A deeper dive into Monday's news about the Biddeford City Manager's planned -- yet unexpected -- resignation.
Tag: Jake Pierson
IN-DEPTH | Biddeford’s unhoused funding challenges
'We’re using a butter knife, when we should be using a chainsaw,' says Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard By RANDY SEAVER | Editor As the Biddeford City Council continues slogging through its review and recommendations for next year’s municipal budget, one particular issue has clearly become a contentious hot-button topic. Councilors seem extremely split on … Continue reading IN-DEPTH | Biddeford’s unhoused funding challenges
LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
Different tax rates -- based on property values -- may sound appealing, but it is not allowed by state law Editor: The city of Biddeford is currently in the time of the year affectionately known as ‘budget season.’ Hard decisions and complex discussions are the name of the game during this season. As I’ve sat … Continue reading LETTER | City councilor explains budget limitations
Third graders take former mayor’s idea to heart
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor At the suggestion of former Biddeford Mayor Michael Cantara, current Mayor Liam LaFountain organized an early Arbor Day celebration on Wednesday at the J.R Martin Community Center, where some third-grade students helped plant a tree in the new playground area. According to event witnesses, the students from Ms. Lecler’s class … Continue reading Third graders take former mayor’s idea to heart
NEWSLETTER | We got the beat
Another busy -- but especially rewarding -- week at the Biddeford Gazette. Our apologies for once again being a day late with our weekly update. _________ BEHIND THE SCENES | We're still working on building our foundation and are working daily to fulfill our mission of delivering reliable, accurate news, opinion and feature stories about … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | We got the beat
Council debates controversial parking plan
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council finally got the chance Tuesday to discuss a controversial parking plan that has raised questions and eyebrows about city spending procedures. One councilor described the project as a significant breach of city procedures, but another councilor described the $20,000 project as “small potatoes,” when compared to other issues … Continue reading Council debates controversial parking plan
Council unanimously halts UNE development
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Despite the impassioned pleas of some nuns from the St. Joseph’s Convent, the Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enact a temporary development moratorium on the University of New England’s Biddeford campus. As previously reported in the Gazette, Mayor Liam LaFountain proposed the moratorium and the creation of an ad-hoc … Continue reading Council unanimously halts UNE development
School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?
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 … Continue reading School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?
OPINION | A change will do us good?
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. … Continue reading OPINION | A change will do us good?
Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Once again, I had a blast as a guest on the Randy Forcier Podcast. We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout. Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify … Continue reading Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier
Mayor offers more selective endorsements
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is making more endorsements in some city council races but will not make any endorsements in the three-way at-large council race and in the Ward Six race. When asked why he will not make endorsements in those two races, Grohman said he has “strong relationships” with all … Continue reading Mayor offers more selective endorsements
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
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 