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 . . .
Category: OPINION
OPINION: Supporting our municipal workforce; how AI can help cities serve better
By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette Our municipal employees are the backbone of our communities. They plow our streets at three in the morning during snowstorms. They respond to service requests, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our cities running smoothly day after day. These dedicated public servants often work with limited resources, facing growing … Continue reading OPINION: Supporting our municipal workforce; how AI can help cities serve better
OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare
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 … Continue reading OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare
OPINION: Credit Enhance Agreements aren’t the problem
By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette A January 13 City Council workshop meeting included an in-depth presentation by Philip Saucier of Bernstein Shur on TIFs (tax increment financing) and CEAs (credit enhancement agreements). These terms get thrown around like they’re the same thing. They’re not. They’re separate tools, each with a purpose and each … Continue reading OPINION: Credit Enhance Agreements aren’t the problem
OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated
By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette Let me ask you something: what do you do when you feel pain? That’s a loaded question. So, let’s stick to the responsible move: see a doctor and establish the cause. The answer is no different when it comes to a business, a city, a state or even … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated
Stop the Grinch! Protect your real estate
By State Sen. HENRY INGWERSEN, Special to the Gazette This time of year, we’re all familiar with the Grinch who, seeking to ruin the holidays, sneaks around and tries to steal Christmas from the good people of Whoville. However, on December 3, I gaveled in the final meeting of a commission that had its eye … Continue reading Stop the Grinch! Protect your real estate
Your blood is desperately needed during holidays
In his letter to the editor, this Red Cross volunteer offers a stark reality about the need for blood donations during this time of year. Editor: A few hours into the blood drive, Nancy walked out of the Biddeford Eagles Facility in tears. I hurried to meet her and asked what was wrong. Through her … Continue reading Your blood is desperately needed during holidays
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’?
School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Tomorrow night – Dec. 9 – the new members of the Biddeford City Council will be getting some required “training” for their new roles in city government. The city council workshop –-- ostensibly open to the public, but why? -- will feature four breakout sessions, including updates from City Manager Truc … Continue reading School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?
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?
Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Just hours after losing the mayor's seat, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he will issue a formal apology to Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain during Thursday's city council meeting. LaFountain narrowly won the three-way race with 42 percent of the vote (2,623). Grohman received 2,413 votes (38.3 percent). After the polls closed Tuesday, I offered Gazette readers … Continue reading Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty
I have to break a promise. A few weeks ago, Dennis “Duke” Dutremble invited me to join him for lunch. I seized that opportunity. If you’re into local politics, you already know that the Dutremble name is legendary and highly respected in the community. Duke’s father, Lucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble, served three terms as Biddeford’s mayor … Continue reading OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty
Belanger explains why he wants to be mayor
By NORMAN BELANGER, Special to the Gaztte I want to thank the Biddeford Gazette for giving each candidate an opportunity to address the voters and explain why they are running for mayor. Giving voters information so they can make an educated decision is crucial to our democracy. Voters need to know what motivated me to … Continue reading Belanger explains why he wants to be mayor
Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote
Mayor Marty Grohman touts his accomplishments, skewers his opponent By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote. The Council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures. The mayor, according to the City Charter, can only set the tone, act as a catalyst for change and … Continue reading Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote
OPINION: Biddeford needs leadership that listens
Liam LaFountain makes his case about why he should be the city's next mayor By LIAM LaFOUNTAIN, Special to the Gazette Biddeford stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make this November will shape the direction of our city for years to come. We can continue down the same path or we can chart a … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford needs leadership that listens
OPINION: Teachers’ endorsement sends wrong message
By BEN NEVEUX, Special to the Biddeford Gazette The Biddeford Teachers Association’s decision to endorse two candidates while leaving Norman Belanger off its list may have been meant to project strength — but instead, it sends a mixed and disappointing message. When an organization meant to represent fairness and unity appears to play politics, the … Continue reading OPINION: Teachers’ endorsement sends wrong message
OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
By REP. MARC MALON, Special to the Gazette Next week is Election Day, but for many, including my wife, Jenn, and me, ballots have already been cast. This is because of Maine’s excellent voting laws, which allow voters to cast an absentee ballot as early as 30 days before Election Day. This flexibility is a … Continue reading OPINION: Maine elections are already secure
OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
We’re coming into the final stretch, and we’re now less than one week away from Biddeford’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This is a busy time of year for journalists and for city clerks around the state. The work-load drops considerably on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That day – the day after the elections are … Continue reading OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch
OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette
Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford's upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpZVaHFLfdE
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
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