Norman Belanger points to his homegrown roots and professional accomplishments as reasons why he should be Biddeford’s next mayor. He said he is the only candidate who can bridge gaps between lifelong residents and a growing population of newer residents; a candidate with an intimate understanding of the city’s history and a vision for its … Continue reading Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor
Tag: Biddeford
NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage
Welcome to October! The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year! Autumn at Chez Seaver Biddeford Mayoral Debate Last night, I served as one … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage
Mayoral candidates square off at debate
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 … Continue reading Mayoral candidates square off at debate
OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
By State Rep. MARC MALON, Contributing Writer Do you know anyone currently suffering from polio? My guess is you probably don’t. But polio has existed throughout recorded human history, and the worst outbreak in the United States killed more than 3,000 people in 1952. It left countless others with lifelong health consequences. Photo credit: … Continue reading OPINION: Vaccines are vital, and Maine is leading
Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
[Contributed Sory] 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 … Continue reading Chamber will host annual Ten Talks event
Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat
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 … Continue reading Cote, Pecor vie for Ward Seven council seat
City manager outlines goals and objectives
Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever took to the podium during Tuesday’s city council meeting to provide a snapshot of her objectives and goals over the next several months. According to Dever’s employment contract, she is required to provide the council with “specific, measurable performance goals” within 60 days of taking over the helm at City … Continue reading City manager outlines goals and objectives
Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat
A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council. Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge -- and the ward is bordered by … Continue reading Hurtubise, Pierson vie for Ward Six council seat
OPINION: Transparency? Not so much
One of the most used words during this year's Biddeford election cycle is the word "Transparency" It has a nice ring to it, and it sounds very noble when used by political candidates hoping to curry favor with disgruntled voters. I mean, really - - who is opposed to more transparency in local government? Abigail … Continue reading OPINION: Transparency? Not so much
Biddeford Politics: Another chapter begins tomorrow
Tomorrow, October 1, the Biddeford Gazette will officially begin its coverage of the 2025 municipal elections in Biddeford. It’s hard to explain why I am so excited about this time of year. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. After working at other newspapers, I began covering news in Biddeford during the month … Continue reading Biddeford Politics: Another chapter begins tomorrow
Pedestrian hit by truck on Turnpike while fleeing police
According to a press release from the Maine State Police Department, an Ellsworth man was struck and seriously injured by a large truck Sunday evening on the Maine Turnpike, near the Biddeford exit. Police say that Jared Felling, 39, was attempting to evade Biddeford police by crossing the Turnpike on foot when he was struck … Continue reading Pedestrian hit by truck on Turnpike while fleeing police
NEWSLETTER: Surgery & Local Politics
Greetings! I know this newsletter is long overdue, but I feel as if I have a decent excuse. As most of you know, I broke my right arm in two places while on vacation a few weeks ago. Since then, I have had surgery and am making good progress toward full recovery. The accident, however, … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Surgery & Local Politics
Residents collect enough signatures to invoke a special meeting
Members of a grassroots coalition that are pushing for a public airing of grievance meeting announced Thursday that they have collected far more than the 100-signatures of registered Biddeford voters they need in order invoke a “General Meeting of Citizens.” “It really wasn’t hard to get the signatures,” said Carole Alexander, the wife of Biddeford’s … Continue reading Residents collect enough signatures to invoke a special meeting
Bigfoot comes to Biddeford
Bridgestone/Firestone Auto Care opens its first Maine location Several Biddeford city officials joined with dozens of Bridgestone employees for Thursday’s grand opening event at Maine’s first Firestone Complete Auto Care location in Biddeford. The auto care store first opened its doors on Alfred Road to the public on August 11, according to store manager Amanda … Continue reading Bigfoot comes to Biddeford
Candidates, residents meet during roundtable event
Several city council hopefuls and one of the three candidates for mayor in Biddeford attended an event Tuesday that was billed as a “Community Roundtable” discussion between candidates and members of the public. The forum was held in an ante room at Pizza By Alex and was attended by 18 members of the public. Delilah … Continue reading Candidates, residents meet during roundtable event
Ongoing thefts hurt veterans’ club, others
Up until only a few years ago, the American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford was in danger of closing. The former schoolhouse building on Route One – almost directly across from the new courthouse complex -- was in serious disrepair with a leaky roof. Other non-profit organizations, such as the American Red Cross, could no … Continue reading Ongoing thefts hurt veterans’ club, others
Ordinance change catches resident off guard
You have probably seen the signs as you drive through the city of Biddeford, and unless you’re driving a big truck – you may not understand the impacts of a traffic ordinance that was revised by the city council four months ago. With very little fanfare, the Biddeford City Council voted 7-1 (Lessard) on May … Continue reading Ordinance change catches resident off guard
Biddeford scores another big land easement for public recreation
According to a press release issued Thursday, the Maine Water Company and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) announced a partnership that will permanently conserve more than 250 acres of forest and open space in a key watershed area of the Saco River in western Biddeford. The signed agreement between Maine Water and MCHT has full … Continue reading Biddeford scores another big land easement for public recreation
Meet the new boss; Truc Dever takes the helm at City Hall
By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer Truc Dever – Biddeford’s new city manager – took over the helm at City Hall just a few weeks ago. She sat down with us for a one-on-one interview and happily answered a wide range of questions about her background, hobbies and management style. Before taking on her new job … Continue reading Meet the new boss; Truc Dever takes the helm at City Hall
City alleges misconduct by former manager
Did Jim Bennett manipulate the tax obligations on his own home? According to court documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, former Biddeford city manager James Bennett allegedly used his position to lower the tax assessment for his personal property. Earlier this year, after being removed from his office in February, Bennett filed a civil lawsuit … Continue reading City alleges misconduct by former manager
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 