Graham Platner – THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE

Although it may be hard to believe, we are now pushing up against the edge of the 2025 holiday season. Wow! Where did this year go?

Over the next 30 days, people in our community will celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice and Christmas.

For many people, this can be a stressful and lonely time of the year. So please try to be extra kind during these shortest days of the year.

The world could always use a bit more kindness.

On the local news front, I am pleased to announce that the Biddeford Gazette will actually take a four-day break between today and Sunday.

We have been moving at a break-neck speed for a while now, so it will likely feel good to walk away from the keyboard for just a few days.

When I think about all the many ways I am blessed, I also think about all those who have helped the Biddeford Gazette get its sea-legs over the past year.

I am grateful for the hundreds of subscribers who want the latest updates and news (You can subscribe here)

But I also thankful for all the people who stop me at the grocery store, downtown or in one of my favorite haunts just to simply express appreciation for what we are doing. It means a lot to me and keeps me motivated.

A look back

My friend Craig Pendleton and I decided to attend a campaign rally for U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner at the Biddeford Middle School. I decided to go as an observer, not a reporter. I did not bring a notebook or pen.

Five minutes into the event and I was scribbling notes with a borrowed pencil and scraps of paper. It was a big crowd of more than 1,000 people. The energy in the room was unmistakable.

*U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner brough his campaign to Biddeford last week (Seaver photo)*

Bounce Pickle & Play held its grand opening and offered the Gazette a tour of its facility throughout the former Smitty’s Cinema at the Five Points Shopping Center.

We were honored to share news from the Biddeford School Department about a prestigious, national grant received by the Biddeford Adult-Ed program.

State Sen. Henry Ingwersen again shared with Gazette readers his perspective about some of the things happening in Augusta, including a good break down and list of various resources available to those facing food insecurity.

We also learned that Brian Phinney, the city’s chief operating officer, submitted his notice of resignation. Phinney served as acting city manager for several months after the city council opted to give Jim Bennett the boot in February.

We wrapped up the week with a story about the St. Joseph’s Convent on Pool Road and the plan to transform it into housing for University of New England students.

Monday night’s review of UNE’s plan before the Saco River Corridor Commission required sitting through more than three hours of mind-numbing discussion about 12 other items on the agenda.

If you think the seats in the Biddeford City Council chamber are uncomfortable, try sitting three hours on a metal, folding chair under the glare of fluorescent lights.

What’s on deck?

Of course, we will continue our Sunday tradition of showcasing local obituaries.

We are also planning to publish an in-depth story about the Age-Friendly programs in Biddeford and Saco.

The Age Friendly program is a national initiative focused on helping seniors live independently in their own homes.

And, one week from tonight (Dec. 2), the city of Biddeford will celebrate the inauguration of Liam LaFountain as the city’s next mayor.

*On Tuesday, December2, the city of Biddeford will celebrate the inauguration of Liam LaFountain as the city’s next mayor*

On a final note, in terms of gratitude. Words cannot express my gratitude for all the people helping the Gazette from behind the scenes.

Gail Toussaint of Biddeford serves as a copy-editor on many (not all) of our stories. She always responds within an hour. News does not happen on a 9-5 schedule, and Gail is always ready to help.

She takes the time to meticulously scan each story, sending her edits back within minutes. She does this – always on call – because she “loves the Gazette and what we’re doing.” She does not get paid.

On a similar note, Contributing Writer Jim Krause is always ready to help cover a story or an event. He is a gifted writer and a news junkie. Again, all of his work is done without pay.

And let’s not forget the nine members of our advisory board who stand ready with input, ideas, suggestions and constructive feedback. They are a power-house team (Check their profiles here)

And we simply cannot overlook or take for granted our publisher, Laura Seaver. Laura is our biggest champion and staunchest defender. We literally could not exist without her support and guidance.

My apologies for being long-winded. Enjoy the holiday and the comfort of family or friends. Drive carefully and be nice to one another.

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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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By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday at Biddeford Middle School to see and hear U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, and to learn more about his campaign to replace incumbent Republican Susan Collins.

Platner, 40, took the stage wearing blue jeans and a flannel shirt, He was warmly received by a diverse crowd of supporters and onlookers.

*U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner was warmly received during a town hall campaign stop in Biddeford. (Seaver photo)*

His message relied on current populist ideas from the left flank of the Democratic Party.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills is also seeking her party’s nomination to replace Collins, and she is widely viewed as a more moderate member of the party. Platner has been endorsed by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who has long embraced being described as “a socialist.”

Although Platner has found himself at the center of controversy about his past statements on social media, none of those issues were raised Wednesday.

Instead, the former combat marine and current oyster farmer stuck to a message about empowering people who have “no voice” within the hallways of Washington D.C.

“The system isn’t broken,” Platner told the crowd. “It’s working exactly how it was designed; to keep the power reserved for the few.”

*A diverse crowd of roughly 1,000 people attended Graham Platner’s campaign stop in Biddeford*

Before taking questions from the audience, Platner spent nearly 30 minutes introducing himself and outlining the core messages of his campaign.

His speech centered mostly upon a core principle of his campaign: to make life better for Maine’s working-class citizens.

Platner drew rousing applause when he talked about making wealthy Americans “pay their fair share.”

“Every single person in this state knows in their bones that they are getting screwed,” Platner said. “Things will not change until the Democratic Party stops serving the very same interests served by the Republicans.

“The only way we will see change is from the ground up. No one is coming to save us. We need an organized working class.”

Platner said he is planning several more town hall meetings across the state. He also pledged that, if elected, he will continue holding town hall meetings in order to increase “public access” for the working class, jabbing at Collins for her poor performance in meeting with “everyday Mainers’

“Every single person in this
state knows in their bones
that they are getting screwed,”
— Graham Platner, U.S. Senate candidate

He described himself as a “New Deal” Democrat and invoked the legacy of Frances Perkins, a Maine native who became the first female cabinet member.

Perkins served as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She is credited for drafting the creation of Social Security among many other programs aimed at improving the lives of working Americans.

“I’m not just asking for your vote,” Platner told the audience. “I’m asking for your time, your energy and even your discomfort as you share our message with your friends and neighbors.”

_____________

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

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Tag: Graham Platner

Platner brings his campaign to Biddeford