When it comes to former city manager James Bennett, Mayor Marty Grohman is correct. The city needs closure from a nightmare that has been hanging over City Hall for several years. After finally being "placed on administrative leave" in February, Bennet filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the city. Though the city countered Bennett’s claims … Continue reading OPINION: Let the healing begin
Tag: Biddeford
City settles lawsuit with former manager
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 … Continue reading City settles lawsuit with former manager
Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
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 … Continue reading Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team
LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
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 … Continue reading LaFountain hopes to be next mayor
‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
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 … Continue reading ‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns
UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake
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 … Continue reading UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake
Biddeford mayor wants another term
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is hoping to keep his seat for a second, two-year term. Grohman, 57, said he wants to continue his work and the initiatives he started after being elected as mayor in 2023. Grohman and his wife, Amy, moved to Biddeford in 1999 and they both became active in the community, including … Continue reading Biddeford mayor wants another term
Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor
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
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
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