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
Category: EDITOR’S NOTE
Updates and opinions from the Biddeford Gazette’s editor
COMMUNITY | Honoring the legacy of Don Wilson
Editor's Note | The Biddeford Gazette was proud to make a modest donation to this effort. We strongly encourage our readers to also consider supporting this community project and honor the memory of one of Biddeford's greatest citizens. By KAREN GARNETT | Biddeford School Department For generations of students, athletes, and families in Biddeford, Don … Continue reading COMMUNITY | Honoring the legacy of Don Wilson
OPINION | Why did the Gazette share a negative op-ed about Biddeford from the Maine Wire?
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor The Biddeford Gazette has been taking a little bit of heat and some pushback from several readers – including former and current Biddeford city officials –about our decision on Sunday to share a rather scathing op-ed about the city that was published in The Maine Wire, another digital-only publication. That … Continue reading OPINION | Why did the Gazette share a negative op-ed about Biddeford from the Maine Wire?
OUR ERROR | And how we’re going to fix it
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor An open letter to the Gazette's readers, subscribers, team members and donors. The following is the text of an email that I sent earlier today to Carolyn Fox, executive editor of the Portland Press Herald. _________________ Dear Ms. Fox, By way of introduction, my name is Randy Seaver, and I … Continue reading OUR ERROR | And how we’re going to fix it
Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Have you – or someone you know – ever wondered what it’s like to be a journalist in today’s rapidly changing media landscape? Ever thought you would like to write news or feature stories for your community newspaper? Or would you just like to take a deeper dive and participate … Continue reading Editor’s Note | Ready for some fun?
OPINION | Why History Matters
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor One of the coolest things about doing something for more than 30 years is the memories you make along the way. As a political junkie – especially in regards to the city of Biddeford – it is extremely rewarding for me to have an archive of local political news that … Continue reading OPINION | Why History Matters
Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
OPINION | RANDY SEAVER I am feeling so sad. I just learned from a reading a story in Saco Bay News that Bill Johnson – a former Saco mayor and city councilor -- recently passed away at the age of 92. This news leaves a gaping hole. I regret losing touch with Bill. He was … Continue reading Saco has lost a former mayor; I have lost a friend
Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor A former Biddeford resident who now lives in Ada, Mich., recently sent an email to the Gazette complaining that we have been “unfair and biased” toward the University of New England. In his March 6 email, Bernard Roy – a 1971 Biddeford High School graduate – expressed disappointment regarding the Gazette’s … Continue reading Is the Gazette biased against UNE?
EDITOR’S VIDEO NOTE | March 6, 2026
This week's video update offers a recap about our recent local news stories, and a teaser about an Intro to Journalism class that I will again be teaching this spring via the Biddeford Adult-Ed program. What do you want from your community newspaper? Check out the video, enjoy your weekend and stay safe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD5ebcOVaUM __________________ … Continue reading EDITOR’S VIDEO NOTE | March 6, 2026
OPINION | Biddeford should keep Center
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain ran his campaign last year on a platform dedicated to restoring accountability and increasing transparency at City Hall. Those were good messages, and the voters agreed with LaFountain, giving him the edge over the incumbent former mayor. LaFountain pledged to hit the ground running, and he’s already … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford should keep Center
OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
When journalists compete, readers win | Good news for people in Biddeford Whether you’re buying a new car or just picking up the week’s groceries, you are always better off when you have choices and competition in the marketplace. It’s no different when it comes to the highly competitive world of journalism. Having choices about … Continue reading OPINION: Life During Wartime, when reporters compete
OPINION: Those were the days . . .
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor How do you know you've been covering Biddeford news for a long, long time? I have covered the city's annual WinterFest celebration since --- well – since before it was called WinterFest. Biddeford’s annual downtown winter celebration was the brainchild of newly elected Mayor Alan Casavant in 2012. Casavant -- who … Continue reading OPINION: Those were the days . . .
OPINION: Are we ‘here’ or are we ‘present’?
I am going to miss the councilor from Ward Five It’s going to be weird on Tuesday. Weird, happy and a tinge of sadness. 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 … Continue reading OPINION: Are we ‘here’ or are we ‘present’?
OPINION | A change will do us good?
On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber -- back row and closest to the door. With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room. That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that the shit hits the fan. … Continue reading OPINION | A change will do us good?
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
Age has – apparently -- become a factor in Biddeford’s upcoming municipal election. Today, the Biddeford Gazette published an update to its ongoing updates of potential candidates, pointing out that two more former councilors are hoping for a political comeback: Patricia Boston in Ward One and at-large candidate Clem Fleurent. Former city councilor Clement Fleurent … Continue reading OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
Biddo | an insult, or a term of endearment?
"And these children that you spit onAs they try to change their worldsAre immune to your consultationsThey're quite aware of what they're going through" -- David Bowie, Changes According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Biddeford is Maine’s youngest city, with a median age of roughly 36 years. Take a moment and think about that. Thirty-six … Continue reading Biddo | an insult, or a term of endearment?
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 