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 Norman Belanger – answered a wide range of topics, including public concerns about rising property taxes, infrastructure, homelessness and issues surrounding gentrification in the downtown area, including soaring residential rental costs

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Roughly 130 people attended the 90-minute debate that included several questions previously submitted by residents.

Craig Pendleton, former executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, served as moderator of the event.

In their opening statements, each candidate laid out their vision of the city’s future and the reasons they are seeking to lead the community over the next two years.

“Biddeford needs a course correction,” LaFountain said. “The city’s leadership needs to be stronger and I will not support back-room deals with private developers.”

Belanger reminded the audience that he is a Biddeford native who grew up as the child of mill workers; worked part-time in the mills himself before earning his law degree at Harvard University.

Grohman also said he comes from humble roots, growing up on a dairy farm in Carthage, a rural community in western Maine.

“It has been a good two years, but there is still lots of work to do.” Grohman said,

“Biddeford needs a
course correction,”

— Liam LaFountain

All three candidates drew rousing applause when they each said they would not want to see the Biddeford Police Department enter into an agreement to assist the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

One of the early questions from the public centered on the issues of homelessness and its impacts on the downtown area, most notably near the entrance of the McArthur Library on Main Street.

“Certainly, homelessness is one of the most complex and complicated issues in our city,” LaFountain said. “It’s not just a Biddeford issue. It’s happening all across the country and the world.”

LaFountain said he would focus on creating stronger partnerships with state, federal and county agencies. He also suggested the creation of a day-time location that would offer shelter, WIFI and an alternative place to congregate. “Dignity must be at the center of these conversations,” he said.

“It has been a good two years,
but there is still lots of work to do.”

— Marty Grohman

Grohman said he is proud of his track record in addressing the issue of homelessness in Biddeford, describing it as one of his “signature issues.”

Grohman said he led the way in clearing out a growing encampment near Mechanics Park last year, a situation he called reminiscent of a “third-world country.”

Grohman also pointed out that his efforts, including weekly “huddle” meetings with advocates and others concerned about unhoused residents, have resulted in finding stable housing for 70 people during the last year.

Belanger said the issue is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach that includes more non-city resources for mental health and substance abuse without losing “compassion.”

“We need a regional solution,” Belanger said. “Biddeford can’t be expected to solve the issue. We need a reasonable solution, but we simply cannot do it alone.”

On the issue of what to do with the former JFK Memorial School building, Belanger said any decision should preserve its available parking, regardless of how the building is used.

Belanger said he would like to see the building used as some sort of a community center, perhaps a daycare center that would be privately operated.

LaFountain drew rousing applause when he said he opposes any credit enhancement agreements or tax increment financing (TIF) deals that do not benefit the entire city.

As an example, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street, the home of a new bowling alley, saying the city provided nearly $1 million in incentives for a place where families have to pay $35 for a lane.

“I would rather see that money going to the city’s recreation resources that provide free opportunities,” he said, pointing out that he was the only candidate who voted against that particular deal.

“The public has lost its trust
in local government,”

— Norman Belanger

Given that a “citizens grievance” meeting will be happening in less than two weeks, all three candidates agreed that the city made “some mistakes” in how it handled a proposal by the University of New England to build a large research pier on the Saco River.

“I believe the university is a major benefit to the community, and something to be proud of,” Grohman said. “That said, some steps were bungled along the way. I’m hoping that the upcoming meeting will promote some community healing.”

On the UNE pier issue, LaFountain said there was a lack of accountability from former city manager James Bennett on a variety of issues. Bennett was removed from office in February. “We are still dealing with the ramifications of those mistakes,” LaFountain added.

Belanger agreed with LaFountain. “That [review] process was botched from the beginning,” he said.

The candidates discussed ways in which they would address increasing property taxes and rising housing costs.

In his closing statement, LaFountain said Biddeford is at a “cross roads” and needs data-driven leadership.

“We can continue down a path of decisions being made behind closed doors and residents shouldering the burden of unchecked growth,” LaFountain said. “Or, we can chart a new course grounded in accountability, transparency and a genuine commitment to the public good.”

Grohman said the city is at risk of “losing its magic” that has resulted in revitalization of the downtown area and an improved reputation as one of the state’s largest municipalities.

“I am proud to partner with people who want to invest in Biddeford,” Grohman said. “I think we want to keep building Biddeford, keeping it a better place with an opportunity for everyone to succeed.”

Belanger said the city has lost sight of its need to prioritize municipal spending. “The public has lost its trust in local government,” he said. “We can easily bankrupt ourselves with compassionate spending. We need to be careful how we spend taxpayer money.”

Note: There was a last-minute glitch in providing video recording of the event. We have included a rough, un-edited audio transcript of the debate.

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

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