Bob Dodge – BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

Editor:

I have mixed feelings about how the Biddeford Gazette reported the news regarding Guy Gagnon and the Biddeford Housing Authority. |.Housing authority dismisses its executive director, April 17, 2026

I would like to add some context that I think has been missing from the community conversation about this story.

Learning about Guy Gagnon’s departure from the BHA left me feeling sad, and I think it’s important for all of us to remember that he has dedicated himself to the city of Biddeford for the past 15 years and has accomplished so much more than I – and many others — certainly thought possible.

I am disappointed that the Gazette was willing to speak with individuals whose identities remain a mystery. The only person who spoke on the record is Amy Clearwater, the current chair of the BHA’s board of directors.

**GUY GAGNON** | *Biddeford Gazette File Photo*

I have personally known the Gazette’s editor for more than 25 years, and I have to wonder why he made the decision to not identify others who apparently “confirmed” information.

I felt disappointed that the Gazette seemed to rush into reporting a story and it felt as if the editor “sensationalized” the situation before all the facts were known.

This article – including Ms. Clearwater’s concerns about confidentiality -contributed to the disparagement of a man who, instead, should be praised for his accomplishments.

Almost immediately after this article was published, I received a call from someone wanting to know what he [Gagnon] did wrong. Was it this, that, or the other? All guesses and rumors. All disparaging.

Although I am not privy to the details and do not think I should be, I am involved enough to know that there was no criminal activity involved. I think it is important that this be said as it seems that people jump to such conclusions when they read articles that are incomplete and lacking factual information.

In this case, the damage is done. Rumors are prevalent. People believe what they want to. C’est la vie.

Hopefully, you and your staff will take the time to publish a story listing his Guy Gagnon’s many accomplishments.

Before Guy came onboard, Biddeford Housing Authority did little more than manage the Section 8 program. Bob Dodge, then the city’s director of economic and community development, was assigned this task as an aside to all his other responsibilities.

Bob [Dodge] recommended Guy [Gagnon] for this position, knowing that he had the talent to bring the housing authority to life. Guy was successful and — as a result — Biddeford now has an amazing teen center in addition to numerous housing developments.

I think Mr. Gagon deserves to be thanked for his many contributions to the city of Biddeford, his hometown.

Vicky L. Edgerly

Note: Vicky Edgerly was previously the director of Health and Welfare for the city of Biddeford. Today, she resides in Florida.

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