The McArthur Library’s board of directors today announced that Nicole Clark has been hired as library director.
Clark, who first joined McArthur Library as Adult Services Supervisor in December 2024, has been serving as Interim Director since earlier this year.
Nicole Clark (Seaver Photo)
“It is with great excitement that we announce the hiring of Nicole Clark to lead McArthur Library as its new director,” said McArthur Library Board Chair Victoria Foley.
“In her time as Interim Director, Nicole has strengthened the library’s community relationships and expanded program offerings, delivering on McArthur’s mission to enrich the lives of its patrons. The board looks forward to working with Nicole to continue to serve the Biddeford community.”
“Libraries are incredibly special places, and McArthur exemplifies what a public library should be,” Clark stated. “Over the past year, I have been absolutely blown away by the dedication the staff and board put in every day to create a space that is warm, creative, and deeply connected to the people it serves. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to support them in this official capacity.”
Before joining the McArthur team, Clark worked at Louis B. Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford, Maine, where she held the positions of Youth Services Librarian, Assistant Director, and Interim Director throughout her tenure. Prior to her library career, she taught English and Theater at Sanford High School.
Clark holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Simmons University and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education/English from the University of Maine at Farmington.
Originally from Kittery, Clark now lives in Berwick with her partner, Jake, and a lively household of pets—a bunny, two guinea pigs, and two cats. The guinea pigs are frequent visitors at the library, where patrons enjoy reading to them and saying hello during visits.
If you’re looking for a friendly, relaxed place to watch the Patriots game; or if you just want to gather with some of your friends and enjoy a wide array of pub-style food, search no more because Champion’s Sports Bar in Biddeford is the place to be.
Champions was first opened in Saco in 1993. Seven years later, the popular tavern moved to its current location on Thornton Street in Biddeford.
Manager Carly McDermott has worked at Champions for 17 years, and says the tavern has a big base of regular customers who would drive through a building to get to their favorite sports bar.
Manager Carly McDermott says Champions offers something for everyone. (Seaver photo)
“It’s our die-hard regulars who have kept us alive over the last few months,” McDermott said, pointing to the ongoing sewer upgrade project on Elm Street.
“We’ve definitely taken a big hit since that project started,” she said.
McDermott says regular Champions customers are “tight-knit,” and enjoy the tavern’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Despite its name, Champions is not just a sports bar, McDermott explains. The tavern is also one of the area’s most well-known destinations for karaoke singing on Sunday through Thursday nights.
Trivia contests are featured on Sundays and Thursdays and live musical performances take place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. McDermott says Champions has the best sound system in the area.
Feeling hungry? Champions is ready to help — offering a menu of affordable appetizers and entrees, including their famous chicken wings and hand-made, half-pound burgers that are made fresh to order.
The wings come in a variety of flavors, but the big news is that they are half-priced on Monday evening. Champions also serves “stone-baked” pizzas, wraps and sandwiches.
Champions offers ample parking and is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday; and between noon and 1 a.m. on Sundays during football season.
So, if you want to relax in a fun and friendly environment, Champions is the place for you.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Although I am a junkie when it comes to local politics, I must confess I am quite relieved that Biddeford’s municipal elections are now over.
This year’s election had a certain energy. There was a sense of enthusiasm among those waiting in line to cast their votes.
Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) talks with his supporters on Election Night at Pizza by Alex (Seaver photo)
Unlike the 2023 election, this year’s contest saw seven council seats being contested. People were ready for a change.
There was also a big uptick in voter participation this year. In fact, a record was broken for municipal turnout. Typically, 29 to 33 percent of registered voters make the effort to cast a ballot in Biddeford’s off-year elections.
This year, roughly 43 percent of registered voters cast a ballot.
Speaking of numbers, I am proud of our in-depth and comprehensive reporting.
The Biddeford Gazette began its political coverage on Oct. 1. During the month of October, we published a total of 51 stories. Forty-three of those stories were connected to the election. We also created a special section on our website that provided easy-to-find news and information about the election.
As many of you know, in late August I broke my right arm in two places and shattered my elbow. I am pleased to say that it’s getting better with each passing day, but it certainly impacted the Biddeford Gazette.
An X-Ray of my shattered elbow
Between my broken arm and my somewhat manic approach to covering the elections, I let a lot of other things slide.
So, I think it’s time for me to get back to basics and remind myself that the Gazette is supposed to be fun. It does not (as of today) generate any income or revenue.
We’re going to focus on quality, not quantity
I don’t need to chase down every wailing siren. I have the luxury of deciding what stories I will cover.
When I formally launched the Gazette in January, I wrote that this project was designed to “fill gaps in local media coverage by developing and publishing original news and opinion pieces about the city of Biddeford.”
What does that mean? Basically, we’re going to focus on quality, not quantity. We’re going to be more selective and put more emphasis on publishing contributed stories from the community.
Thank you so much for reading the Biddeford Gazette! Please feel free to drop us a line to offer your thoughts about our coverage or to suggest story ideas and news tips.
The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River.
In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals from multiple agencies, including the Saco River Corridor Commission, a quasi-state agency that has jurisdiction regarding development along the length of the river’s shoreline.
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s project on Sept. 13, 2024. Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC abstained from the vote.
In 2001, the university agreed to the creation of a 250-foot buffer zone as a compromise to build two dormitory buildings that would exceed a 35-foot height limit.
The university’s current proposal requires the construction of an access road for the pier. That road needs to accommodate large trucks, including rescue vehicles. The road would cut through the 250-foot vegetative buffer.
When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette in October, the SRCC’s executive director said the contradiction was an oversight.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” said Cherie Dunning, the SRCC’s executive director.
Following the Gazette’s story — Just two weeks before local elections — several city councilors said they want the advice of the state attorney general before the city issues any construction permits for the project.
“We want to make sure that we have done our due diligence” said Council President Liam LaFountain during a previous interview.
LaFountain won his bid Tuesday to become the city’s next mayor. His core campaign message focused on transparency and accountability.
Thursday’s resolution passed without any discussion or comments by council members.
LaFountain and Councilor Marc Lessard tried unsuccessfully to have an agenda item about the university’s proposal discussed at the Oct. 21 council meeting,
Mayor Marty Grohman said he did not realize the item was not on the agenda for that meeting.
A portion of Thursday’s resolve reads as follows:
“Questions have arisen as to whether the SRCC’s Permit #20-491 approval is consistent with, or in conflict with the SRCC Permit #20-209, and whether the existence of a vegetative buffer zone may affect the legal validity of the current pier permit.”
“This situation has created uncertainty for the city, the university, and the public regarding the . . . the city’s obligations under state law.”
Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said the school “does not oppose the council’s pursuit of clarification from the AG’s office.”
The full text of the council’s resolution may be viewed or downloaded here:
The Biddeford Gazette has obtained copies of the preliminary campaign finance reports that were filed by each of the mayoral candidates in October.
The final reports, according to state law, mut be filed no later than Dec. 9, 2025.
The preliminary reports, however, cover the time period from July 1, 2025 to October 21, 2025.
According to the preliminary reports, City Councilor Norman Belanger raised $3,135 and had $2,714.60 remaining in his campaign for mayor.
Belanger captured a little more than 20 percent of the tallied votes on Election Day (1,273 votes).
Mayor Marty Grohman raised $3, 771.38 and spent $3,693 on his campaign as of October 21.
Grohman garnered 2,414 votes (38.3 percent) on Election night.
Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain raised $4063 and spent $3, 380 on his campaign between July 1 and Oct. 21, 2025.
Copies of all three reports are posted below.
The Biddeford Gazette will also publish the campaign finance reports for all city councilors.
According to the city clerk’s office, voter turnout on Tuesday was roughly 43 percent of registered voters. As of Election Day, Biddeford has roughly 15,100 registered voters.
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 feedback I received from several voters, speculating that Grohman shot himself in the foot on Sunday by penning a vitriolic op-ed column that leveled attacks against LaFountain.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman
Grohman lost the election by only 210 votes. It was not a landslide election.
Yes, there are lots of reasons why LaFountain was able to defeat two older and more-seasoned candidates, but Grohman’s op-ed left a sour taste in the mouths of several voters.
Many voters told me yesterday that they are upset about skyrocketing property taxes, a lack of affordable housing and a sense of unchecked development.
Marty is not responsible for many of the things that motivated voter turnout, but he is the incumbent, and most people wanted change. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of voters chose someone other than Marty to be the city’s next leader.
The analysis of yesterday’s election doesn’t matter much, but what does matter is the fact that Marty realized his mistake and says he will issue a “formal apology” tomorrow.
Grohman indicated that he will apologize in a comment he posted on my personal Facebook page.
“Let me use this thread to apologize to Liam,” Grohman wrote. “However you read the race, he ran an excellent, excellent campaign, extremely well run with a great team, and worked very, very hard.
“I will issue a more formal apology at Thursday’s Council meeting,” he added.
Grohman’s willingness to publicly own and acknowledge his mistake is an excellent example of leadership.
We all make mistakes. The first step in correcting those mistakes is to acknowledge and own them.
Marty is a smart, innovative thinker with lots of energy. I am not worried about his future.
The loss of Tuesday’s election will likely sting for a long time, but so will the never-ending list of opportunities for leadership and community service.
Thank you for your service, Marty. You are one of Biddeford’s loudest and most passionate champions. I hope you will continue to be involved in the community you love.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Biddeford voters chose City Council President Liam LaFountain to be Biddeford’s next mayor.
LaFountain edged incumbent Marty Grohman 2,623 – 2,413. City Councilor Norman Belanger placed third with 1, 272 votes.
For the first time, the Biddeford City Council will include three women. Patricia Boston won her campaign in Ward One; political newcomer Abigail Woods will be the next Ward Two councilor; and School Committee member Lisa Vadnais will join the council as one of two at-large representatives.
Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) chats with supporters who gathered at Pizza By Alex
Incumbent Marc Lessard will keep his at-large seat. Councilor Roger Beaupre was unopposed on the ballot and will return to represent Ward Three. Political newcomer David Kurtz was unopposed and will represent Ward Five.
In Ward Six, Jake Pierson won his race against Roger Hurtubise. Former councilor Brad Cote edged out challenger Sam Pecor in Ward Seven.
Biddeford voters also approved two local bond questions for sewer separation projects and recreational facility upgrades,
“I am honored to have the support of so many people.” LaFountain told his supporters during a campaign party at Pizza By Alex.
Bobby Mills (right) congratulated his opponent Dylan Doughty who won the Ward Four race, 430-340 (Seaver photo)
Detailed results from the City Clerk’s office are included below:
Question 1: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $20,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Separating and Improving the City’s Storm and Sanitary Sewer Systems in accordance with the signed Administrative Consent Agreement with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection” be ratified and approved?”
Yes: 4708
No: 1497
Blank: 396
Total: 6601
Question 2: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $6,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Improvements to the City’s Recreation Facilities” be ratified and approved?”
Yes: 3984
No: 2221
Blank: 396
Total: 6601
Question 3: “Shall a Charter Commission be established for the purpose of revising the municipal charter?”
Yes: 3457
No: 2305
Blank: 839
Total: 6601
Mayor
LaFountain, Liam: 2626
Grohman, Martin: 2414
Belanger, Norman: 1273
Blank: 288
Total: 6601
Councilor at Large
Vadnais, Lisa: 3766
Lessard, Marc P.: 3005
Sheikh-Yousef, Nasreen: 1897
Blank: 4532
Total: 13200
Ward 1 Councilor
LaBelle, James: 217
Boston, Patricia: 610
Blank: 73
Ward 1 Total: 900
Ward 2 Councilor
Woods, Abigail: 381
McCurry Jr., John: 289
Blanks: 115
Ward 2 Total: 785
Ward 3 Councilor
Beaupre, Roger P.: 850
Blank: 220
Ward 3 Total: 1070
Ward 4 Councilor
Doughty, Dylan: 430
Mills, Bobby, J.: 340
Blank: 105
Ward 4 Total: 875
Ward 5 Councilor
Kurtz, David: 553
Blank: 211
Ward 5 Total: 764
Ward 6 Councilor
Pierson, Jacob: 562
Hurtubise, Roger: 381
Blank: 189
Ward 6 Total: 1132
Ward 7 Councilor
Pecor, Samuel: 375
Cote, Brad: 581
Blank: 119
Ward 7 Total: 1075
School Committee
Amy E. Clearwater: 2718
Meagan E. Desjardins: 3242
Andrew Chad Barrs: 1970
Stephanie C Edwards: 2360
Michele L. Landry: 2799
Marie E. Potvin: 3175
Timothy P. Stebbins: 3044
Jessica A. Cinquegrano: 1971
Karen S. Ruel: 2486
Henley, Emily L: 2667
Blank: 19757
School Total: 46189
Wardens and Ward Clerks for Wards 1-7 are all blanks, as there were no candidates listed on the ballot for these races.
Statewide Referendum Return of Votes Cast
MUNICIPALITY: BIDDEFORD – 1 (1-1)
Total Number of Ballots Cast: 6591
Question 1:“Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”
Yes: 1608
No: 4940
Blank: 43
Question 2: “Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?”
Biddeford City Clerk Robin Patterson said Thursday that the number of absentee ballots she received had already exceeded the number of absentee ballots that were cast two years ago, in the 2023 election.
As of Thursday (Oct. 30), more than 2,300 absentee ballots were casts, compared to a total of roughly 2,100 ballots in 2023.
Patterson told the Biddeford Gazette that slightly more than 15,000 people are registered voters in Biddeford. That number is likely to increase because of same-day voter registration.
A steady stream of voters kept ballot clerks busy Tuesday morning.
Several candidates were congregating near the entrance of Tiger Gymnasium, greeting voters on their way to the polls.
According to various reports, there was a long line of voters ready to cast their ballots as soon as the polls opened at 7 a.m.
Candidate Pat Boston was all smiles and said she would likely remain at the polls “all day.”
Although City Councilor Roger Beaupre and political newcomer David Kurtz will each be unopposed in their respective races, both men were greeting voters and chatting with other candidates.
This page will be updated throughout the day.
NOTE: For more information about the candidates or issues on this year’s ballot, click on this link
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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 and 15 terms in the Maine House of Representatives.
Duke followed in his father’s footsteps and served seven terms in the Maine Senate, including one term as senate president.
When Duke Dutremble talks, you listen.
Duke Dutremble and I seem to be channeling Marty Grohman’s insatiable need for selfies.
In 1994, Duke almost won a U.S. Congressional seat. Almost.
Duke lost his race against Republican James Longley, Jr. by less than two percentage points. Dutremble says that — more than 30 years later – the loss still stings.
During our lunch meeting, Dutremble shared his theory about why he lost that campaign. “I refused to go negative,” he said. “Most of my supporters and campaign staff were saying I needed to go after Longley because it was such a tight race. But I refused.”
Dutremble narrowly lost that election because his integrity and principles meant more to him than winning an election.
A new low for Biddeford?
Duke offered me some sage advice two months ago: Between now and Election Day, do not write any opinion pieces about the candidates, he advised.
Duke’s advice made good sense — right up until this morning when I received Mayor Marty Grohman’s guest column for the Gazette and then threw up a little in my mouth.
Two weeks ago, I notified the three mayoral candidates that they could each submit one column, outlining why they should be the city’s next mayor.
Both Belanger and LaFountain used the opportunity to underscore the principles of their campaigns and explain their positions on various issues.
Neither Belanger nor LaFountain made any comments about other candidates. But Marty used the bulk of his column to attack and vilify LaFountain and his supporters
“The gloves are off,” the mayor wrote. “Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.”
Of course, Grohman shared no evidence to support his claims.
Marty Grohman:Biddeford’s most insecure mayor?
Grohman touched upon some of his accomplishments, but the bulk of his column was a rambling screed against LaFountain.
I have been watching Biddeford politics for 30 years. I have never seen a sitting mayor personally attack an opponent, relying on scare tactics and innuendo to make their point.
A promise broken
I apologize to Duke, but I cannot just sit by and silently watch the floundering and desperate mayor hurl personal insults.
Grohman’s column reveals and explains several things about his character and his approach to city politics in three simple steps.
Step One: Start off by being a victim, blaming others and absolving yourself of any responsibility.
“In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote,” Grohman wrote. “The [city] council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures.”
Step Two: After absolving yourself from any responsibility, brag about things that others have accomplished. Take credit for only the positive things happening in the city.
“It’s been a good two years,” Grohman writes, conveniently forgetting how much others have contributed to the city’s success. “We’ve gotten a lot done.”
Step Three: Attack your strongest opponents. Raise doubts about their character and commitment to the city. Accuse them of things with no evidence. Cast them as a boogeyman.
A used car salesman approach to politics
A common complaint about our mayor: “When you shake hands with Marty, you can almost see him looking over your shoulder to see if someone more important is in the room.”
Two weeks ago, Marty was ready to throw City Clerk Robin Patterson under the bus when he was asked why an agenda item about the UNE pier was not on the city council’s agenda.
He ignored the request made by Councilors Marc Lessard and LaFountain, and publicly said he “didn’t know about their request.” That is a lie. How do I know that? Because after I called him on it, he provided copies of the emails sent to him by Lessard and LaFountain several days prior.
He knew about it. He just didn’t want it on the agenda. When pressed, he backstepped and said the error happened because of a “busy city clerk.”
Forty-eight hours later, during a citizens meeting about the UNE pier, the mayor was handing out documents and saying he was not responsible for the removal of the harbormaster from the review process.
But the mayor sure changed his tune when confronted with a roomful of residents who were pissed about the harbormaster’s removal.
Grohman has done a pretty good job in being a cheerleader for the city, but he can never resist a photo op for himself. If there’s no one there to take his picture, he simply posts yet another selfie.
Sure, it’s good to support local businesses, but why do you have your picture in every post?
Last night, I witnessed a stunning difference between Marty Grohman and Liam LaFountain during a charity event for the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
Marty spent the evening gladhanding the crowd, pointing out that he is the mayor. LaFountain, on the other hand, remained at his own table with his wife and a few other people. He didn’t work the room. He was there – like most of us – to help a deserving charity.
Marty is always kissing babies and posing for flattering photos. He diligently avoids talking about difficult or challenging subjects.
He’s always looking for the easy way out, furtively scanning the horizon for the next vote or handshake. He is the consummate politician, and that is the problem.
Dutremble chose integrity over votes. It’s too bad Marty wasn’t at that lunch meeting. He could have learned something valuable; something about leadership and integrity.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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 run and why I believe I am the best suited person for the job. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the City Council for the last nine years and have played an instrumental part in the city’s renaissance. Biddeford is a much better place than it was when I began my service in January of 2017.
Norman Belanger
However, in the last couple of years a few things have occurred which has spurred me on to enter the race. First, taxes have increased each year at a percentage rate that is simply not sustainable. During my first six years on the council, we managed to set priorities on our spending that kept tax increases within a manageable level that was at or below inflation. That has been lost of late.
I tried hard during the recent budget cycles to prioritize what we spend money on with the understanding that I’m spending other peoples’ hard-earned money.
Second, there has been an increased level of distrust in local government. Distrust in the council, the mayor and the staff. Collegiality and cooperation seems to be slipping away.
I have spent my entire legal and political career working to bring people together to try to find approaches and answers that create the best result by considering diverse opinions. Politics should not be a zero-sum game that I only win if you lose. Compromise is not only necessary; it generally results in the best solution. I want to work hard to make sure all stakeholders (the council, the mayor, staff, voters and local businesses) have a seat at the table and are able to be heard and participate in the process.
“Politics should not be a zero-sum game that I only win if you lose”
— Norman Belanger
There’s been much discussion in this race about the need for change. But that begs the question of what does change look like? We achieved much good change in the last decade, and we need to keep those ideas and action going and build upon them. Change can and should be additive. Inclusiveness and teamwork should be our goals. The city does not benefit from pitting the old against the new, the landlords against the tenants, or the businesses against the residents.
Real leadership builds bridges between competing interests and does not set them against each other. My entire time on the council, and frankly over my whole adult life, has been committed to such bridge building.
I want to continue to use those leadership skills as Biddeford’s mayor, if I’m fortunate enough to be elected.
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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 progress and project a vision.
Still, it’s been a good two years. We’ve gotten a lot done. A new attitude of responsiveness and customer service in city hall. New businesses opening, new programs that are housing the homeless at more than one a week. But there’s a lot at stake.
I’m running against a young firebrand, who’s gotten a lot of endorsements, but voters need to know there is a cost to those endorsements.
I suspect many of you have wondered why vocal fiscal council conservatives would be supporting a candidate whose fiscal philosophy is from the far left.
Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.
I have never played that political game and never will. I won’t put you on the Finance committee if you endorse me. I’ll put you on the Finance committee if you’re the best person for the job, and that’s it.
And if that kind of backroom dealmaking isn’t the opposite of “accountability” and “transparency”, I don’t know what is.
With me, what you see is what you get. No games. No secret deals. No demonization of investors and businesses. Just a deep caring for this community and a desire to make things better. While I am not perfect, I try my best and assist everyone that I can.
It’s disingenuous for my opponent, who is the Council President, to now claim that he’s pro-business, when he has relentlessly driven up the costs of business: like making it cost ten thousand bucks to hook up a sink.
Yes, the gloves are coming off. But I think it’s important that you know these things.
— Marty Grohman
He never took a risk and started a business. He has no idea how hard that is, how every chance you take puts your life savings on the line.And he attacks the people who invest in Biddeford, including developers trying to create affordable housing opportunities. He’s earned a statewide reputation as anti-development.
Importantly, the Council President presided over the biggest increases to the municipal services budget that the city has ever seen and increased fees, including for many permits and licenses. Though by Charter I could not vote on the budget, the $733,000 in cuts that I proposed, trying to be responsive to the concerns of taxpayers, instead were blocked by the Council President.
Of the three candidates running for mayor, the Council President is, by far, the most fiscally liberal. In this economy, I don’t think the city can afford his budgetary philosophy and excessive spending.
Yes, the gloves are coming off. But I think it’s important that you know these things. Portland-style policies like rent control will end Biddeford’s comeback. And if some of his endorsements sound like strange political bedfellows, now you know why.
So, if you want to go back to the days of empty storefronts and avoiding downtown, that’s what’s at stake in this election. Remember when you used to tell people you live ‘near Portland’ instead of now proudly saying, ‘I live in Biddeford’?
I don’t want to go back there either. I want to keep Biddeford growing, positive and a place that you’re proud of. A safe place for you to raise a family and build a career. Together we can make that happen. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 4.
Editor’s Note: All three mayoral candidates have been given the opportunity to submit their own guest column.
State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Biddeford) and Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) visited the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford, as part of a statewide Child Care Listening Tour.
“As the Senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I know that access to affordable child care remains a top priority across the district,” Ingwersen said. “This time of year, I have the opportunity to be in the district, listening directly to the folks who do this great work.
Ingwersen (left) listens to staff at the St. Louis Child Development Center in Biddeford.
“They know what the issues are, and I am grateful for the chance to listen to them and zero in on what the actual problems are so that we can formulate a way to solve them. Affordable childcare makes the economy and the community healthier and better. It’s good for the future of our state.”
Daughtry is conducting the listening tour that includes stops at community childcare centers, public pre-K partnerships, Head Start programs and nonprofit organizations across the state.
“Affordable childcare makes the economy and the community healthier and better.”
— State Sen. Henry Ingwersen
The goal is to spotlight innovative solutions, identify gaps in service and elevate the voices of those most impacted by Maine’s child care crisis. Parents, businesses and early educators are invited to complete a survey to share their experiences: http://www.tinyurl.com/supportkidssupportmaine.
The insights gathered will help inform future legislation and policy aimed at expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care for all Maine families.
Ingwersen has two child care-related bills that have been carried over to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature. LD 1728, “An Act to Establish the Maine Child Care Affordability Program Advisory Board,” seeks to establish a board to advise the Office of Child and Family Services on the Maine Child Care Affordability Program. The bill awaits further action and work in the Health and Human Services Committee.
LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs,” seeks to establish, through contracts with community entities, early childhood learning and development resource hubs. Earlier this year, it received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Maine Senate. It now awaits funding on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Table.
Additionally, Ingwersen plans to introduce “An Act to Secure and Sustain the Maine Child Care Affordability Program,” which was approved for introduction by the Legislative Council on October 23.
As proposed, the bill would allow Maine to protect a proven strategy for stabilizing the childcare workforce, supporting businesses and ensuring children of early childhood programs have access to high-quality care. It will be drafted, referenced and worked on in the Second Regular Session.
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Henry Ingwersen is serving his second term, representing District 32 in the Maine Senate, which includes Biddeford and the surrounding communities of Arundel, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman. He may be reached at Henry.Ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov
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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 credibility of its endorsement suffers.
Endorsements are supposed to mean something. They should signal confidence in a candidate’s record, character and commitment to the people they serve. By dividing its support and opening the door to statewide PAC money, the union risks turning what should be a local, values-based decision into a political transaction.
That’s not what Biddeford voters expect from their educators’ representatives.
“Endorsements are supposed to mean something.”
— Ben Neveux
Leaving Norman Belanger off the endorsement list doesn’t just look like a strategic move — it looks like a snub. Mr. Belanger has a long record of public service and deep roots in this community. To pretend that doesn’t matter undermines the idea that endorsements are earned through experience and trust.
This decision doesn’t strengthen the union’s influence — it weakens it.
Endorsements should lift up leaders who’ve proven their dedication to Biddeford, not serve as bargaining chips in a broader political game. The union owes its members, and this city, better judgment.
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Disclosure: Ben Neveux is a member of the Biddeford Gazette’s volunteer advisory board.
Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.
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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 godsend for many of our neighbors, especially seniors, folks with disabilities and people whose jobs make it difficult to vote during the business week. All of these neighbors share with us the sacred constitutional rights and freedoms to vote and to have our votes counted in a fair election.
This year, in addition to the many seats up for election in Biddeford, Mainers are being asked to vote on two referendum questions, which can be found in detail here. In short, Question 1 limits citizens’ rights to request an absentee ballot, among other restrictive measures, and Question 2 allows concerned family or household members to petition the court to issue an extreme risk protection order that will temporarily remove dangerous weapons from an individual’s possession. These are important questions of public policy which I urge everyone reading this to consider carefully.
As someone who has professionally observed elections for 20 years, the mechanics of Maine’s elections are exceptionally well-run. Serving on the Legislature’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee — which, among many other issues, oversees the Secretary of State’s Elections Division — I have learned a great deal about this topic, including how ballots are distributed to communities.
“This system works because it is thorough and fair“
— Rep. Marc Malon
Ballots are printed at a reputable Maine printshop in Augusta and are then sealed with security tape and clearly marked as ballots at the printer. From there they are marked additionally for tracking and chain of custody purposes. They are shipped directly, with tracking information, from the printer to Maine’s towns and cities using the U.S. Postal Service and UPS. Once they arrive at the municipality, the appropriate municipal official must sign for it. That official must then count the number of ballots received, confirm the number and submit a receipt directly to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
And that’s not all! Absentee ballot envelopes are printed separately at a different printer, and then sent — and tracked -– separately to towns across the state. This prevents them from being mixed up with ballots during shipment and provides extra security.
When a voter requests an absentee ballot, the clerk records the request, confirms the voter’s registration, marks the return envelope with the voter’s information and makes a record of sending the ballot to the voter. The absentee ballot must be returned in the envelope provided, then sealed and signed by the voter on the appropriate line. Upon return, the clerk will inspect the envelope and signature — and any affidavit and witness certification on the envelope — and determine whether the voter has returned the ballot appropriately. Then, they must mark whether the returned ballot was accepted or rejected.
“Your vote is yours, and it is sacred”
— Rep. Marc Malon
If there is an issue, the clerk is supposed to make a good-faith effort to contact the voter so that the voter may fix the issue if they are able. The envelope of an accepted ballot is not opened then, but rather stored securely until the time at which the town processes its absentee ballots — which can be no more than seven days before election day. Additionally, there is the added safeguard that all citizens who reside in Maine and wish to register to vote must provide ID and proof of residency upon registration.
This system works because it is thorough and fair. It has appropriate checks, balances and safeguards to ensure that when something goes wrong, election integrity is not compromised. And it ensures that every eligible Mainer is able to cast their vote and have it counted.
The safeguards and procedures behind how our elections are administered are essential to a free and fair democracy. In my committee, politicians sometimes introduce unnecessary bills to restrict voting rights or cause problems in the mechanics of our elections. Sometimes these politicians tell dishonest stories about election integrity or deny the legitimate results of elections, like Donald Trump did in 2020. Then they say we should pass restrictive measures because voters “have concerns.”
To me, the best way to alleviate voters’ concerns about our elections is to tell the truth about them. So when you see a proposal containing a mess of restrictions on voting, it is important to ask “why,” “is this really necessary,” and “is this information true and accurate?”
Your vote is yours, and it is sacred. The truth about Maine’s elections is that they are safe and secure, and they are set up so that you can exercise a freedom that generations of Americans fought for.
Happy voting.
Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.
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Rep. Marc Malon is serving his second term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Housing and Economic Development Committee. He can be reached via email at marc.malon@legislature.maine.gov.
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Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement.
The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor.
Councilor Norman Belanger – the third mayoral candidate – was not endorsed by the BTA. He was unavailable for comment at press time.
Beyond bragging rights, the endorsement from the Biddeford Teachers Association also opens up potential campaign funds from the statewide Maine Education Association Political Action Campaign (PAC) fund.
Marty GrohmanLiam LaFountain
According to an email the BTA sent to Grohman and LaFountain, they both earned the recommendation from the union’s Screening and Endorsement Committee.
The teachers’ union sent all candidates a questionnaire. The endorsements were based upon how the candidates answered those questions from the union.
Allison Pickering, vice president of the Biddeford Teachers Association, said the organization – “after great consideration” — decided to make a dual endorsement in the mayoral race, recommending two candidates for support by the union’s membership.
Pickering – a fifth-grade teacher at Biddeford Middle School — was not available for comment at press time, but according to the email she sent both Grohman and LaFountain, she described the two men as “preferred candidates.”
According to Pickering’s email, teachers in the city’s public schools are being asked to support Grohman and LaFountain, writing “we appreciate your commitment to the students and communities we serve.
“We thank you for taking the time to complete our candidate questionnaire and for sharing your views with us.
“We feel you will be a strong candidate dedicated to improving our local schools while listening and respecting the front-line educators who work with students every day,” she added.
Pickering told Grohman and LaFountain, that the BTA “will be working with staff at the Maine Education Association to make sure educators all over our city are aware of our support for your candidacy.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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You may have heard about the Great Pumpkin, but have you ever seen a pumpkin fly hundreds of feet through the air and smash into a thousand pieces?
Well, get ready because the much anticipated 22nd annual Pumpkin Chunkin event will take place on Sunday (Nov. 2) across the road from Andy’s Farm and Garden store on the River Road, just beyond the town line in Dayton.
The event begins at 1 p.m.
Andy Cole rigs one of the two catapults he will be using for Sunday’s event (courtesy photo)
Since 2003, Cole has delighted spectators with his home-built catapults and “air cannons” launching pumpkins hundreds of feet into the air and across a pastoral field.
“It is a lot of fun,” Cole laughed. “And it seems to be growing in popularity each year.”
According to one of the event vendors, “Pumpkin Chunkin is the must attend event of the year and your chance to seek revenge on pumpkin spice everything and Halloween.”
“The sound of the pumpkins launching brings anticipation, the sight and sounds of the pumpkins hurtling to earth smashing into thousands of pieces brings satisfaction,” reads an Instagram post from the No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry.
The two-hour event will begin at 1 p.m., and will feature food vendors, including The Hot Dog Lady and maple-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
“Pumpkin Chunkin is your chance to seek revenge on pumpkin spice everything and Halloween.”
— No Bowl Empty pet food pantry
The charity event benefits both the No Bowl Empty pet food pantry and the York County Shelters Food Pantry. Attendees are asked to consider bringing a non-perishable human or pet food donation.
In a previous interview with this reporter, Cole said he first got the idea for building the catapults from watching shows on the Discovery and History channels.
“I thought to myself, man, I could build one of those,” he said. (Laughs) “It took me about a year, and we first tied it out in 2003.
“We had about 25 people come to watch. We quickly found out what worked and what didn’t work. (Laughs) One pumpkin went straight up into the air, over our heads and everyone had to scramble out of the way.” (Laughs).
“It’s pretty cool to watch the kids’ expressions when they see the pumpkins launched. We also have an air cannon now to launch smaller pumpkins. It’s a lot of fun.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Beginning today (Oct. 29) students across the Biddeford, Saco, and Dayton school districts are joining forces to help fight hunger in their own backyards through a new initiative called “Spare Change Fills Plates.” The campaign comes at a critical time, as SNAP benefits end for many local families, impacting children who already face food insecurity.
“In our three communities, one in two students is economically disadvantaged,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and while all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school, that support doesn’t cover dinners, snacks, or weekends. We’re proud of our students for taking action to help their peers and for showing that even the smallest acts—like donating spare change—can have a big impact.”
Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray with students Cordelia Kane of Biddeford High School, Kennedy Ray of Saco Middle School, and Camden Belanger of Dayton Consolidated School. (Contributed photo)
Led by students from each district, Spare Change Fills Plates encourages everyone to take part.
Donation containers and food collection boxes will be placed at each school to collect spare change and non-perishable food items. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by hosting a coin jar and/or a non-perishable food box to help extend the campaign’s reach.
“No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from”
Every dollar and donated food item will support the local backpack programs and the community, ensuring that students and their families have meals beyond the school day.
Suggested food donations include pasta, sauce, canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.), Tuna/Hamburger Helper, rice, beans, canned soup, vegetables, and fruit, pop-top canned goods (Chef Boyardee, etc.), oatmeal, pancake mix, instant potatoes, cereal, kid-friendly snacks such as granola/protein bars, microwave popcorn, peanut/sun butter and jelly, and crackers.
“Together, we can fill plates, lift spirits, and show the true power of community,” said Ray.
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 over – is actually a holiday. And according to Maine state law, city clerks in each community are required to take local reporters out to lunch and pick up the tab.
A small collection of campaign signs near the intersection of Rte. 9 and Fortunes Rocks Road
On a more serious note, this is the time when people start asking my predictions about the outcome. In Biddeford, I have developed a reputation as the go-to-guy when it comes to local politics.
I know nothing about elections in Saco, Old Orchard Beach or Kennebunk. My “expertise” is rather limited, but I can chat Biddeford politics all day long.
This is the first election for the Biddeford Gazette, a media project I launched in January.
I have tried to be thorough, fair and accurate in all my coverage. I have written candidate profiles on each of the 28 candidates running for office (mayor, city council and school committee)
We have also done in-depth reporting about the local bond issues and thanks to our media partners at The Maine Monitor you can find a balanced analysis of the two state referendum questions.
I also took the initiative to organize the one and only debate featuring the three mayoral candidates, reaching out to my colleagues at Saco Bay News and the Press Herald to join me as panelists. We solicited our questions from the community and we had a great moderator, Craig Pendleton.
This will be my 15th Biddeford election. I started in 1997, and I have been fascinated by this city’s politics since.
Biddeford takes its elections seriously, and it can be a rough and tumble affair. You need to wear your big-boy pants if you’re going to tread in these waters.
I actually met my wife because she was running for office, and I made a mistake in my coverage of the Old Orchard Beach School Board race. (True story. Oct. 2001)
Laura started winning races after she married me and took my last name. (Also, a true story)
You can’t make predictions on just gut instinct or who has the most campaign signs posted at the Five Points intersection. You have to look at the data. Past performance is always a good indicator of future results.
You also have to consider other factors, including weather and various state referendum questions that will also be on the ballot.
According to extended weather forecasts, next Tuesday will be partly cloudy with a high of 53 degrees. The state referendum questions are rather benign and will not be big factors, unlike 2010 when Maine voters were asked to approve the Oxford Casino (Disclosure: I was a paid consultant on that referendum question)
You have to look at the data, past performance is a good indicator of future results
I decided this year to limit my data field to the last 10 years, beginning with the 2015 election.
Sadly, off-year municipal elections only draw about 30 percent of Biddeford’s registered voters to the polls. People in Biddeford love to complain about politics, but most of them can’t be bothered to vote.
So, let’s take a quick glance at past elections.
In 2015, there were 34 candidates on the ballot (mayor, council, school committee) and four local referendum questions. Alan Casavant was seeking a third, consecutive term and challenged by Daniel Parenteau. Turnout was 30.03 percent of registered voters, Casavant kicked ass, 2,494 – 1,437
In 2017, voter turnout was 30.93 percent with 22 candidates. Casavant faced only two write-in opponents and breezed to victory for a fourth term with 3,497 votes.
Laura (Seaver) was also reelected as an At-Large councilor, slightly trailing Marc Lessard, 2,989 – 2,902. More importantly School Committee candidate Lisa Vadnais garnered 3,041 votes (Pay attention here. There will be a test later).
In 2019, Things got interesting, Casavant was almost defeated for a fifth term by Jason Litalien who came in a close second (2,234 – 2,127). Turnout was 29.91 percent. Both Lessard (3,051) and Vadnais (2,971) topped the ballot.
In 2021, Casavant easily rolled over challenger Victoria Foley, 3,237 – 1,849. Voter turnout was 33.05 percent. Again, Lessard (3,403) and Vadnais (3,297) topped the ballot. Why the slight bump in turnout? Not sure. There was a statewide referendum about CMP’s transmission corridor project.
Finally, in 2023, Casavant decided not to seek a seventh term. City Councilor Marty Grohman defeated former State Senator Susan Deschambault, 2,894 – 2,223. Not a landslide, but certainly comfortable. Again, Vadnais (3,374) and Lessard (3,021) topped the ballots with the most votes per candidate.
My predictions for 2025
Yours truly showing off our work for Casavant in 2013.
This is a three-way race. Marty has the advantage of the incumbency, but he also has the disadvantage of being the incumbent. When voters are not happy, the incumbent hears about it.
In fairness, Marty can’t be held responsible for some things beyond his control, but his leadership has been called into question by two city councilors who work with him closely. His endorsements of council candidates this year, have actually been rejected by some of those candidates.
It’s a three-way race, and that’s Marty’s best hope going forward. Will Councilors Liam LaFountain and Norm Belanger split the “anti-Marty” vote. Sure, but by how much?
It all depends on how many supporters Belanger and LaFountain can get to the polls.
Bottom line? This race is too close to call, but I will make a prediction . . . on Tuesday night, one hour before the polls close. Most of my predictions will be posted on this site at the same time.
Sure, we all know Councilor Roger Beaupre is unopposed in Ward Three and newcomer David Kurtz is unopposed in Ward Five, but what about the other council races? Again, most of them are too close to call . . . except one.
Three candidates are vying for the two At-Large seats on the council: Marc Lessard, Nasreen A. Shekh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais.
Past performance matters. Lessard and Vadnais will be the winners, and it will be somewhat interesting to see which one gets the most votes.
First, she did not do any diligent reconnaissance work. Although she is a board member at the Heart of Biddeford, she has not served on any municipal boards or committees. She has lived in Biddeford less than four years. Her name recognition before taking out nomination papers was virtually nil, and it hasn’t improved much since.
Secondly, in my opinion, she bit off more than she could chew by seeking an at-large seat right out of the gate. Yes, it can be done. Doris Ortiz proved that, but not if you’re going up against two of the city’s heaviest hitters.
Had Sheikh-Yousef run for Ward Five City Council, I firmly believe she would have had a fair shot at winning, depending on the other candidates.
Although she did not hire me, I will offer her a bit of free advice:
Keep doing what you’re doing. After election day, continue to find other ways to be an engaged citizen. Biddeford could benefit from your perspective. Stay involved and be a part of the city’s continuing conversation.
And to all the candidates, thank you so much for stepping up to serve your community. You are working really hard to get a job that pays less than $100 a month and will take up several hours of your time.
You are willing to share your address and take criticism for almost every thing you do. You will be required to sit through mind-numbing presentations and smile for photo-ops.
I don’t know why you do it, but thank you.
I will be providing all-day coverage on Election Day with regular social media updates.
On Wednesday, I am going to sleep-in and enjoy the lunch that Robin Patterson is buying for me.
P.S.Campaign signs by the side of the road mean nothing. Campaign signs on peoples’ lawns mean everything.
Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.
_____________________
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Ten candidates are hoping to win one of seven at-large seats on the Biddeford School Committee.
This year’s race will feature some new faces, and a few current members – including Randy Forcier, John McCurry and Lisa Vadnais — will not be seeking reelection.
We asked each of the candidates what they consider as the biggest challenges facing Biddeford’s School System and their top priorities.
Jessica A. Cinquegrano:
Jessica Cinquegrano, 37, is a political newcomer and a “stay-at-home mom” of two young children.
She has been a Biddeford resident since 2019.
Cinquegrano says many of the challenges facing the city’s schools can be traced back to “a lack of adequate funding.”
Jessica Cinquegrano
If elected, she said her three main priorities will include focusing on the wellbeing and safety of our students “so that every child feels supported and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.”
She also wants to make sure that educators have the tools, resources and support they need “to provide every student with a high-quality, forward-looking, and equitable education.”
Cinquegrano also said she wants to maintain responsible stewardship of our budget—”ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to support students, teachers and long-term sustainability while working through some of the roadblocks we’ve faced to secure more state funding.”
“As a parent of school-aged kids, I’m deeply invested in ensuring they—and all their peers—receive the best education possible,” Cinquegrano said. “In today’s climate, I believe it’s vital to support scientifically backed curriculum and to uphold our schools as safe, inclusive spaces for every student.
“Although I’m not originally from Maine, I’ve fallen in love with this small and vibrant city,” she said. “I want to make sure every marginalized voice is heard, because our diversity is one of Biddeford’s greatest strengths.”
Amy Clearwater:
Amy Clearwater, 41, is a former Biddeford city councilor. A Maine native, she moved to Biddeford in 2017. She is married with two kids.
Clearwater serves on several community service boards, including the My Place Teen Center; the Biddeford Housing Authority and the MacArthur Library.
Amy Clearwater
She is the Senior Vice President of Investor Services at what she describes as “a large global bank.”
Clearwater says her top priority is ensuring that today’s students will thrive as adults tomorrow.
“This is a wild time for education in America,” Clearwater said. “We’ve weathered a pandemic and experienced some significant local demographic shifts. Kids growing up today are having a markedly different experience than I had in public school a generation ago. Social media, information literacy, AI tools — there’s a good deal of uncharted territory for them.”
Clearwater says she has “an open mind, a strong understanding of municipal governance, and a stakeholder-focused approach to managing a very complex system.”
“I’m running for School Committee because, at this time of short-sighted and cruel federal attacks on education and social service funding, I feel obligated to do all I can in Biddeford to support our schools and provide my skills and abilities in service of good outcomes for all of Biddeford’s kids.” Clearwater said.
Meagan Desjardins:
Meagan Desjardins, 46, is a current school committee member and is hoping for a third two-year term.
Desjardins is a social worker at Massabesic High School.
Meagan Desjardins
“My focus as a school committee member and curriculum committee member has been to support aligning our K-12 curriculum so that our students have a quality and effective curriculum,” she said. “Student scores are low, so supporting academic standards is a priority of mine. Improving student readiness for college and the workforce is a priority.
Desjardins said state funding issues represent one of her biggest concerns. “The formula to decide state subsidy is flawed, and our community is at a disadvantage,” she said.
“Less money coming into the school means less money for the services our students need,” she said. “We have ELL (English Language Learner) students, homeless students and truancy issues to name a few of our challenges.
“Fewer dollars per child means less of an investment in support the complex needs within our district.”
Desjardins said school staff are spread thin, impacting all students in the school district. Advocating for fixing the state funding formula is crucial,” she said. “It is also crucial to make sure we are putting the most efficient services possible in place for all of our students.”
When asked why she is seeking another term on the school committee, she said serves as a way to “give back” to her community.
“Given my experience in a public school, I believe I have the insight and passion for public education that can be helpful to our district,” Desjardins said. “I believe it takes time to understand the ins and outs of being a school committee member, and with this being my third term, I think I offer experience that can help our district move forward towards the goals we have been setting over the last several years.”
Desjardins said the word “transparency” has been a buzzword throughout this election cycle. “We have been talking about the need for transparency from the school committee throughout the last four years. I believe creating more transparency about our schools, policies and curriculum is vital to getting the community support and creating accountability.”
Stephanie C. Edwards, PhD:
Stephanie Edwards, 40, is involved in several community groups and says she is seeking a seat on the school committee because she was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader.
“I am a proud product of public-school education,” she said.
Dr. Stephanie Edwards
Edwards moved to Biddeford in 2016. She has served on the Downtown Development Commission, as co-chair of the Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Process; and as a volunteer at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.
Edwards is a professor at Boston College and executive director at the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.
Edwards said she is running for school committee “to help create the best educational environment possible for our students.”
“As a committee member, my primary role will be to offer responsive, transparent, community-led oversight to meet the challenges, and highlight the strengths of our schools,” she said.
Edwards listed her top three priorities as: Maximizing budget efficiency; providing a supportive administration that responds to the needs of teachers, staff, students, and parent/guardians; and implementing policies to support the overall well-being of everyone in the school system.
“As Biddeford grows and changes, we must invest more into our school system to provide the tools necessary to equip our youth for the people they are and are becoming,” she said. “I believe schools must be our number one priority and it is the role of the School Committee to help realize these goals.”
“I was raised by an elementary school teacher and teachers’ union leader, and I am a proud product of public-school education,” Edwards said. “Ensuring quality public education is a mutual responsibility, and one I am excited to engage in as a committee member.”
Emily Henley
Emily Henley, 34, has a master’s degree in education and was a classroom teacher in Westbrook schools for five years. Henley moved to Biddeford in 2019.
Today, Henley works as a Curriculum Coordinator for 240 Tutoring, Inc.
Emily Henley
“Students are struggling in the wake of the pandemic,” Henley said. “Teachers are working hard to meet their needs and need support in the form of effective policies and curriculum, continuing education opportunities and strategically selected resources.”
Henley said the strength of Biddeford schools is directly related to the strength of our future community.
“Biddeford is a special place,” she said. “And we want to ensure our students have a strong education and access to post-secondary education opportunities so they can lead this community into the future.”
Henley said Biddeford’s school curriculum needs to reflect the most recent evidence-backed practices and methods and be the most cost-effective to allow resources to stretch and reach every student.
“Biddeford is blossoming into a beautiful, welcoming, and diverse Maine city,” Henley said. “We need to make sure our schools support all students and help all families feel at home in this beautiful place. The school committee can support this goal by encouraging community involvement in school events, supporting cultural diversity in our classroom resources and programming, and ensuring that schools are empowered and resourced to support struggling families.”
Henley says her background and her expertise will make her a valuable voice for student advocacy on the school committee.
“My experience as a teacher and current position as a curriculum coordinator for a national company have given me unique insight into education policy and opportunities for growth in Biddeford schools,” she said. “I see untapped opportunities for collaboration.
“I hope to collaborate with teachers, student leaders, administrators, community members, and fellow school committee members to help find creative solutions to the complex problems to improve outcomes for our students, families and schools.”
Michele Landry:
Michele Landry, 53, has lived in Biddeford for 28 years. She has served two terms on the school committee since 2021.
Landry has also served as a member of the Biddeford Education Foundation Board member for seven years; and on the advisory board for BLAST (Biddeford Learns After School Together) since 2022.
Michele Landry
Landry says a lack of affordable housing continues to present multiple challenges for the city’s schools because it is difficult to attract and retain talented teachers and other faculty members because they can’t afford to live in Biddeford.
She also said the school system is seeing an increase in the number of students experiencing homelessness and dealing with food insecurity.
Landry also said “inequities in the current state funding formula” are creating financial strains on the city’s public schools.
“The [funding] formula is based in part on city valuations, and as Biddeford’s valuations continue to rise, state funding for schools has decreased,” she said. “We receive less state money than many affluent communities whose valuations have remained more constant over the last few years.”
“Until the state addresses these inequities, we need to find creative ways to do more with less for both our teachers and students,” she added.
Landry said she is running for reelection because she wants to serve her community and give back to the district where her children received their education.
“Our schools face multiple challenges,” she said. “And I want to help find solutions despite the financial constraints, that will aid our teachers in providing all of our students, regardless of situation, the best education possible.”
Karen Ruel:
Karen Ruel, 57, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. She is married and has two children who attended and graduated from Biddeford’s public schools and works as an LTC director.
She has been a member of the school committee for three terms, beginning in 2016.
When asked about her top three priorities and concerns, Ruel listed ensuring a quality academic curriculum for every student as her top concern.
Secondly, Ruel says she wants to make resources for teachers to accomplish and excel in their roles; while providing a safe environment for students and teachers.
“I am seeking a seat on the Biddeford school board as I believe every student should be afforded a quality education in a safe environment,” Ruel said. “I bring experience as a three-term prior school board member, positivity and genuine curiosity. I understand the importance of collaboration and problem solving to turn ideas into action. I am a true believer in lifelong learning.”
Tim Stebbins:
Tim Stebbins, 63, is a lifelong Biddeford resident. He is a retired educator and has served eight years on the city’s recreation commission.
Tim Stebbins
Asked to identify the top three challenges facing the city’s schools, Stebbins said the district needs a solid plan to deal with a rapidly growing MLL (Multi-Language Learners) population. “I see it as an opportunity to expand our capacity to help new families in acclimating to our school system and enriching the school environment in the process,” he said. “I do not want any of our student populations to go without the necessary resources available to help make them successful in their educational journey.”
Stebbins also identified test scores throughout the district as another priority for educators. “With limited resources available and the need to extend those resources to the various mandated programs that exist, it becomes a delicate balance of where to spend the available money,” he said.
Stebbins said he would like to work on “curriculum matters in order to have vertical alignment, K-12.”
“There should be consistency between the grade levels of the schools in Biddeford,” he added. “What are we teaching, how do we deliver the instruction, and how do we know if students are learning are vital questions to ask when assessing any school district?”
Stebbins said school officials need to look at the demographics of a community and to allocate the funds judiciously in order to get the best value for spending.
“Are we meeting the needs of all the learners, or are we meeting only a certain population of the learners in Biddeford schools?” he asked. “There isn’t a program on the market that will meet the needs of all learners, so I’m committed to look at various alternatives that would support the curriculum needs of our teachers”
Stebbins said he is running for a seat on the school committee as “a way to give back to a community that has afforded me many opportunities in my professional life.”
“I have been a teacher, coach, and an administrator in my professional career and always felt supported by the people around me. I want current educators to feel the same way. I want to support initiatives that will enhance our schools and make them stronger for the future.
“I want people moving to Biddeford, not just for the vibrant community it has become, but for the education the schools can provide for their family.”
NOTE: Candidates Andrew Barrs and Marie Potvin did not respond to our request for information about their campaigns.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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 and Facebook.
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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results
City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.
In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.
NOTE | You can see my previous interview with Randy — where we talked about my 2024 Top 20 local politicians and policy maker list — at the link below.
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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results
City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.
In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 