Weighted UNE committee is appalling and patently unfair to UNE By DIANE SNOW, Special to the Gazette A recent Portland Press Herald story regarding the committee set up to review the plans for University of New England [Biddeford Committee plans public hearing, Feb. 24, 2026] left me appalled because the committee is comprised primarily by … Continue reading READER OPINION | What was city thinking?
Category: OPINION
Letters to the Editor, Guest Columns, Editorials and more . . .
OPINION | Affordability is a concern for all
Affordability isn’t just some buzzword, nor the latest political fad or a hoax. It is a core concern of Biddeford residents and Mainers throughout our state, and it has been for years.. We’ve all witnessed how even folks with solid middle-class jobs and good incomes have struggled with the high cost of housing, health care, childcare, electricity, heating oil and more.
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 | Speaker Fecteau: ICE activities in Maine do not match our state’s values
I was dismayed by the surge of ICE agents in our state under the grotesque title of ‘Operation Catch of the Day’. These agents were shirking good policing standards in favor of warrantless, indiscriminate, and quota-driven detentions.
OPINION: City showed no compassion for the sisters who have supported Biddeford
Dear Editor: The moratorium on the sale of St Joseph's convent by the city council took me by surprise. It is not just that the city council appears so unwelcoming to the university, but it is their callous disregard for the plight of the nuns who so crucially need the income for their continued maintenance. … Continue reading OPINION: City showed no compassion for the sisters who have supported Biddeford
OPINION: Is Graham Platner more than image?
Dear Editor: Friday morning, I engaged with a post on the Instagram account of U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner. My comment was not a personal attack, but a critique of messaging and political culture. Earlier that day, I had been watching a panel of reporters, cultural critics and activists discussing a racist meme Donald Trump … Continue reading OPINION: Is Graham Platner more than image?
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: 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
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
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
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