The Biddeford Gazette asked the three At-Large city council candidates to share their thoughts and concerns about the controversial pier being proposed by the University of New England (UNE).
At-Large candidate Lisa Vadnais attended last week’s Citizen’s Grievance meeting about UNE’s proposal but did not address the council.
At-Large candidate Marc Lessard – currently serving as an At-Large representative — was required to attend the meeting.
At-Large candidate Nasreen Sheik-Yousef was not seen at Thursday’s meeting. She also did not return our requests for comment about the pier or the city’s review process.
Marc LessardNasreen A. Sheikh-YousefLisa Vadnais
During the Grievance meeting, several citizens raised concerns about the controversial pier project. Most of the commentary focused upon how the city has handled the review process for the university’s project.
Vadnais said she heard little about UNE’s proposal until last year, when media scrutiny of the project caused controversy.
“I attended the citizen’s grievance meeting to have a better understanding of the impact to the people that will be affected by this decision,” Vadnais said.
“After hearing from the citizens, there is no doubt the entire process was handled badly,” she added. “I do not feel it was in the best interest to remove the harbormaster from a process that would have benefited greatly by his expertise.”
“I suppose if you eliminate enough of the people that question the path we are on, eventually you only have one path left.” Lessard said.
“I suppose if you eliminate enough of the people that question the path we are on, eventually you only have one path left.”
— Councilor Marc Lessard
Lessard said the former city manager’s removal of the harbormaster was just another example of why the citizens “have little to no trust in our city’s leadership.”
Vadnais described UNE’s insistence regarding the pier’s location as “hypocrisy” on the school’s part.
“Their focus is all about sustaining and protecting the environment, but it seems like they are ready to abandon an agreement they made about a 250-foot buffer zone,” she said. “Their proposed location will have a negative impact on both commercial fishing and the environment. It makes no sense.”
Lessard says he has tried — on multiple occasions — to have a discussion about the controversial pier at a city council meeting.
“We have missed numerous opportunities to give all parties more time to discuss their concerns and come to a mutually agreed to resolution.” Lessard said. “Instead, the city decided to remove the Harbor Master and Assistant Harbor Master and thought this would help the process.”
If reelected, Lessard said his plan would be to review the decision, accentuate where the city went wrong, and come to an agreement that everyone can support.
He also offered some advice to the university: “Be a better neighbor.”
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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 Mayor Marty Grohman is making more endorsements in some city council races but will not make any endorsements in the three-way at-large council race and in the Ward Six race.
When asked why he will not make endorsements in those two races, Grohman said he has “strong relationships” with all of the candidates in those two races.
Marc LessardNasreen A. Sheikh-YousefLisa Vadnais
The mayor said he will not offer any endorsement in the three-way at-large council race between City Councilor Marc Lessard, Nasreen Sheikh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais, nor will he make an endorsement in the Ward Six race between Roger Hurtubise and Jake Pierson.
Grohman yesterday endorsed city council candidate Brad Cote in the Ward Seven race over Sam Pecor; and says he hopes that John McCurry will defeat Abigail Woods in the Ward Two race.
Grohman today said he is also endorsing Jim LaBelle over Patricia Boston in the Ward One race; and City Councilor Dylan Doughty over former councilor Bobby Mills in the Ward Four race.
“It looks like he is attempting to set an agenda of more of the same.”
–– Candidate Bobby Mills
In our previous story about the mayor’s endorsements, Pecor said he is not surprised that Grohman is endorsing Brad Cote in Ward Seven. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Pecor offered sharp criticism of the mayor.
In the Ward One council race, former councilor Patricia Boston said she is “not at all surprised” that Grohman endorsed her opponent, Jim LaBelle.
Two years ago, Boston served as campaign treasurer for Susan Deschambault in the 2023 mayoral race between Grohman and Deschambault.
Boston is currently serving as campaign treasurer for mayoral candidate Norman Belanger.
Former city councilor Bobby Mills described Grohman’s endorsements as “weird.”
“I’ve never heard of a mayoral candidate struggling for a reelection bid endorsing candidates, specifically not the ones critical of him,” Mills said.
“It looks like he (Grohman) is attempting to set an agenda of more of the same.”
City Councilor Marc Lessard said he is somewhat baffled by Grohman’s decision to make endorsements in only some of the contested races.
Lessard has served on the city council off and on for more than 30 years. He recalled mayoral races from the 1980s, 1970s and before, in which a mayoral candidate would choose a slate of council candidates to run on a specific “ticket.”
“I’m almost positive that the practice of running with a slate of council candidates last happened in the mid-1990s, when Jim Grattelo won his campaign for mayor,” Lessard said.
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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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NOTE: This story was updated to include comments from city council candidate Abigail Woods.
As Election Day draws closer, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is endorsing at least two city council candidates.
Grohman today announced his endorsement of Brad Cote in the city’s Ward Seven race. Grohman also says he will be endorsing John McCurry in the Ward Two race over political newcomer Abigail Woods.
Brad CoteSam Pecor
Earlier today, Cote posted a brief video of himself on Instagram. Within minutes, the mayor – through his campaign page – offered an endorsement of Cote over Sam Pecor, the other Ward Seven candidate.
“Brad is experienced and level headed,” Grohman wrote. “He is the clear choice for this seat. Please join me in supporting Brad Cote for Ward 7!”
Cote told the Gazette that the mayor’s comment was unsolicited. “I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing,” he laughed.
Pecor said he is not especially surprised that Grohman endorsed his opponent in the Ward Seven race, especially since the endorsement came less than 24 hours after he publicly criticized the mayor during a special public meeting on Thursday.
“I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing”
— Candidate Brad Cote
Grohman said his endorsement of Cote was not related to Pecor’s public criticism on Thursday night.
When asked if he would be endorsing other city council races, Grohman said he is supporting John McCurry in the Ward Two race over Abigail Woods. Grohman also said he would like to see McCurry become the next council president.
John McCurryAbigail Woods
The mayor did not respond to our question about whether he will also make endorsements in the at-large race and in the Wards One, Four and Six races.
“Again, this is something that raises concern about the mayor’s ability to be impartial and transparent,” Pecor said. “You can’t say with a straight face that this is coincidence. It’s very hard to believe that my criticism of the mayor and his endorsement of my opponent today are unrelated.”
Ward Two candidate Abigail Woods said she was disappointed that Grohman endorsed her opponent, especially since she and the mayor both share a priority in meeting the needs of the unhoused and low-income renters, issues that Woods describes as her area of expertise.
“We are all neighbors,” Woods said. “Ideally we will work together no matter who is elected. His endorsement of only two individuals could make this challenging.”
McCurry said he was also surprised to learn that the mayor was his endorsing his campaign in Ward Two.
“I never asked for his endorsement,” McCurry said. “But if he is going to be offering endorsements, he should do them for all the races. There is nothing wrong with the mayor endorsing candidates, but he should not be picking and choosing only certain races.”
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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 Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council listened Thursday evening to several residents who raised concerns about how the city has handled its review of a controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River.
Roughly 55 people attended Thursday’s special Citizens Grievance meeting, and more than a dozen of them took turns speaking at the podium about a wide array of concerns about the pier’s review process and its proposed location.
Although an appeal of the Biddeford Planning Board’s narrow approval will take place on November 13, the university’s plan has already been approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Saco River Commission.
Wade Goldthwait of Biddeford Pool tells the council that the city missed several opportunities for a better review process, (Seaver photo)
One of the most notable complaints of the evening came from several people who said the city’s harbormaster should have been part of the review process.
In the moments before the meeting started, Mayor Grohman was circulating copies of letters that were sent to Biddeford’s harbormaster by former city manager James Bennett last year.
“It’s important that people understand I had nothing to do with removing the harbormaster from the review process,” said Grohman who is hoping voters will give him another term in the Nov. 5 election.
Although Grohman did not personally tell the harbormaster to step down, he consistently said he supported Bennett’s decision.
“I think we have come a long way over the past few years,” Grohman said during that 2024 interview. “From where I sit, it appears to me that the university is more than willing to work with us. We all know that relationship has not always been smooth, but I am reasonably confident we can work together.”
Grohman was singing a much different tune on Thursday to a packed council chamber full of people upset about how the city has handled the review process. He nervously paced through the audience, handing out copies of Bennett’s letters and directives to Paul Lariviere, the city’s harbormaster.
University of New England Vice President Alan Thibault and the school’s senior attorney sat in the back row during the grievance meeting, quietly listening to some scathing citizen comments. They did not take notes.
After the meeting, Thibault declined an opportunity to comment about the meeting and the concerns raised.
Tensions and concerns run deep
The meeting was moderated by Craig Pendleton, a former commercial fisherman with deep ties to the community.
Although many residents expressed frustration about how the review process was handled, all the speakers spoke with civility and respect, following the basic guidelines that Pendleton laid out during his opening statement.
Wade Goldthwait, a highly respected resident and businessman in Biddeford Pool, said the harbormaster should have never been removed. “It’s too bad that it has come to this, it just breaks my heart.”
Carole Alexander, wife of the late Marshall Alexander, who was the city’s harbormaster for 37 years, said the current harbormaster was not “biased” against the university. “He was just doing his job,” she said. “Was he biased because he would not back down to an institution with deep pockets?
“The problem is not the pier,” she added. “The problem is its location.”
Steve Martin said the city’s charter is clear and that the harbormaster can only be removed by the city council, not the city manager. “This doesn’t sit right with me, and it doesn’t feel right.” he said.
“The problem is not the pier. The problem is its location.”
— Carole Alexander
Capt. Shawn Tibbetts, who has owned his mooring on the Saco River for 14 years, said he will be directly impacted by the proposed pier location. “At least seven mooring owners will be impacted by this thing,” he said. “We have been ignored and removed all local knowledge from the process.”
Tibbetts pointed out that Randy Desmaris, Biddeford’s assistant harbormaster, or Saco’s harbormaster could have been tapped to review the project if the city felt that Lariviere was biased.
Resident Ken Buechs said he felt as if the city’s Planning Board was “coached by the city attorney to arrive at a pre-determined location.”
Joe Emmons of Biddeford said the council needs to learn how “to avoid this situation in the future.”
“How does this pier actually benefit the citizens of Biddeford?” he added.
“Now that we know that there is a 250-foot buffer zone that was overlooked, how can the city issue a permit,” asked Gary McMullen.
Emma Bouthillette, a former university student, said she was dismayed that the university seems indifferent to environmental impacts as they continue a course of more development and an increasing campus.
“I have seen several projects just pushed through,” she said. “They have impacted wetlands and critical habitats. This pier is another attempt to get what they want without regard for the environment.”
The meeting lasted a little more than an hour and the audience applauded when the meeting was concluded.
“I think people were pleased to have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns in a constructive manner,” Pendleton said.
Councilor Roger Beaupre said he was impressed by the tone and process of the meeting. “I had no idea what to expect,” he said. “But I think it was well organized and presented.”
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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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The city of Biddeford announced Monday that they had reached an out-of-court settlement with former city manager James Bennett.
Under terms of the agreement released Monday, Bennett will receive $90,000 from the city’s insurance company, not taxpayers. City officials also point out that the settlement will save the city thousands of dollars in legal fees and ongoing court costs.
The settlement — which is being paid by the city’s insurance company –is expected to save the city several thousand dollars in ongoing legal fees and court costs, said Mayor Marty Grohman.
“This settlement was the right move for the city,” Grohman explained. “Now, we can get some closure on this matter and move forward with all of the other important work facing the city.”
According to the settlement, Bennett will receive $90,000 as follows: $24,000 into his401A account; $16,750 into his 457 accounts; $810 into his RHS account and $48,440 less applicable withholding as wages.
According to City Attorney Harry Center, the settlement was reached as part of the court-ordered mediation between the parties.
You may view or download a complete copy of the settlement agreement here:
The Biddeford- Saco Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced today that they have decided to make a “leadership change” in the executive director position.
Matt Lewis, who was hired as the Chamber’s new executive director less than six months ago, said he did not want to comment on this story.
Matt Lewis, former director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber was fired Monday for unknown reasons (Seaver photo)
In an email statement, the chamber’s board said they would like to “thank Matt Lewis for his time with the Chamber and wish him well in the future.”
According to the statement, the “Chamber’s Executive Committee is currently overseeing operations, and the board will share updates about leadership and long-term planning as decisions are finalized”
No one answered the office phone today at the chamber.
The Biddeford Gazette has reached out to several of the board members, but none of them were available, as of press time.
“We appreciate your understanding and support of the Chamber as we move forward,” the board’s statement reads.
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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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Amid the ongoing and intensifying controversy surrounding the University of New England’s plans to construct a large research pier on the Saco River, the two candidates who hope to represent that area on the city council say they are watching the issue closely.
Former city councilor Patricia Boston and political newcomer Jim LaBelle both say the issue has become “divisive” and lament “missed opportunities for mediation” during the two-year-long review process.
Boston, a Hills Beach resident, has been closely following the university’s ongoing expansion over the last two decades. She is hoping to make a return to the city council after a 14-year hiatus.
Patricia BostonJim LaBelle
LaBelle recently retired after serving seven years as the executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and lives in Biddeford Pool.
Although the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly voted in favor of UNE’s proposal in August, many coastal area residents and others say the city’s review process was deeply flawed.
Last month, a group of residents were able to collect enough signatures to trigger a special Citizens Grievance meeting about the pier proposal. That meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at City Hall.
Additionally, an appeal of the Planning Board’s decision has been filed with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), a review agency that has not met in more than a year.
Although the ZBA meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 13, attorneys representing both the university and the city said this week that the ZBA has “no standing” to reconsider the planning board’s Aug. 6 decision because those who filed the appeal are not “abutters” to the project and arguments regarding the lack of harbormaster approval are “irrelevant” to the planning board’s review.
“It’s become quite a mess,” said LaBelle. “A lot of people I talk to see UNE as a big asset to the city, but it does look like some things were missed during the review process.”
Specifically, LaBelle pointed to the recent news that the Saco River Corridor Commission failed to include a previous ruling when that agency reviewed the proposal last year.
Ultimately, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s application, but now says that a required 250-foot vegetative buffer zone would prohibit the construction of a necessary access road.
Donald Furman, Biddeford’s representative to the SRCC, abstained from the agency’s vote.
Other regulatory agencies, including the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, approved the project but without opportunity or consideration for public comment or feedback.
“It feels as if this thing has been on greased skids since the beginning,” said John Shafer, former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission.
“It does look like mistakes were made.”
— Jim LaBelle, Ward One candidate
Boston says it is “unfortunate” that the issue has become “so divisive.”
Boston also said she has concerns about how the city was able to remove the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster from the review process last year.
“How did the city authorize or approve a private engineer to fill that position?” she asked.
Both Boston and LaBelle said they plan to attend the special Oct. 23 meeting at City Hall.
“I want to hear what everyone has to say,” Boston said.
“It does look like some mistakes were made,” LaBelle said, pointing out that the university will still need to get a building permit from the city.
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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Once listed among Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, Biddeford does not disappoint when it comes to the food and beverage scene. But between eats, treats and sips, what’s there to do in and around downtown? The answer is PLENTY!
Rift Arcade or The Gutter will take you back to simpler times. Rift Arcade features 40 coin-operated games from pinball to Pac-Man and everything in between with the mission to be an inclusive, affordable, and safe space for all ages.
Bowling on Main Street at The Gutter in Biddeford (Main Street Maine photo)
While you try to best the top scores, enjoy a curated cocktail from the full-service bar or elevated 1990s-inspired grub. If you’re passionate about arcade games and supporting a local business, you can buy into Rift’s NuMarket Campaign and get 120 percent back in credits to redeem (buy-in for $100, get $120 credits).
The Gutter takes a bigger step back in history, turning the first level of the historic Marble Block Building into a mid-century modern delight with wooden paneling, stained glass pendant lights over the bar, and eight classic 10-pin bowling lanes. The full-service bar and kitchen makes it a great place to strike up some fun.
Interested in catching some live entertainment, there are several well established businesses with a weekly roster for you to choose from. If you haven’t heard about it yet, the Rumors are true.
Upstairs from Mulligan’s, Rumors offers live shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, featuring a wide array of musical genres. If you’re looking for a laugh, The Comedy Mill might be more your speed. Also located at Mulligan’s, The Comedy Mill hosts open-mic nights for local standups to take a spin at getting laughs, but has also hosted events for nationally-known comics like Connor McGrath.
Just around the corner, Champions Sports Bar offers a little bit of everything for entertainment, including karaoke, trivia, DJ dance parties, and live local music. It’s also a great place to catch your favorite New England teams on the big screens or the flat screens.
While you’re distracted by the wide selection of books at Elements waiting for your morning cup to be poured, you may have missed that they host live local music every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as social events Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. These curated events foster community while you sip a barista crafted beverage or a selection from the beer and wine list. Other businesses in town offering live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and more, include Cowbell, Lucky Pigeon Brewing Co., Banded Brewing, and Sacred Profane.
Tour the Riverwalk in Biddeford (City of Biddeford photo)
For those rainy, cold, or snowy days, however, head to The playLOT with your littles. In addition to several structured events throughout the week, this indoor playground offers endless fun and a place for parents to connect. Another great option for bigger littles is Mill Studio Arts. Miss Amy has curated an array of lessons and camps great for the creative kids and teens, with some workshops for the whole family and some just for adults too.
Another great place to explore is McArthur Library, which offers more than books for all ages. The wonderful librarians have curated daily events like educational workshops and book clubs to family-friendly activities and cultural programs. And if you have a library card, you can borrow more than books; check out digital books and audiobooks via Cloud Library and Hoopla, magazines, movies, music, comics, video games, and recreational equipment like fishing poles, snowshoes, lawn games, a telescope, binoculars, WiFi hotspots and more.
If learning about the city is more your speed, there are a few tour opportunities, each with a unique spin. The Biddeford Culinary Walking Tour features our food and beverage scene, combining the tastes of the town with its history, culture, and hometown stories. The Biddeford Mills Tour gives you a deeper look inside the mill buildings, with background on the textile industry and the workforce that populated the city. You can also delve deeper into the history at the Biddeford Mills Museum.
Learn about Biddeford’s history on a Biddeford Mills Tour (Photo: Main Street Maine)
You can also enjoy a slice of Biddeford history at one of the many stellar shows hosted by the City Theater. With its story dating back to 1860, the John Calvin Stevens designed theater is an iconic landmark dedicated to celebrating performance arts.
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Emma Bouthillette, a special contributor on behalf of Heart of Biddeford is a marketer, writer, yoga instructor, corgi mom, and native of Biddeford, Maine. In addition to publishing A Brief History of Biddeford with The History Press in 2017, her byline has appeared in the Portland Press Herald, Maine Women Magazine, and several other Maine-based publications.
Our board offered us tons of valuable feedback, suggestions and ideas about the next steps on our continuing journey.
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When you turn to the Gazette for local news, you know what you’re getting: a trusted news source developed by professional journalists.
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Our editorial roots in Biddeford go back decades, and we stand behind every story we write with our trademark name and reputation for hard-hitting news coverage.
We are looking for your input and participation. We are accepting Letters to the Editor, Community News announcements and local events.
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The Biddeford Gazette is NOT a business; it is a resource for Biddeford residents and all those connected to this great city.
I’m already looking forward to the next Advisory Board meeting!
Thank you for all the support!
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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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The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July.
If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 months.
According to her proposed employment contract, Clavette will be paid $125,000 per year as a salaried employee with four weeks of paid vacation time.
Clavette has worked in several Maine communities, including serving as Saco’s director of economic development for nearly four years, 2018-2022.
According to her resume, Clavette previously served as assistant city manager in Auburn; two years as economic development director for the town of South Berwick.
Clavette is today the economic development director for the Town of Gray, Maine, a position she started 11 months ago.
On her resume, Clavette describes herself as a “professional, ethical and innovative leader with excellent communication skills.”
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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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Liam LaFountain says he’s running for mayor because Biddeford needs a “course correction.”
LaFountain, 28, was chosen by his fellow councilors as the council’s president two years ago, at the beginning of his second term as the council’s Ward Seven representative.
Liam LaFountain
A native and lifelong resident of Biddeford, he is the son of former State Senator and school committee member Lloyd LaFountain. And the younger LaFountain says he was “intrigued” by politics at an early age.
Today, LaFountain works as a senior data analyst for Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine, “a collaborative non-profit of private employers and public trusts dedicated to lowering healthcare costs and improving quality.”
After attending Biddeford schools, including St. James, Biddeford Intermediate and Biddeford Middle School, LaFountain graduated from Gonzaga University, a Jesuit school in Washington state, where he earned a degree in international relations.
He and his wife, Eisha, have been married four years and own a home on Elm Street.
LaFountain says his campaign is built on a foundation of increasing public trust and repairing government accountability with a “back-to-basics” approach that will ensure the city’s residents know what is happening at City Hall with improved transparency.
In all his campaign materials, LaFountain uses ‘ACT” as an acronym to describe his priorities. Accountability, Commitment and Transparency.
“Biddeford is at a pivotal moment,” LaFountain said. “The choices we make today—about education, housing, infrastructure, public services and other priorities—will shape our city for decades to come.
“That future must be built with care, grounded in data, and rooted in what residents truly need,” he added.
LaFountain said his top concern is about “affordability” on many different levels.
“We have a situation now where people are paying more than 50 percent of their take-home pay on housing,” he said. “That’s just not a sustainable course for the city.”
LaFountain said it’s important to note that the issue of affordability also impacts small and mid-sized businesses in the city because people have less discretionary income for shopping or dining and said business are also grappling with skyrocketing rents and increasing taxes.
“Our future must be built with care, grounded in data, and rooted in what residents truly need”
— Liam LaFountain
As he continues his campaign, LaFountain says he has heard from scores of residents who are frustrated about a lack of responsiveness from city government.
“We really do need to get back to basics,” he said. “We have to make sure that we’re getting information to residents, but we also have to make sure that all community voices are heard.”
Over the last few months, Liam has voiced concerns about private development projects that offer little or no benefit to residents.
“We need development that serves us, not just development for development’s sake,” he said. “We seem to have our roles reversed, catering to private interest instead of the people we represent.”
As examples of development that relied upon public investments that offer scant benefits for taxpayers, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street that is now home to a bowling alley and luxury apartments that are being rented for more than $4,000 per month.
“We provided that developer with nearly $1 million of credit enhancements, which will put residential taxpayers on the hook for many years to come,” he said. “What are we really getting in return? I’d rather see that money invested in our recreation department that offers safe after school opportunities for all kids, regardless of their ability to pay.”
“The gravy train has to stop,” he added. “Our focus needs to be on the public. We should be promoting things that offer broad public benefit.”
In addition to holding developers accountable, LaFountain says that the same standard needs to be applied at City Hall.
“We are still two years behind on our internal audit,” he said. “That’s just not acceptable. We have let things slide, and it is a disservice to our community.”
LaFountain says city leaders need to “meet people where they are,” whether through rotating, small ward meetings or open-office hours at City Hall.
“Biddeford residents are thirsty for information,” he said. “We cannot just focus on the good news. We need transparency and accountability especially when it comes to facing our challenges.”
When asked why he is willing to give up a lot of his time and energy as the city’s mayor, LaFountain said he is concerned that so many of the kids he grew up with can no longer afford to live in Biddeford.
“Biddeford is where I grew up,” he said. “This is where I hope to grow old.”
For more information about LaFountain’s campaign, please visit his campaign website: LaFountainForMayor.com
Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot.
Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting.
Biddeford residents listen to information about two local bond questions that will be on the ballot,
The Q&A session was followed by a guided tour of the J. Richard Martin Community Center, which houses the city’s recreation department.
Because the city is still behind on completing its FY ’24 and FY ’25 audits, some residents wondered if Biddeford will be able to qualify for a competitive interest rate on the bond repayments.
Both City Manager Truc Dever and Finance Director Gerry Matherne said they expect the overdue FY2024 audit to be done by December, ahead of when the city would be applying for bond approval.
Although the city can only estimate the expected rates, approval of both questions – upgrades to the city’s sewer system ($20 million) and funding repairs and upgrades at the city’s recreational facilities ($6 million) – will have a combined impact of about 37 cents on the mil rate.
The average Biddeford home would see a $147 property tax impact.
Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city is making steady progress in complying with state-mandated sewer separation projects, but said a future project could pose significant impacts on downtown businesses.
“We have already completed what we call the low-hanging fruit,” Demers explained. “We’re going to do the very best we can possibly do, and we will be working closely with business owners.”
City Manager Truc Dever (right) explains the impact of the city’s ongoing efforts to meet state-mandates regarding sewer separation as Public Works Director Jeff Demers listens.
Recreation Director Lisa Thompson listed a number of repair and upgrade projects that are long overdue at several of the city’s recreational facilities, including the West Brook skating rink, St, Louis Field, Rotary Park, the Biddeford Ice arena and the now closed skate park on outer Main Street.
“The city has seen tremendous growth in the past year, and we want to ensure that we can meet the demands that the public wants and needs,” Thompson said.
City Councilor Marc Lessard stood up from his seat in the audience to make an impassioned plea for investments in the city’s recreational assets.
“We are a service center community,” Lessard said. “Our recreational facilities attract new investments and growth in our community. Unfortunately, when things get tight, recreation is usually the first thing to be cut.
“I am a huge supporter of our city’s recreational resources,” he continued. “We have delayed these projects long enough.
“The loss of our skatepark is the poster child of what happens when we put off critical investments,” Lessard added.
Not all residents said they would support the two bonds.
“We’re writing checks we can’t cash,” said Mike Bouthillette of Biddeford.
Bouthillette asked several pointed questions during the presentation, saying the city should be looking for other sources of revenue by selling unused properties and increasing user fees for recreational buildings.
NOTE: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about the anticipated completion of the city’s FY 2024 audit. We apologize for the error.
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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 the University of New England has cleared all the reviews and hurdles needed to begin construction of a large pier on the Saco River, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) has now admitted it made a crucial mistake while approving the university’s application in 2024.
The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted in August 2024 to approve the university’s pier project, which includes construction of an access road that can accommodate large vehicles including fire/rescue trucks.
That access road, however, will be constructed within a 250-foot non-development “buffer” zone that was created by an agreement between the university and the SRCC in 2001.
Alan Thibeault, a UNE vice president, leads members of the planning board and the public through a wooded area where an access road will be built to accommodate the university’s planned research pier. (Seaver photo)
The agreement came as the result of a quid-pro-quo arrangement between the SRCC and the university, which allowed the university to build two new dormitories that would exceed a 35-foot height restriction.
In return for the height variance, the university agreed to create a 250-foot buffer zone along the river frontage on the school’s campus to protect the “environmentally sensitive” area.
Although the minutes of that June 2001 meeting shows no ambiguity on the matter, the SRCC today admits that the approval they granted last year did not take the previous agreement into consideration.
“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.
Dunning said there is nothing that can be done today to fix the situation since a 30-day appeal window has come and gone.
Dunning added that her agency has been “overwhelmed” by the number of applications filed by the university over the last few years, describing the agency’s workload as an “administrative burden.”
The SRCC is a quasi-state agency with statutory control over all development along the Saco River.
“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote.”
— Cherie Dunning, SRCC exec. director
A group of commissioners is made up of representatives from all municipalities along the river. Don Furman, Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC, abstained from voting on UNE’s application in August 2024.
Ben Pinault, the commission chairperson, did not return our request for comment, as of press time.
For her part, Dunning said she and other staff are “working to prevent similar errors in the future.”
When asked if UNE’s permit should be revoked since new information has come to light, Dunning said there is nothing the SRCC can do about the past mistake, suggesting that the matter could be settled in the courts.
Sarah Delage, a UNE spokesperson, said the Saco River Corridor Commission did not impose a ‘no-build’ or ‘no construction’ zone within a 250-foot zone from the river.
Delage also said that Sandra Featherman – the university’s former president – “did not make any commitment that UNE would never seek to build a research pier on the Saco River.”
Many members of the public have expressed concerns about the location of UNE’s proposed research pier (Seaver photo)
However, the minutes of the July 2001 SRCC meeting clearly show that both UNE and the SRCC did work out an arrangement including the creation of the buffer zone so that the new dormitory buildings could be constructed.
These meeting minutes illustrate UNE’s unambiguous endorsement to achieve the same goal: environmental protection.
Featherman attended the July 2001 meeting in which several commissioners voiced strong support for the creation of a 250-foot buffer.
Featherman stated that “the University of New England has absolutely no plans to build within 250 feet of the river, and that the city as well as the university believe this buffer to be very sensitive and necessary for the protection of the river.”
From the SRCC’s 2001 meeting minutes: “The applicants are hereby required to retain and maintain a 250-foot-wide vegetative buffer along the entire shoreline of the property, measured horizontally starting from the mean high-water line and proceeding inland, described herein. Failure to do so will result in revocation [of the permit] and all subsequent amendments.’”
Also, Dunning left no doubt that the order issued by the Saco River Corridor Commission in 2001 is, in effect, state law, quoting the legislative act that created the Commission, she wrote, “Standards, rules and orders issued by the SRCC have the force and effect of law.’”
Local reaction to the SRCC’s error
The city of Biddeford now finds itself in a bewildering predicament, since UNE has not yet put a shovel in the ground and a building permit has not been issued.
Yet, city officials now know for certain that an SRCC order, which has the effect of state law, prohibits construction in the 250-foot buffer where the access road is supposed to be built.
Will the city continue to green light a project it knows to be illegal? The Gazette contacted Mayor Marty Grohman a week ago for comment, but he has still not responded.
The two candidates who are hoping to replace Grohman, however, responded quickly to our request for comment.
City Councilor Norman Belanger said he does “not want to be hasty with an opinion” until he has the opportunity to closely review the documents sent to him by the Biddeford Gazette.
“On its face, it does appear that the SRCC had imposed a 250-foot vegetation buffer,” Belanger said. “I believe, however, that the enforcement of this order would be within the purview of SRCC and not the city unless it was a formal party to the order.
“It is something that definitely deserves research and clarification along with an understanding of how it impacts the prior approvals for the pier,” he said.
“It is something that definitely deserves research and clarification”
— City Councilor Norman Belanger
City Councilor Liam LaFountain said his “initial reaction was one of major concern.”
“Many residents have already expressed frustration about the pier review process, and I understand why,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain noted that a special citizens grievance meeting about the controversial pier project will be held next week at City Hall.
“Given the public’s interest in the integrity of the city’s regulatory review is extremely high, the [newly revealed] information raises serious questions,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain said that the city council is expected to take up the issue at its next regular meeting on Oct. 21.
“In my view, outreach to the SRCC and possibly the Attorney General’s office, for legal clarification, is necessary. If an SRCC order carries the force of law, the city has an obligation to understand the implications and ensure compliance. Biddeford must obey all laws.”
City solicitor Harry Center was asked to comment on this story last week. Center said he needs time to review all of the documents, including the SRCC minutes.
“Many residents have already expressed frustration about the pier review process, and I understand why,”
— City Councilor Liam LaFountain
An insider’s look at UNE’s ongoing development
Biddeford resident Matt Haas graduated from the University of New England in 2005 with a degree in organizational leadership.
Haas was also employed by the university for nearly 18 years and served as a public affairs liaison between the university and its residential Hills Beach neighbors.
In fact, Haas – a registered Maine Guide — said he did extensive work in the creation of the Institutional Zone that covers all of UNE’s Biddeford campus, a process that was guided and promoted by Featherman, the university’s former president.
“This whole process has been mishandled by both the city and the university,” he said. “There absolutely was and is a 250-foot buffer zone in place. This pier is in the wrong location and was approved as part of a mismanaged process.”
Haas is one of several Biddeford residents who are appealing the Biddeford Planning Board’s approval of the large research pier on August 6, 2025.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled to take place on November 13.
Click here to view and/or download a PDF copy of the SRCC’s July 2001 meeting minutes:
NOTE: An unedited audio recording of this event can be found at the end of this article
The three men who want to be Biddeford’s next mayor squared-off Friday evening during a public debate that was held at Biddeford High School.
The candidates – including incumbent Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and City Councilor Norman Belanger – answered a wide range of topics, including public concerns about rising property taxes, infrastructure, homelessness and issues surrounding gentrification in the downtown area, including soaring residential rental costs
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(Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and Councilor Norman Belanger tell the audience why they each think they should be Biddeford’s next mayor (Seaver photo)
Roughly 130 people attended the 90-minute debate that included several questions previously submitted by residents.
Craig Pendleton, former executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, served as moderator of the event.
In their opening statements, each candidate laid out their vision of the city’s future and the reasons they are seeking to lead the community over the next two years.
“Biddeford needs a course correction,” LaFountain said. “The city’s leadership needs to be stronger and I will not support back-room deals with private developers.”
Belanger reminded the audience that he is a Biddeford native who grew up as the child of mill workers; worked part-time in the mills himself before earning his law degree at Harvard University.
Grohman also said he comes from humble roots, growing up on a dairy farm in Carthage, a rural community in western Maine.
“It has been a good two years, but there is still lots of work to do.” Grohman said,
“Biddeford needs a course correction,”
— Liam LaFountain
All three candidates drew rousing applause when they each said they would not want to see the Biddeford Police Department enter into an agreement to assist the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
One of the early questions from the public centered on the issues of homelessness and its impacts on the downtown area, most notably near the entrance of the McArthur Library on Main Street.
“Certainly, homelessness is one of the most complex and complicated issues in our city,” LaFountain said. “It’s not just a Biddeford issue. It’s happening all across the country and the world.”
LaFountain said he would focus on creating stronger partnerships with state, federal and county agencies. He also suggested the creation of a day-time location that would offer shelter, WIFI and an alternative place to congregate. “Dignity must be at the center of these conversations,” he said.
“It has been a good two years, but there is still lots of work to do.”
— Marty Grohman
Grohman said he is proud of his track record in addressing the issue of homelessness in Biddeford, describing it as one of his “signature issues.”
Grohman said he led the way in clearing out a growing encampment near Mechanics Park last year, a situation he called reminiscent of a “third-world country.”
Grohman also pointed out that his efforts, including weekly “huddle” meetings with advocates and others concerned about unhoused residents, have resulted in finding stable housing for 70 people during the last year.
Belanger said the issue is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach that includes more non-city resources for mental health and substance abuse without losing “compassion.”
“We need a regional solution,” Belanger said. “Biddeford can’t be expected to solve the issue. We need a reasonable solution, but we simply cannot do it alone.”
On the issue of what to do with the former JFK Memorial School building, Belanger said any decision should preserve its available parking, regardless of how the building is used.
Belanger said he would like to see the building used as some sort of a community center, perhaps a daycare center that would be privately operated.
LaFountain drew rousing applause when he said he opposes any credit enhancement agreements or tax increment financing (TIF) deals that do not benefit the entire city.
As an example, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street, the home of a new bowling alley, saying the city provided nearly $1 million in incentives for a place where families have to pay $35 for a lane.
“I would rather see that money going to the city’s recreation resources that provide free opportunities,” he said, pointing out that he was the only candidate who voted against that particular deal.
“The public has lost its trust in local government,”
— Norman Belanger
Given that a “citizens grievance” meeting will be happening in less than two weeks, all three candidates agreed that the city made “some mistakes” in how it handled a proposal by the University of New England to build a large research pier on the Saco River.
“I believe the university is a major benefit to the community, and something to be proud of,” Grohman said. “That said, some steps were bungled along the way. I’m hoping that the upcoming meeting will promote some community healing.”
On the UNE pier issue, LaFountain said there was a lack of accountability from former city manager James Bennett on a variety of issues. Bennett was removed from office in February. “We are still dealing with the ramifications of those mistakes,” LaFountain added.
Belanger agreed with LaFountain. “That [review] process was botched from the beginning,” he said.
The candidates discussed ways in which they would address increasing property taxes and rising housing costs.
In his closing statement, LaFountain said Biddeford is at a “cross roads” and needs data-driven leadership.
“We can continue down a path of decisions being made behind closed doors and residents shouldering the burden of unchecked growth,” LaFountain said. “Or, we can chart a new course grounded in accountability, transparency and a genuine commitment to the public good.”
Grohman said the city is at risk of “losing its magic” that has resulted in revitalization of the downtown area and an improved reputation as one of the state’s largest municipalities.
“I am proud to partner with people who want to invest in Biddeford,” Grohman said. “I think we want to keep building Biddeford, keeping it a better place with an opportunity for everyone to succeed.”
Belanger said the city has lost sight of its need to prioritize municipal spending. “The public has lost its trust in local government,” he said. “We can easily bankrupt ourselves with compassionate spending. We need to be careful how we spend taxpayer money.”
Note: There was a last-minute glitch in providing video recording of the event. We have included a rough, un-edited audio transcript of the debate.
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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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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: South Dakota Department of Health
Finally, after years of research, Dr. Jonas Salk was able to develop the first effective polio vaccine. By 1961, only 161 cases in the U.S. remained. Salk was committed to ensuring that the vaccine was available to all, famously saying, “There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?”
Life-saving vaccines have helped to all but eradicate some of the most dangerous diseases that affect humans. Now this progress, and the decades-long progress made against diseases like polio, measles and mumps is in serious peril due to recent actions from the federal government.
Unfortunately, alongside the successful track record of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry has sprouted up and flourished in recent years as a result of misinformation shared widely online. The unscientific views of anti-vaccine advocates gained an even stronger foothold due to the significant social disruption of the pandemic and the corrosive effect of social media. What was once an overwhelming bipartisan and nonpartisan societal agreement that vaccines are a good thing has sadly become polarized.
Alongside the successful track record of vaccines, the anti-vaccine industry has sprouted up and flourished in recent years as a result of misinformation shared widely online.
And the groups that push these beliefs are profiting from their lies. In 2023, the Informed Consent Action Network, an anti-vaccine group run by Del Bigtree, who is an ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., reported $23 million in revenue. Kennedy’s own organization, Children’s Health Defense, has also raked in millions through the years. They push lies blaming vaccines for autism and various other maladies, use it to sell products and propaganda, and get rich off vulnerable people getting sick.
This is why it is so distressing to witness Kennedy’s actions to gut the federal CDC and to stack vaccine advisory boards with anti-science skeptics, which will make it more difficult to effectively investigate rare but real cases of vaccine injury, and stifle necessary research and development. Right now, the federal CDC is attempting to restrict access to the COVID-19 vaccine for folks 65 and older and for younger people who have preexisting medical conditions, in contradiction to the fact-based guidance of experienced medical professionals.
So, what are we doing about it in Maine? Thankfully, we have strong vaccine protections in place. Certain vaccines are mandatory for children to attend Maine schools, with exemptions only allowed for medical reasons. This helps preserve the herd immunity necessary to prevent the spread of life-threatening diseases. The weakening of standards in other parts of the country like Florida is still alarming. But that gives us more reasons to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our communities.
Rep. Marc Malon says Maine is leading the way in ensuring public access for vaccinations
For the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, the Mills Administration has issued a standing order to ensure that every Mainer who wants a vaccine can get one. The standing order essentially serves as a prescription for all Maine people, and it will allow them to get the shot at local pharmacies, clinics and health care offices.
It also requires state-regulated health insurance carriers, including those with MaineCare, to provide full coverage of the cost of the vaccine. The shot is recommended for all children from ages six months to 23 months, all individuals ages 18 and older, and children two to 18 years old based on risk factors – check with your children’s medical provider. If you want a vaccine, you should be able to receive your COVID-19 booster at your local pharmacy. I encourage folks to do so. I did it this week.
Vaccine opponents like to paint the decision to vaccinate as purely a personal choice. The problem is that these personal decisions can impact other families and broader communities. The miracle of vaccination is a miracle of community, and when communities need action, our history shows us that we take it because we care about not only our families, but those around us.
So, let’s band together once again, roll up our sleeves, literally, and not take for granted the hard work, sacrifices and medical advancements that have actually made America healthier for decades.
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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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The Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Ten Talks & Silent Auction on Wednesday, October 15. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at River Winds Farm and Estate in Saco.
Organizers say that “this much-anticipated community event blends thought-provoking talks with an engaging silent auction,” all in a lively, social atmosphere.
The event features 10 local speakers, each sharing a five-minute talk on a topic of their choice. The result is a fast-moving, inspiring program that highlights the voices and perspectives of our community.
Newly hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever will be one of the 10 speakers during this year’s event. (Jim Krause photo)
The wide range of speakers this year includes Biddeford’s new city administrator Truc Dever; Ellis Baum from Tiger Investment Services; Jessica Walter from Maine Trust for Local News; Rhona Deah from Rhona’s Beauty Shop and many more.
Before and after the presentations, guests will enjoy networking, food, drinks and the chance to bid on unique items in the silent auction. Donations range in value, from $25 to over $1,000, including gift certificates, experiences, services, and specialty products from local businesses.
“We’re excited to once again bring together local voices, businesses, and community members for an evening of ideas and generosity,” said Chamber Director Matt Lewis. “Ten Talks has become one of our signature events, showcasing the talent, creativity, and spirit that make our region thrive.”
The event is free and open to the public.
Funds raised through the silent auction support the Chamber’s work to strengthen and connect the Biddeford and Saco business community.
For more information, please contact the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce at 207-282-1567
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The two men who each want to represent Ward Seven on the Biddeford City Council have been regularly attending city council meetings over the last few months.
And, once again, a former councilor is running against a political newcomer.
The bulk of Ward Seven features working-class neighborhoods and includes the city’s industrial parks and the municipal airport.
Brad CoteSam Pecor
Brad Cote, 44, is a Biddeford native who previously served on the city council, representing Ward Three from 2012 to 2015.
Sam Pecor, 30, is a real estate agent who moved to Biddeford four years ago.
Pecor says he applied to serve on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, the Policy Committee, the Planning Board, and the Citizens Advisory Committee earlier this year but has received “no response” from city officials.
Cote says making “data-driven decisions” that benefit the largest amount of Biddeford residents should be the council’s priority.
He also said the city needs to “improve its transparency to rebuild faith in city government.”
“We need to be realistic that in today’s fiscal environment, prices are going to increase due to inflation,” Cote said. “Costs are going up everywhere, so it is crucial to create an updated plan to determine what expenses are on the horizon and how we can best prepare for them.”
Pecor said the city needs to face a “fiscal reality.”
“Biddeford’s growth is running into a hard math problem,” Pecor said. “We have capital plans without committed funding,” he added, pointing to the city’s long-range goals for sewer separation projects across the city.
“A 2018 internal estimate put combined sewer -related needs around $100 million. In today’s dollars that’s plausibly between $150 million and $170 million.”
“The longer we delay, the more it costs,” Pecor said, pointing out that the upcoming sewer bond only covers a thin slice of the total need.
“We need a transparent, multi-year financing plan that pairs phased bonds with a predictable sewer rate path.”
“Biddeford’s growth is running into a hard math problem,”
— Sam Pecor
Cote also expressed financial concerns for the city.
“Nobody likes tax increases,” he said. “But at the same time, it is not feasible to freeze taxes either. All this does is kick the can down the road and delay necessary expenses until things are falling apart and cost a lot more to repair or replace.”
Cote also said Biddeford has changed a lot since he last served on the council. He said the city no longer needs to offer “handouts” to developers.
“When I was on the council, we were able to get the votes to close MERC. That decision helped turn Biddeford from “Trashtown USA” to a city that has flourishing businesses and a variety of economic drivers.” Cote said.
“To get development started then, we used tax incremented financing (TIFs) and credit enhancement agreements to give developers incentives to redevelop older mill buildings. This was necessary to begin Biddeford’s renaissance, but we’re in a different place today,” Cote said.
“Occasionally, there are instances where perks make sense if data and other information prove it is ultimately a wise investment for the city,” Cote added. “But in most instances, it is not fair that encouraging new development results in the regular taxpayers shouldering that additional tax burden.”
“I like to be helpful, and I have a variety of skill sets that I learned from my previous experience on the council”
–– Brad Cote
If elected, Pecor says he will make trust and clarity in government one of his top priorities.
“People will fund real needs if they believe the plan is honest and the dollars lead to outcomes,” Pecor said. “Right now, trust is shattered. Let’s fix that with clear budgets; quarterly dashboards on sewer progress, costs, and timelines; and routine two-way communication via representative office hours, social media updates, and partnerships with local journalists.
“If we square up to the fiscal reality, streamline what we control in housing, and rebuild trust through consistent transparency, Biddeford can keep growing without pricing out the people who make it work,” Pecor said.
Cote said he is excited about the prospect of using his prior council experience to help Biddeford move confidently into the future.
“I like to be helpful, and I have a variety of skill sets that I learned from my previous experience on the council,” Cote said. “I will be a good steward of tax money and will work hard to pursue alternate funding streams to take a bit of the emphasis off property taxes.”
Pecor said his lifetime interest in history, government and politics has left him increasingly frustrated and disillusioned, citing “divisiveness, a lack of imagination, and a system that can feel both too present in daily life and yet ineffective at governing.”
“I’m running to replace cynicism with participation and make engagement the norm again,” Pecor said. “My goal is a local government that’s approachable and easy to understand, responsive to questions, and clear about tradeoffs.”
To learn more about the candidates, please visit their websites:
Marie Metcalf, 12, of Biddeford, has been named the STAR Student of September at Maine Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades 7-12 statewide.
Marie began her first year at Maine Connections Academy as a 7th grader this year, and she couldn’t be happier as she balances online schooling and her ongoing passion for competing in gymnastics.
For the last four years, Marie has grown increasingly passionate about gymnastics.
What started as an athletic and creative outlet has turned into nine to 11 hours a week of dedicated training and practice. After her first year, she was invited to be on the team at Dudziak’s Gymnastics.
This year, Marie reached the gold level and is allowed to use her creativity and build her own floor routine. Marie and her family are excited to see heads turn at her first gold performance in November.
(Marie Metcalf, Contributed photo)
In her previous brick-and-mortar school setting, Marie was finding it difficult to dedicate enough time and attention to her educational needs while still allowing time to pursue her passion for gymnastics.
So, her family turned to Maine Connections Academy for the next step in her education. After only the first three weeks of classes, Marie’s mother, Lisa, saw the difference: “She is more engaged with her teachers, more engaged in the work, and is starting better study habits already.”
“We hope to hear more inspiring stories as she builds her career as a competitive gymnast locally, regionally, and potentially nationally one day,” said her instructors.
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About Maine Connections Academy:
Maine Connections Academy opened in 2014, and is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12 with 500 students enrolled. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, Maine Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.MaineConnectionsAcademy.com.
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 WoodsNasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef
That’s why I was a bit stunned when I stumbled upon a planned “candidates’ open house” on Facebook.
The post comes from the campaign page of Abigail Woods, the political newcomer who is taking on John McCurry in the battle for the Ward Two city council seat.
According to information publicly shared by Woods, she and at-large city council candidate Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef are hosting their own “open house” event on Sunday, Oct. 12.
They didn’t send out a press release, and they also declined to provide the location of this forum, telling those who may be interested that they were required to RSVP before organizers would provide the location of their somewhat secretive meeting.
I find this event to be soaking wet in irony. Two of the most vocal and ardent supporters of increased public participation and transparency in political affairs, don’t want the public to know where they are holding their event.
What happens if they win their respective elections?
Will we now need to RSVP if we want to attend a city council meeting? Will members of the press need a secret decoder ring in order to provide news coverage for Biddeford residents?
I’ll chalk this mistake up to inexperience, but people who want the public trust really should be at a place where they can trust the public.
The last thing Biddeford needs from its elected leaders is more secrecy. It’s just not a good look, especially if you’re going to demand transparency from others.
NOTE:An earlier version of this story misspelled the last name of Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef. We apologize for the error.
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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 Biddeford’s municipal elections are a non-partisan affair, the two candidates hoping to represent Ward Two on the Biddeford City Council each offer a stark difference in their campaigns.
Former city councilor John McCurry is currently a member of the Biddeford School Committee.
McCurry, 68, previously served as the Ward Two representative from 1997 to 2007 and again from 2013 to 2021, serving a total of four terms as the council president.
Abigail Woods, 36, has been a Biddeford resident for 11 years; as a renter for six years and as a homeowner for five years.
John McCurryAbigail Woods
Woods currently serves on the city’s Recycling and Waste Management Commission. She also does volunteer work with the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, Better Biddeford and the Twin City Tenants’ Alliance.
McCurry – well known for his fiscally conservative perspective – said city spending is his top concern.
“We need to prioritize our spending,” McCurry said. “Our current trajectory of hefty property tax increases are just not sustainable, especially for seniors, working families and those on fixed incomes.”
Woods said the city is currently facing what she described as “a housing crisis.”
“Housing is our most acute issue and one we’re not alone in facing rent and tax increases that are impacting long-time residents who are losing their housing,” she said. “New housing construction cannot happen fast enough to meet the need, particularly for average households.”
Woods says the skyrocketing costs of housing have caused “more and more people into homelessness without a safety net.”
“While we are starting to address some of these issues, we have an uphill battle to truly address the crisis.” Woods said. “I believe we need to explore more creative solutions and engage with the public on the challenges they’re facing. Housing is a basic human right, and we owe it to our community to ensure that everyone has safe, stable and affordable housing.”
McCurry said the city should focus on commercial development to help soften the impact of increasing property taxes on homeowners.
“It’s not just new housing,” he said. “We also need to look at innovative ways in which we can build our commercial tax base. This approach creates more tax revenue, more local job opportunities and less of a burden when it comes to city services, such as our schools.”
McCurry described changes to the current school funding formula as a brewing nightmare for taxpayers.
“As the city’s valuations increase, we lose state funding in the form of General Purpose Aid (GPA) for education,” he said. “Our school system is feeling the pressure of increasing demands for service and state mandates.”
McCurry described Biddeford’s current school funding challenges as a “chicken and egg” quagmire. “Decreased student enrollments actually hurt us, but increased enrollments mean higher cost for services. Our backs are against the wall and we need to be creative and innovative in our approach. It might be hard to believe but Saco is getting more state funding than Biddeford.”
Woods said the city is now experiencing lack of public trust, pointing to a bigger divide between policy makers and their constituents.
“The last several years have been challenging for Biddeford, particularly around lack of communication and transparency,” Woods said. “We must do better to engage with the community to hear and address their concerns – both immediate responses and long-term planning toward solutions that will make Biddeford more resilient.”
Woods said citizens should expect elected officials and city staff to be active listeners and problem solvers.
“The last several years have been challenging for Biddeford, particularly around lack of communication and transparency.”
— Abigail Woods
McCurry said he is happy that Biddeford has a new city manager, but also says the mayor and council should have taken action sooner to get rid of the former city manager.
“All the red flags were there,” McCurry said. “From an outsider’s perspective it feels as if the current administration was very reluctant to face the obvious. I understand that we all want the city to look good, but we also have to be willing to acknowledge and address whatever problems come down the pike.”
McCurry said many people have complained to him about a lack of “customer service” from City Hall, including a four-day work week.
“We’re still two years behind in getting our audit done, and people I talk to have not seen a sewer bill in months,” he said. “We need to do a better job of getting information out to the people.”
Woods said she believe in “fiscal responsibility rather than fiscal conservatism.”
“These concepts are often conflated,” she said. “Fiscal conservatism focuses largely on reducing spending, where fiscal responsibility is a broader lens that looks to have balanced budgets and is focused on financial stability in the short and long term.”
When asked why he is seeking a return to the council, McCurry said he has a deep love for the city.
“You can’t just sit back and complain,” he said. “I want to be able to live here for a few more years before rising taxes force me out of my home. Someday, I’d like to retire.”
McCurry says he has the experience and skills to “hit the ground running” if elected. Ward Two is a working-class neighborhood that needs a representative who will keep a close eye on spending.
McCurry says the city has a multitude of assets but needs better oversight of its resources. “There is a lot of work to do, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
You can’t just sit back and complain. I want to be able to live here for a few more years before rising taxes force me out of my home.”
— John McCurry
Woods said she hopes to use my knowledge and expertise, as well as her passion for Biddeford, for the good of the entire community.
“Over the course of my career, I have served as the director of a Main Street America community nonprofit, involving community engagement, economic development, and event planning.
She said her previous employment as the city’s community development coordinator gave her experience in managing complex grants and improving community outreach.
“When I moved to Maine from West Virginia in 2014, I moved directly to Biddeford. “I wanted to live in a place that had a rich community that I could be involved in, and I have done so the entire time I’ve lived here.
“I feel fortunate to live in a place with such a strong sense of community, rich history, and access to nature, and want everyone who loves Biddeford to be able to stay here, be involved, and thrive.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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