School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?

December 8, 2025December 9, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Tomorrow night – Dec. 9 – the new members of the Biddeford City Council will be getting some required “training” for their new roles in city government.

The city council workshop –– ostensibly open to the public, but why? — will feature four breakout sessions, including updates from City Manager Truc Dever, City Attorney Harry Center, City Clerk Robin Patterson and Executive Assistant Shelly MacNeill – the person who answers calls and schedules appointments for the mayor and city manager.

No, I am not making this up.

It’s probably safe to say that veteran councilor Marc Lesard will not be required to attend the Tuesday workshop meeting, given the fact that he’s been serving on the council since before Abraham Lincoln was shot, back in the days before Alan Casavant was Biddeford’s mayor.

It remains unclear whether Councilors Patricia Boston and Brad Cote will need a refresher course in protocol, since they both previously served on the council – back when Barack Obama was president.

But newbie councilors Lisa Vadnais, David Kurtz, Jake Pierson and Abigail Woods will likely enjoy the various breakout training sessions, learning new skills such as how to control your gag reflexes during public meetings, the secret handshakes used during closed-door executive sessions and the limit of eyerolls that can be used whenever Richard Rhames approaches the podium.

But seriously, there are some protocols and procedures that city councilors must follow. So, it makes sense to learn the ground rules before you can actually start doing some serious damage to the city.

One thing blatantly missing from Tuesday’s training session: how to deal with the media.

*A photo of downtown Biddeford taken shortly after Marc Lessard was first sworn into office as a city councilor. This is satire, feel free to smile.*

The new councilors should be aware that a former member of British Parliament – reportedly one of Lessard’s classmates – once opined that the press is the proverbial “fourth estate of government.”

The point Edmund Burke was trying to make back in the late 1700s was that the press held almost as much power and influence in policy as government officials, both elected and appointed.

But let’s turn the tables for a moment and examine first what our new councilors should expect from the media.

First and foremost, government officials should expect members of the media to be accurate. Secondly, responsible journalists should always be fair and strive for objectivity. Thirdly, journalists should treat government officials with respect and basic civility.

Now what does the media expect of government officials?

The top-three things? (in order) 1.) Honesty. 2.) Honesty and 3.) Honesty.

Seriously, always be honest, even if it means you’re not able to offer a comment because of state or local laws and ordinances. No one can fault you for following the law.

If a member of the press takes the time to call you, return the call. If you’re busy, ask the reporter if he or she is on a deadline. If you don’t know the answer to a reporter’s question, simply say, “I don’t know.”

This is the same basic advice I offer to my public relations clients. Don’t panic when a reporter calls. Just be polite and honest.

Finally, on your way home from Tuesday night’s workshop meeting, maybe swing by Kohl’s and get yourself a pair of big boy pants.

You – despite logic and common-sense – signed up for public office, which means you are now fair game for public criticism. For your own sanity, you’re gonna have to learn how to let some stuff just roll of your backs.

Actually, Marc Lessard provides an excellent example of how to deal with media criticism: You just ignore it. Seriously. It’s not personal. It’s business.

No city official – past or present – (okay, maybe Joanne Twomey) has endured more media criticism and bloviating from me than Marc Lessard.

*City Councilor Marc Lessard (official photo)*

For nearly three decades, Marc and I have sparred on several issues. I have publicly called him to task on countless occasions and roundly scolded him in long-winded, poorly-written editorials for his positions, comments and actions.

“That’s billion with a B, boys.” (Inside joke probably only remembered by Lessard and Harry Center)

Nevertheless, Lessard always returns my calls promptly. He’s always ready to defend and explain his positions. He is invariably cordial and professional.

Make no mistake. Reporters – especially this one – can be a pain in the ass, but we could all learn a lot from Marc Lessard.

Now, is a zebra white with black stripes or black with white stripes?

Good luck, newbies! And thanks for stepping up to serve the city!

_________________________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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OPINION: A change will do us good?

November 19, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber — back row and closest to the door.

With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room.

That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that the shit hits the fan.

I almost didn’t go to the meeting. I had a pretty bad headache, and Laura suggested that I could just stay home and watch the meeting online.

Nope, I said, reaching for my jacket. This would be the last meeting for this current group of city councilors.

It would also be the last council meeting for Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman.

*The last regular meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)*

Tuesday’s council meeting was yet another significant moment in our city’s history. The transition process has begun. A new administration will take over the reins in less than two weeks, during the Dec. 2 inauguration ceremony at City Theater.

I am excited about the change, but I am also feeling some trepidation and even some sadness.

Over the last two years, this current council has become akin to a favorite chair that is a tad worn, a bit stained — but always a good fit and comfortably familiar.

Yes, it’s time for a new chair. But I am going to miss this one.

Waiting for the meeting to start, I began pondering all the ups and downs that this council and mayor have faced over the last two years.

There were some high points and some low points. There was anger and there was laughter. I suppose the same could be said for any governing body, but you simply cannot deny that this council was battle-tested during the last two years.

You simply cannot deny that
this council was battle-tested
during the last two years.

Change is an unavoidable part of life. We have to let go of the familiar in order to discover new opportunities. That is often easier said than done.

You say hello, and I say goodbye

The mayor seemed somewhat somber during Tuesday’s council meeting. He smiled and laughed during some of the meeting’s light-hearted moments, but you could almost feel his sadness.

And who could blame him? Marty put his heart and soul into the job. When he took over the reins two years ago, he was brimming with ideas and energy.

He was a fresh voice following a 12-year run by his predecessor and mentor, Alan Casavant.

*Mayor Marty Grohman (right) chairs the final city council meeting of his term while mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) reviews an agenda item during Tuesday’s meeting*

Marty pledged to hit the ground running. And he made good on that promise. So, naturally, it’s easy to understand why his loss for a second term stings – and will probably sting for a long time to come.

When Marty took over, he inherited some challenges that were not his fault. Former city manager James Bennett was acting like a petulant overlord at City Hall, and he would treat city councilors like a group of adolescents learning how to French kiss.

There were other challenges: a skyrocketing unhoused population, a finance department in chaos and the hemorrhaging of city staff.

Marty rolled up his sleeves and jumped immediately into the deep end of the pool. He never checked the water temperature or whether there were other swimmers in his path.

You have to go back more than 30 years to find another mayor who only served one term in office. Talk about a lonely-hearts club.

During a break of Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Marty Grohman invited the public and city councilors to join him for a ceremonial piece of cake to mark the last meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)

The perfect storm

Two years ago, the city’s elections could easily be described as a “sleeper” affair. Only two city council seats were being contested. Every sitting councilor sought another term.

By contrast, this year’s elections saw contests in five of the seven ward council seats and a three-way contest for the two at-large council seats.

Moreover, Councilors William Emhiser, Scott Whiting and Neva Gross decided to step down this year. Councilors Norman Belanger and Liam LaFountain gave up their seats to run for the mayor’s chair.

There was some excitement in the air this year. Six political newcomers decided to run for council and three of them won their respective campaigns (Abigail Woods, David Kurtz and Jake Pierson).

This last election also broke records in voter turnout for off-year, municipal elections.

What was behind that groundswell of interest in Biddeford’s municipal affairs?

The short answer is: a lot.

But I think the real reason is a bit nuanced and somewhat complex. There is no denying that there has been a cloud of discontent hanging over Biddeford for almost two years.

There was some
excitement in
the air this year.

What’s the frequency, Kenneth?

Almost out of the gate, Marty and the current council were knocked on their heels by back-to-back resignations. Both former Ward Four Councilor Bobby Mills and then — two weeks later – former Ward Five Councilor Julian Schlaver resigned, both citing “personal reasons.”

Dyland Doughty won a special election to take over Mills’ vacated seat; and Neva Gross was appointed to serve the remainder of Schlaver’s term.

Only a few weeks ago, former at-large councilor Doris Ortiz announced her resignation because she was moving to a new home outside of the city.

Three resignations in one term? That seems like a record to me.

Two years ago, Councilor Liam LaFountain jockeyed to become council president, ousting Councilor Norm Belanger from that role in a 6-3 vote.

Affordable housing became the focus of the new administration.

Earlier this year, the council received a blistering report about its delayed financial audits from an outside accounting firm.

*Wade Goldthwait addresses the city council during a citizens grievance meeting about the University of New England’s planned research pier*

Former city manager James Bennett was finally ousted from his office and then filed a lawsuit against the city.

The city hired Truc Dever to become the new city manager.

A major sewer upgrade project along Elm Street drew the ire of residents and downtown business owners who were impacted by the seven-month construction project.

In the background – beyond the council’s purview – there was increasing tension and controversy brewing about a proposed pier that the University of New England hopes to build on the Saco River.

The city ramped up efforts to address the issues of homelessness, clearing out a large encampment near Mechanics Park.

Planning Board Member Roch Angers spoke at a city council meeting regarding his concerns about the UNE pier. The mayor then tried to have Angers removed from his position on the planning board.

Citizens circulated petitions and collected enough signatures to trigger a “citizens grievance” meeting about the UNE pier.

In July, residents saw one of the most heated and tense council meetings in recent memory, calling into question two major development projects on Pearl Street.

Of course, there were many other things that shaped this current council and Marty’s term as mayor but now it is time for us to turn and face the winds of change.

It’s time to recycle that old, comfortable recliner. Let’s see what the future brings.

________________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Kurtz unopposed for Ward 5 council seat

October 3, 2025 ~ Jim Krause ~ 1 Comment

By JIM KRAUSE, Contributing Writer

David Kurtz, 38, is running unopposed for the Ward 5 seat on the Biddeford City Council.

Kurtz — an attorney specializing in corporate law and debt restructuring — grew up in the city and serves on the city’s Waste Management Committee. He said his legal background gives him tools to serve both residents and businesses in the ward, which stretches from the Saco River to the Five Points intersection and includes Main Street’s business district and the mills complex.

*David Kurtz will be the only candidate on the ballot to represent Ward 5 (downtown) on the city council*

Top issues:

Kurtz said affordability is the city’s most pressing challenge.

“Affordability, and not just housing — though that is a big issue these days — but also affordability in daily living,” he said.

Kurtz pointed to rising rents and landlords who leave properties vacant rather than offering them at lower rates, a trend he argued both worsens the housing crisis and reduces tax revenue.

“If we can’t attract people into homes and apartments, and we can’t encourage more affordable building, then the system itself could become unsustainable,” he said. “If we lose the people because of housing that isn’t affordable, then we lose the customer base at the businesses, which, in turn, drops the tax revenue from the businesses as well.”

Kurtz also emphasized public safety as another top issue, recalling Biddeford’s reputation decades ago as a city with
high crime and struggling neighborhoods.

“We aren’t that Biddeford anymore, but we need to continue to grow with the city in terms of safety infrastructure and within the communities,” he said.

Kurtz praised Police Chief Fisk and the department’s reputation in the region, pointing to improvements in community policing and public confidence

“It isn’t always about housing and community projects,” he said. “We need to invest in the safety surrounding it all, and that safety is more than just policing.”

Kurtz also said the city’s unhoused population remains a challenge that extends beyond local government.

“This is more than just a city issue,” he said. “The cities rely on the state, and the state relies on the country. It isn’t as simple as just putting up a building for people to go to. You have to have resources, and those resources take funds.”

Kurtz also expressed concerns about the stability of federal funding for communities.

Why is he running for office?

Kurtz said his decision to run stems from frustration with communication at City Hall.

“I couldn’t get answers to a lot of my questions,” he said. “I’m not alone. My neighbors are always asking me about this issue or that because they’ve sent emails and haven’t gotten responses.”

Kurtz said one of his campaign goals is to create a single webpage tracking all of the city’s ongoing projects.

“I really just want to be involved, and I want to be able to communicate what is going on in the city better for everyone,” he said.

_____

Jim Krause is a freelance writer living in Biddeford. He can be contacted at jiggyjim@live.com

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Old faces, new faces vying for office in Biddeford

July 29, 2025August 9, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Several potential candidates have taken out qualifying nomination forms for mayor, city council and school committee races in Biddeford.

Some familiar names are hoping to make a political comeback, but there are also several people seeking office who have never served before.

Former City Councilors Roger Hurtubise, John McCurry and Bobby Mills are all hoping to return to the council. Former candidate Gregg Shapiro who ran for an at-large seat on the council in 2023 is making another run for that seat this year. Shapiro has also taken out papers for the Ward Six seat being vacated by Norman Belanger who will be running for mayor this year.

Political newcomers Dominic Deschambault, David Kurtz, Jim LaBelle, Sterling Gray Roop and Abigail Woods have all expressed interest in city council seats. Deschambault has been previously elected to the school committee.

Current councilors Roger Beaupre, Dylan Doughty and Marc Lessard have all indicated that they will seek reelection.

Political heavyweight Lisa Vadnais — a current member of the school committee — has also taken out papers for one of two at-large seats on the council.

In the last two election cycles (2023 and 2021), no one candidate has earned more overall votes than Vadnais. In 2023, she earned 3,374 votes for school committee. The next highest vote-getter was At-Large Councilor Marc Lessard with 3,021 votes and Mayor Martin Grohman with 2,894 votes.

Two years earlier, Vadnais garnered 3,297 votes for her return to the school committee. The next highest vote-getter that year was former mayor Alan Casavant with 3,237 votes, easily fending off a challenge by Victoria Foley for a sixth consecutive term.

City Clerk Robin Patterson said her office will be making weekly updates regarding who has taken out papers and who has turned them in for verification. All elected positions in the city — including mayor, city council and school committee — are up for grabs.

In order to have their names on the November 4 ballot, all candidates must turn in their papers no later than 4p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

As of Tuesday, July 29, two candidates — Incumbent Martin Grohman and City Councilor Norman Belanger — have taken out papers for the mayor’s seat. Grohman is currently serving his first term and Belanger is a former council president.

CITY COUNCIL RACES:

Ward One. Incumbent Bill Emhiser will not seek a fourth term. Jim LaBelle, former director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, has expressed interest in that seat, but has not yet taken out nomination forms, according to the city clerk’s office.

Ward Two: Incumbent Scott Whiting announced on social media that he will not seek a third term. Former city council president John McCurry told the Gazette last week that he will seek a return to the council. Abigail Woods, a former city employee, announced on Facebook that she will also seek the seat. Both McCurry and Woods have taken out papers but not returned them.

*Former Council President John McCurry, hoping to return to the Ward Two seat.*

Ward Three: Incumbent Roger Beaupre is looking for a second term and has already submitted his nomination papers. So far, no other candidates have expressed interest in that seat.

Ward Four: Former Councilor Bobby Mills is once again hoping to make a political comeback. Mills resigned his council seat just four months after the last election, following an interaction with the Biddeford Police Department. Mills also resigned his position as York County Treasurer.

Just days after submitting his resignation, Mills tried to rescind that decision, saying he was pressured by Mayor Marty Grohman to resign. Grohman adamantly denied that claim. Dylan Doughty, a former Planning Board member, was unopposed in a special election to replace Mills. Doughty is hoping to keep the Ward Four seat.

Mills has already turned in his nomination forms.

*Political Newcomer Abigail Woods is seeking the Ward 2 seat*

Ward Five: Incumbent Neva Gross said she will not seek re-election after being appointed by Mayor Grohman to replace former councilor Julian Schalver who resigned the seat in April 2024. Dominic Deschambault submitted his name for consideration, but Grohman instead chose Gross to fill the seat.

Deschambault has been active in Biddeford policy for more than a decade. He previously served on the school committee; and was chair of the Biddeford Housing Authority’s board of directors. Deschambault also served on the Charter Revision Commitee, Capital Improvements and the Downtown Parking Committee.

*Dominic Deschambault has taken out papers for Ward 5 and At-Large*

Deschambault also took out papers for an at-large seat on the City Council. He told the Gazette Tuesday that he is not yet sure which seat he will pursue

David Kurtz, a Biddeford attorney and member of the city’s Waste Management Commission, said he has been attending council meetings for the last several months and would like to be more involved in the city’s policy making arena.

Ward Six: Former Councilor Roger Hurtubise is hoping to return to the council. Incumbent Norman Belanger is giving up the seat in order to run for mayor. Hurtubise has already turned in his nomination forms. Gregg Shapiro who ran unsuccessfully for an at-large seat on the council two years ago– has taken out papers for both Ward Six and at-large.

Ward Seven: City Council President Liam LaFountain has not yet taken out nomination forms.

At Large: There is a crowded field for the two available at-large seats. Marc Lessard is hoping to keep his seat. Incumbent Doris Ortiz will not be seeking reelection.

In addition to Deschambault, Lessard, Shapiro and Vadnais, Sterling Gray Roop of Pinewood Circle, has taken out nomination forms for one of the two at-large seats.

For the latest updates, please visit the Gazette’s special section: Biddeford Elections 2025

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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