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
Category: OPINION
Letters to the Editor, Guest Columns, Editorials and more . . .
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
OPINION: Let the healing begin
When it comes to former city manager James Bennett, Mayor Marty Grohman is correct. The city needs closure from a nightmare that has been hanging over City Hall for several years. After finally being "placed on administrative leave" in February, Bennet filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. Though the city countered Bennett’s claims … Continue reading OPINION: Let the healing begin
OPINION: First board meeting, a success
What a fantastic first meeting of the Biddeford Gazette's Advisory Board! Our board offered us tons of valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas about the next steps on our continuing journey. The conversation was heartfelt and candid, including some constructive criticism regarding design, access and editorial roles. As we digest the valuable content of tonight's meeting, … Continue reading OPINION: First board meeting, a success
OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio? My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences. Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
By Thomas McPheeters, Contributing Writer In our not-too-distant future, the coast of Maine will look nothing like it does today — fewer beaches, many houses and businesses displaced, roads and utilities either abandoned or relocated further inland. That’s a certainty, according to Dr. Cameron Wake, a University of New England professor who served as the … Continue reading OPINION | Biddeford’s disappearing coast
OPINION: Transparency? Not so much
One of the most used words during this year's Biddeford election cycle is the word "Transparency" It has a nice ring to it, and it sounds very noble when used by political candidates hoping to curry favor with disgruntled voters. I mean, really - - who is opposed to more transparency in local government? Abigail … Continue reading OPINION: Transparency? Not so much
Biddeford Politics: Another chapter begins tomorrow
Tomorrow, October 1, the Biddeford Gazette will officially begin its coverage of the 2025 municipal elections in Biddeford. It’s hard to explain why I am so excited about this time of year. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. After working at other newspapers, I began covering news in Biddeford during the month … Continue reading Biddeford Politics: Another chapter begins tomorrow
OPINION: Are you ready to rumble?
Today is the first full day of autumn. Many people get excited about this time of year. They order pumpkin everything, pick apples, decorate their yards with mums and fret about having the cleverest Halloween costume for themselves and their kids. I get excited this time of year for an entirely different reason. I am … Continue reading OPINION: Are you ready to rumble?
OPINION: Councilors offer us a lesson about respect
Something happened at last night’s Biddeford City Council meeting that should be a template for all of us. In a time of seemingly unprecedented political tension on the national stage, two city councilors showed us all a valuable lesson about respect, collaboration and friendship – despite being almost polar opposites when it comes to political … Continue reading OPINION: Councilors offer us a lesson about respect
OPINION: Texting while driving | The epidemic we’re ignoring
By GAIL TOUSSAINT, Gazette contributor I see it every day. Someone behind the wheel looking at their cellphone and not the road. Do you want to know how I spot them? They are unable to stay in their lane, veering into mine. This makes my blood pressure soar…they callously have a complete disregard for my … Continue reading OPINION: Texting while driving | The epidemic we’re ignoring
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?
OPINION: New idea for an old sign: move it
By JAMES KRAUSE, Gazette contributor In reference to the old gas station sign located at the Five Points intersection: Firstly, let me say that I love the idea as well as the submitted artwork. I can honestly say that as silly as it is, yes that sign is a landmark to the city as much … Continue reading OPINION: New idea for an old sign: move it
OPINION: Biddeford is craving leadership
Three weeks ago, I wrote an opinion piece about Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and what I described as a “missed opportunity for leadership” on his part. Understandably, the mayor was less than pleased by what I wrote about him in that editorial. How do I know the mayor was upset? After all, he didn’t contact … Continue reading OPINION: Biddeford is craving leadership
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