GUEST COLUMNS

We’re always on the lookout for reader-submitted columns, op-eds or press releases regarding local interests. If you have a story to contribute, we look forward to hearing from you! Contact Us

March 5, 2026

Protecting residents also protects city budgets

KATHY DOBBINS | Maine’s manufactured‑home communities are facing pressures that many towns and cities can no longer afford to ignore. When municipalities choose not to adopt basic resident‑protection measures—such as rent‑stabilization ordinances or guardrails on pass‑through utility charges—the consequences fall directly onto residents and, ultimately, onto local taxpayers | READ MORE

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March 1, 2026

A Charter Moment for Biddeford

SAM PECOR | On Monday (March 2) nomination papers become available for one of the most consequential civic processes Biddeford has undertaken in decades: — the election of a Charter Revision Commission. In November, voters approved Question Three (The Establishment of a Charter Review Commission) “for the purpose of revising the municipal charter.” The issue received little coverage at the time. It deserves far more attention now. | READ MORE

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Feb. 28, 2026

Mayor explains purpose of new UNE Committee

LIAM LAFOUNTAIN | On Monday, March 2 at 6 p.m., the Institutional Zone Review Committee will hold its first public hearing at City Hall. The meeting begins the public input phase of a broader review of how Biddeford regulates institutional development. For many residents, the term “Institutional Zone” may not be familiar. In practical terms, it is the zoning framework that governs development at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus. | READ MORE

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Feb. 27, 2026

Affordability is an issue for all of us

REP. MARC MALON | Affordability isn’t just some buzzword, nor the latest political fad or a hoax. It is a core concern of Biddeford residents and Mainers throughout our state, and it has been for years. We’ve all witnessed how even folks with solid middle-class jobs and good incomes have struggled with the high cost of housing, health care, childcare, electricity, heating oil and more. | READ MORE

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Feb. 12, 2026

ICE enforcement activities do not reflect Maine values

SPEAKER RYAN FECTEAU | While our legislative work progresses with the normal cadence of public hearings, work sessions, and floor votes, what has been happening outside the State House, and in our own community here in Biddeford, is anything but normal. | READ MORE

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Feb. 7, 2026

Is Graham Platner more than just image?

VICTORIA GORDON | Friday morning, I engaged with a post on the Instagram account of U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner. My comment was not a personal attack, but a critique of messaging and political culture. Earlier that day, I had been watching a panel of reporters, cultural critics and activists discussing a racist meme Donald Trump posted and later deleted about the Obamas. | READ MORE

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Feb. 3, 2026

AI can be leveraged to help small communities

MARTY GROHMAN | Our municipal employees are the backbone of our communities. They plow our streets at three in the morning during snowstorms. They respond to service requests, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our cities running smoothly day after day. These dedicated public servants often work with limited resources, facing growing demands while dealing with staffing constraints and aging technology systems | READ MORE

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Nov. 16, 2025

City Hall hours should accommodate the public, not employees

TED COHEN | If the new Biddeford mayor really wants to serve the public, he needs to revamp City Hall’s hours, which are an insult to every city taxpayer. | READ MORE

‘FOR BIDDEFORD’ EVENT ATTRACTS 150 VOLUNTEERS: July 14, 2025

By JUSTIN SWEENEY, New Life Church, Lead Pastor

(Photos by Joe McKenney)

On Saturday, July 12, New Life Church hosted its 8th annual “For Biddeford” event, a citywide serve day where close to 150 volunteers spread out across Biddeford to complete 10 service projects to bless the community.

For Biddeford is built on a simple but compelling idea: our city should be better because of the Christians worshiping in it. We believe the church should be known for who we are for, not simply what we are against.

We are “for” our city and the families who call it home. READ MORE

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AUGUSTA UPDATE: What’s Happening in Augusta, and How It Impacts You

State Rep. Marc Malon gives an overview of what is happening in the Maine House of Representatives in his regular “Cleaning Out the Notebook” column. READ MORE

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AUGUSTA UPDATE: State Sen. Henry Ingwersen honors local student

State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, welcomed Xavier De La Torre, a senior at Biddeford High School, to present him with a legislative sentiment for being the recipient of the 2025 Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s Citizenship Award.

*From left: Brian Perry, Connie Roy, Xavier De La Torre, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, Stacy De La Torre and Jose De La Torre*

“Xavier represents the very best and brightest our state has to offer,” Ingwersen said. “His leadership, academic excellence and commitment to serving others is a testament to his integrity and character. His dedication as a student athlete and passion for the community are qualities that not only will serve him well in the years to come but will also continue to inspire those around him. He is a leader not just in name, but in action.”

De La Torre plans to continue his commitment to public service and leadership after graduation and will attend the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island.

The SMAA Citizenship Award is awarded annually to two student athletes in the senior class of each member school for outstanding contributions to their school and community.

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OPINION: Biddeford councilor shares inside perspective on the city’s budget [May, 2025]

In response to a resident who expressed concerns about this year’s municipal budget, City Councilor Liam LaFountain offers an inside perspective about the budget and its funding for a variety of social service agencies. Read More

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FEATURE BHS Odyssey of the Mind Team: State Champions. [April 9, 2025]

FEATURE: New Biddeford group focuses on coastal preservation [March 27, 2025]