic realities Biddeford is facing, asks for public input and guidance By BRAD COTE | Biddeford City Councilor Special to the Biddeford Gazette As I read the well-written piece by Emma Bouthillette, (Biddeford's looming budget; get involved) it got me thinking about the budget process and everything that goes … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford budget: the unfortunate truth
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 