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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City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier

November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Thursday to seek guidance from the Maine Attorney General’s office about a new wrinkle that was recently discovered in the University of New England’s proposal to build a large, research pier on the Saco River.

In order to build their pier, the university needed approvals from multiple agencies, including the Saco River Corridor Commission, a quasi-state agency that has jurisdiction regarding development along the length of the river’s shoreline.

The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) approved UNE’s project on Sept. 13, 2024. Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC abstained from the vote.

As the Biddeford Gazette first reported in October, the SRCC’s approval appears to contradict an earlier decision by that same agency.

In 2001, the university agreed to the creation of a 250-foot buffer zone as a compromise to build two dormitory buildings that would exceed a 35-foot height limit.

The university’s current proposal requires the construction of an access road for the pier. That road needs to accommodate large trucks, including rescue vehicles. The road would cut through the 250-foot vegetative buffer.

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette in October, the SRCC’s executive director said the contradiction was an oversight.

“It does appear that there was an omission of relevant information provided to the commissioners before last year’s vote,” said Cherie Dunning, the SRCC’s executive director.

Following the Gazette’s story — Just two weeks before local elections — several city councilors said they want the advice of the state attorney general before the city issues any construction permits for the project.

“We want to make sure that we have done our due diligence” said Council President Liam LaFountain during a previous interview.

LaFountain won his bid Tuesday to become the city’s next mayor. His core campaign message focused on transparency and accountability.

Thursday’s resolution passed without any discussion or comments by council members.

LaFountain and Councilor Marc Lessard tried unsuccessfully to have an agenda item about the university’s proposal discussed at the Oct. 21 council meeting,

Mayor Marty Grohman said he did not realize the item was not on the agenda for that meeting.

A portion of Thursday’s resolve reads as follows:

“Questions have arisen as to whether the SRCC’s Permit #20-491 approval is consistent with, or in conflict with the SRCC Permit #20-209, and whether the existence of a vegetative buffer zone may affect the legal validity of the current pier permit.”

“This situation has created uncertainty for the city, the university, and the public regarding the . . . the city’s obligations under state law.”

Sarah Delage, a university spokesperson, said the school “does not oppose the council’s pursuit of clarification from the AG’s office.”

The full text of the council’s resolution may be viewed or downloaded here:

UNE AG RESOLVE Download

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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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OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch

October 28, 2025October 29, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

We’re coming into the final stretch, and we’re now less than one week away from Biddeford’s municipal elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

This is a busy time of year for journalists and for city clerks around the state. The work-load drops considerably on Wednesday, Nov. 5. That day – the day after the elections are over – is actually a holiday. And according to Maine state law, city clerks in each community are required to take local reporters out to lunch and pick up the tab.

*A small collection of campaign signs near the intersection of Rte. 9 and Fortunes Rocks Road*

On a more serious note, this is the time when people start asking my predictions about the outcome. In Biddeford, I have developed a reputation as the go-to-guy when it comes to local politics.

I know nothing about elections in Saco, Old Orchard Beach or Kennebunk. My “expertise” is rather limited, but I can chat Biddeford politics all day long.

This is the first election for the Biddeford Gazette, a media project I launched in January.

I have tried to be thorough, fair and accurate in all my coverage. I have written candidate profiles on each of the 28 candidates running for office (mayor, city council and school committee)

We have also done in-depth reporting about the local bond issues and thanks to our media partners at The Maine Monitor you can find a balanced analysis of the two state referendum questions.

You can find all that information on a special section of our website, Biddeford Elections 2025.

I also took the initiative to organize the one and only debate featuring the three mayoral candidates, reaching out to my colleagues at Saco Bay News and the Press Herald to join me as panelists. We solicited our questions from the community and we had a great moderator, Craig Pendleton.

I also created a countdown clock and set up a just-for-fun, amateur poll asking my readers who they think will be Biddeford’s next mayor.

Needless to say, it’s been a busy October.

So, what about my predictions?

This will be my 15^th Biddeford election. I started in 1997, and I have been fascinated by this city’s politics since.

Biddeford takes its elections seriously, and it can be a rough and tumble affair. You need to wear your big-boy pants if you’re going to tread in these waters.

I actually met my wife because she was running for office, and I made a mistake in my coverage of the Old Orchard Beach School Board race. (True story. Oct. 2001)

Laura started winning races after she married me and took my last name. (Also, a true story)

You can’t make predictions on just gut instinct or who has the most campaign signs posted at the Five Points intersection. You have to look at the data. Past performance is always a good indicator of future results.

You also have to consider other factors, including weather and various state referendum questions that will also be on the ballot.

According to extended weather forecasts, next Tuesday will be partly cloudy with a high of 53 degrees. The state referendum questions are rather benign and will not be big factors, unlike 2010 when Maine voters were asked to approve the Oxford Casino (Disclosure: I was a paid consultant on that referendum question)

You have to look at the data,
past performance is
a good indicator
of future results

I decided this year to limit my data field to the last 10 years, beginning with the 2015 election.

Sadly, off-year municipal elections only draw about 30 percent of Biddeford’s registered voters to the polls. People in Biddeford love to complain about politics, but most of them can’t be bothered to vote.

So, let’s take a quick glance at past elections.

In 2015, there were 34 candidates on the ballot (mayor, council, school committee) and four local referendum questions. Alan Casavant was seeking a third, consecutive term and challenged by Daniel Parenteau. Turnout was 30.03 percent of registered voters, Casavant kicked ass, 2,494 – 1,437

In 2017, voter turnout was 30.93 percent with 22 candidates. Casavant faced only two write-in opponents and breezed to victory for a fourth term with 3,497 votes.

Laura (Seaver) was also reelected as an At-Large councilor, slightly trailing Marc Lessard, 2,989 – 2,902. More importantly School Committee candidate Lisa Vadnais garnered 3,041 votes (Pay attention here. There will be a test later).

In 2019, Things got interesting, Casavant was almost defeated for a fifth term by Jason Litalien who came in a close second (2,234 – 2,127). Turnout was 29.91 percent. Both Lessard (3,051) and Vadnais (2,971) topped the ballot.

In 2021, Casavant easily rolled over challenger Victoria Foley, 3,237 – 1,849. Voter turnout was 33.05 percent. Again, Lessard (3,403) and Vadnais (3,297) topped the ballot. Why the slight bump in turnout? Not sure. There was a statewide referendum about CMP’s transmission corridor project.

Finally, in 2023, Casavant decided not to seek a seventh term. City Councilor Marty Grohman defeated former State Senator Susan Deschambault, 2,894 – 2,223. Not a landslide, but certainly comfortable. Again, Vadnais (3,374) and Lessard (3,021) topped the ballots with the most votes per candidate.

My predictions for 2025

*Yours truly showing off our work for Casavant in 2013.*

This is a three-way race. Marty has the advantage of the incumbency, but he also has the disadvantage of being the incumbent. When voters are not happy, the incumbent hears about it.

In fairness, Marty can’t be held responsible for some things beyond his control, but his leadership has been called into question by two city councilors who work with him closely. His endorsements of council candidates this year, have actually been rejected by some of those candidates.

It’s a three-way race, and that’s Marty’s best hope going forward. Will Councilors Liam LaFountain and Norm Belanger split the “anti-Marty” vote. Sure, but by how much?

It all depends on how many supporters Belanger and LaFountain can get to the polls.

Bottom line? This race is too close to call, but I will make a prediction . . . on Tuesday night, one hour before the polls close. Most of my predictions will be posted on this site at the same time.

Sure, we all know Councilor Roger Beaupre is unopposed in Ward Three and newcomer David Kurtz is unopposed in Ward Five, but what about the other council races? Again, most of them are too close to call . . . except one.

Three candidates are vying for the two At-Large seats on the council: Marc Lessard, Nasreen A. Shekh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais.

Past performance matters. Lessard and Vadnais will be the winners, and it will be somewhat interesting to see which one gets the most votes.

Sheikh-Yousef made three big mistakes this year.

First, she did not hire Randy Seaver Consulting for campaign advice. (Relax. That’s a joke)

But the other two reasons are more serious.

First, she did not do any diligent reconnaissance work. Although she is a board member at the Heart of Biddeford, she has not served on any municipal boards or committees. She has lived in Biddeford less than four years. Her name recognition before taking out nomination papers was virtually nil, and it hasn’t improved much since.

Secondly, in my opinion, she bit off more than she could chew by seeking an at-large seat right out of the gate. Yes, it can be done. Doris Ortiz proved that, but not if you’re going up against two of the city’s heaviest hitters.

Had Sheikh-Yousef run for Ward Five City Council, I firmly believe she would have had a fair shot at winning, depending on the other candidates.

Although she did not hire me, I will offer her a bit of free advice:

Keep doing what you’re doing. After election day, continue to find other ways to be an engaged citizen. Biddeford could benefit from your perspective. Stay involved and be a part of the city’s continuing conversation.

And to all the candidates, thank you so much for stepping up to serve your community. You are working really hard to get a job that pays less than $100 a month and will take up several hours of your time.

You are willing to share your address and take criticism for almost every thing you do. You will be required to sit through mind-numbing presentations and smile for photo-ops.

I don’t know why you do it, but thank you.

I will be providing all-day coverage on Election Day with regular social media updates.

On Wednesday, I am going to sleep-in and enjoy the lunch that Robin Patterson is buying for me.

P.S. Campaign signs by the side of the road mean nothing. Campaign signs on peoples’ lawns mean everything.

Happy? Not Happy? The Biddeford Gazette welcomes feedback from our readers, especially when it comes to different opinions and perspectives. For more information, about how to send a Letter to the Editor or Guest Column, please contact us.

_____________________

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

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At-Large candidates Lessard, Vadnais share concerns about UNE pier

October 26, 2025October 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The Biddeford Gazette asked the three At-Large city council candidates to share their thoughts and concerns about the controversial pier being proposed by the University of New England (UNE).

Last week, we reached out to the two candidates vying for the Ward One seat, which represents Biddeford’s coastal neighborhoods, about their thoughts and concerns regarding UNE’s proposal.

At-Large candidate Lisa Vadnais attended last week’s Citizen’s Grievance meeting about UNE’s proposal but did not address the council.

At-Large candidate Marc Lessard – currently serving as an At-Large representative — was required to attend the meeting.

At-Large candidate Nasreen Sheik-Yousef was not seen at Thursday’s meeting. She also did not return our requests for comment about the pier or the city’s review process.

During the Grievance meeting, several citizens raised concerns about the controversial pier project. Most of the commentary focused upon how the city has handled the review process for the university’s project.

Vadnais said she heard little about UNE’s proposal until last year, when media scrutiny of the project caused controversy.

“I attended the citizen’s grievance meeting to have a better understanding of the impact to the people that will be affected by this decision,” Vadnais said.

“After hearing from the citizens, there is no doubt the entire process was handled badly,” she added. “I do not feel it was in the best interest to remove the harbormaster from a process that would have benefited greatly by his expertise.”

Lessard agreed with Vadnais about the removal of both the harbormaster and assistant harbormaster. He also objected to Mayor Marty Grohman’s attempts earlier this year to remove Roch Angers from the Biddeford Planning Board, after Angers raised concerns about the review process.

“I suppose if you eliminate enough of the people that question the path we are on, eventually you only have one path left.” Lessard said.

“I suppose if you eliminate enough
of the people that question the path
we are on, eventually you only have
one path left.”
— Councilor Marc Lessard

Lessard said the former city manager’s removal of the harbormaster was just another example of why the citizens “have little to no trust in our city’s leadership.”

Vadnais described UNE’s insistence regarding the pier’s location as “hypocrisy” on the school’s part.

“Their focus is all about sustaining and protecting the environment, but it seems like they are ready to abandon an agreement they made about a 250-foot buffer zone,” she said. “Their proposed location will have a negative impact on both commercial fishing and the environment. It makes no sense.”

Lessard says he has tried — on multiple occasions — to have a discussion about the controversial pier at a city council meeting.

“We have missed numerous opportunities to give all parties more time to discuss their concerns and come to a mutually agreed to resolution.” Lessard said. “Instead, the city decided to remove the Harbor Master and Assistant Harbor Master and thought this would help the process.”

If reelected, Lessard said his plan would be to review the decision, accentuate where the city went wrong, and come to an agreement that everyone can support.

He also offered some advice to the university: “Be a better neighbor.”

_________________

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

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Mayor offers more selective endorsements

October 25, 2025October 25, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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 of the candidates in those two races.

The mayor said he will not offer any endorsement in the three-way at-large council race between City Councilor Marc Lessard, Nasreen Sheikh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais, nor will he make an endorsement in the Ward Six race between Roger Hurtubise and Jake Pierson.

Grohman yesterday endorsed city council candidate Brad Cote in the Ward Seven race over Sam Pecor; and says he hopes that John McCurry will defeat Abigail Woods in the Ward Two race.

Grohman today said he is also endorsing Jim LaBelle over Patricia Boston in the Ward One race; and City Councilor Dylan Doughty over former councilor Bobby Mills in the Ward Four race.

“It looks like he is attempting
to set an agenda of more of the same.”
–– Candidate Bobby Mills

In our previous story about the mayor’s endorsements, Pecor said he is not surprised that Grohman is endorsing Brad Cote in Ward Seven. During Tuesday’s council meeting, Pecor offered sharp criticism of the mayor.

In the Ward One council race, former councilor Patricia Boston said she is “not at all surprised” that Grohman endorsed her opponent, Jim LaBelle.

Two years ago, Boston served as campaign treasurer for Susan Deschambault in the 2023 mayoral race between Grohman and Deschambault.

Boston is currently serving as campaign treasurer for mayoral candidate Norman Belanger.

Former city councilor Bobby Mills described Grohman’s endorsements as “weird.”

“I’ve never heard of a mayoral candidate struggling for a reelection bid endorsing candidates, specifically not the ones critical of him,” Mills said.

“It looks like he (Grohman) is attempting to set an agenda of more of the same.”

City Councilor Marc Lessard said he is somewhat baffled by Grohman’s decision to make endorsements in only some of the contested races.

Lessard has served on the city council off and on for more than 30 years. He recalled mayoral races from the 1980s, 1970s and before, in which a mayoral candidate would choose a slate of council candidates to run on a specific “ticket.”

“I’m almost positive that the practice of running with a slate of council candidates last happened in the mid-1990s, when Jim Grattelo won his campaign for mayor,” Lessard said.

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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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Three vie for two at-large seats in Biddeford

October 1, 2025October 8, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Two well-known political heavyweights and one newcomer to the city’s political arena are each vying for one of the two at-large seats on the Biddeford City Council.

Incumbent Marc Lessard, 62, has served on the council for the better part of the last 30 years. School Committee Chair Lisa Vadnais, 64, has served on the school committee for 16 years.

Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef, 34, currently serves on the board of directors for Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization that promotes the downtown area. She moved to Biddeford a little more than three years ago. She was elected to serve the city of Portland’s Charter Review Commission from 2021 to 2022.

Lessard and Vadnais have both led in vote totals during the last several municipal elections.

In 2023, Vadnais garnered 3,374 votes, leading the pack of all other candidates on the ballot, including Marty Grohman who won the mayor’s seat with 2,894 votes.

In that same election two years ago, Lessard was the clear front-runner among council candidates with 3,021 votes.

During a recent candidate forum hosted by Better Biddeford, Sheikh-Yousef said she offers a Biddeford a fresh voice and new perspective. Lessard and Vadnais were both born and raised in Biddeford.

Housing and taxes are top issues

When asked to identify the top challenges facing Biddeford, Sheikh-Yousef said issues regarding housing affordability and homelessness top the concerns of many people she has spoken to. She described housing as a “basic human need.”

“Tenants cannot afford rent increases,” she said. “I am one of those people who are affected by the rent increase. Homelessness is growing. The minimum wage is insufficient to cover the cost of living for most individuals or families.

Lessard said he is concerned about back-to-back property tax increases over the last four years.

“The tax rate has gone up nearly 25 percent over the past four years and is a substantial “black eye” for the administration,” Lessard said. “Too much focus has been placed on low-income housing — housing that is not dedicated to a Biddeford taxpayer — all to impress the limousine leadership with a sound bite about creating the largest number of low-income housing in the state of Maine”

“The tax rate has gone up
nearly 25 percent over the
past four years and is a substantial
“black eye” for the administration,”
— Marc Lessard

Vadnais echoed Lessard’s concerns about property tax increases.

“Most people I talk to say that increasing taxes are just not sustainable, especially for seniors on fixed incomes,” Vadnais said. “So, the question becomes how do we put less strain on existing homeowners? I believe there needs to be a greater focus on attracting industry to Biddeford.”

Traffic and public safety

Vadnais also listed concerns about increased traffic near the center of the city as more inner-city housing is constructed or developed in former mill buildings.

“Our current course [of downtown development] will soon become unmanageable,” she said. “We are putting most of our focus on one demographic of the population. It’s time to take a pause and direct our attention to what’s best for all residents.”

“It’s time to take a pause and
direct our attention to what’s
best for all of us”
—– Lisa Vadnais

Sheikh-Yousef listed public safety as one of her top concerns.

“I believe we should create a public safety committee,” she said. “[We should] focus on funding public safety initiatives, partnering with community organizations and allocating funds to public safety and human services.

Additionally, Sheikh-Yousef said the city council should create or support “alternative models of public safety and implement solutions that focus on preventing crime, addressing trauma, and repairing harm in our community.”

Sheikh-Yousef said she would support a moratorium on what she described as “luxury housing,” and require developers to build more affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

“The need for mental health care has continued to grow, putting more pressure on already limited resources,” she said.

“Biddeford is growing, but I feel
like too many neighbors are being
left behind,”
— Nasreen A. Sheikh-Yousef

Lessard shared his concerns about the city’s ability to attract and retain municipal employees.

“We need to develop new ways to attract and maintain our associates so they can feel appreciated,” Lessard said. “All cities are dramatically increasing pay to lure employees away. This does not, however, secure loyalty and future commitment to their families which should be our key focus.”

One of Lessard’s other top priorities involves recreational opportunities for the city’s youth.

“If the city does not provide free recreation for our youth, “for-profit” developers will not do it for us,” he said. “This is why properties like the JFK [school] need to be used for recreation and not just another low-income housing project for people that do not currently live here.”

Why run for council?

When asked why she is seeking a seat on the council, Vadnais said she sees it as her opportunity to give back to the greater community.

“My life has changed in the last 16 years,” she said. “I am no longer working in education, and I no longer have children in the school district. I feel it’s time to lend my voice to city issues.”

“I also have great support from my constituents,” Vadnais said. “Many people have encouraged me to run and be their voice.”

Sheikh-Yousef said she wants to take a more active role in her new community.

“Biddeford is growing, but I feel like too many neighbors are being left behind,” she said. “I am running to put people first, ensuring everyone can find stable housing, that our local economy works for working families and small businesses, that we protect our environment, and that every resident is treated with dignity and respect.”

I have called Maine home for 21 years,” she added. “I’ve lived in Lewiston, studied in Portland, and for the last three years, I’ve made Biddeford my community.”

Lessard said his public service is part of a larger promise.

“My main reason for seeking public office is to fulfill a promise that I made years ago to myself, my family, and my creator,” he said. “People need to try and share their knowledge and expertise with their community, for the benefit of all. I’m just trying to help others. I want to bring peace and balance for everyone.”

Lessard lives on Thacher Brook Lane. Sheikh-Yousef lives in the Lincoln Lofts and Vadnais lives on Granite Street.

NOTE: For more information about Biddeford’s upcoming elections, please visit ELECTION 2025 INFO

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

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OPINION: Councilors offer us a lesson about respect

September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Something happened at last night’s Biddeford City Council meeting that should be a template for all of us.

In a time of seemingly unprecedented political tension on the national stage, two city councilors showed us all a valuable lesson about respect, collaboration and friendship – despite being almost polar opposites when it comes to political ideology.

Councilors Doris Ortiz and Marc Lessard are the city’s two at-large council members, and they about as different as you can get — but they both love Biddeford and that is what drives their friendship.

Lessard has been a member of the council since the late 1990s. He is the longest serving council member.

Ortiz decided to run for council in 2019, saying she was inspired by my wife’s service on the council.

Like all new councilors, Ortiz recalled being nervous and feeling a little overwhelmed when she was sworn in and later attended her first meeting on the other side of the council dais.

Lessard was her seatmate on the council. He knew they would probably struggle to find consensus, but that didn’t matter. Lessard immediately took Ortiz under his wing. He coached her, advised her and reassured her that she was in the right place.

Though the city council is non-partisan, there is no denying that Ortiz and Lessard are fundamentally on different sides of the political spectrum.

That didn’t matter. They just worked together. They listened to one another and they even shared jokes and laughed together.

More than that, they often formed what was jokingly called an “unholy alliance.”

I have been watching their relationship for six years. There were times when you could almost see and feel the tension between them as they tackled a myriad of policy issues, from housing to budgets.

But they also found a lot of common ground; and they always acted with respect and civility.

Last night, Ortiz announced her resignation from the council because she is moving outside of the city.

It was an emotional announcement that encapsulated Ortiz’s philosophy and modus operandi: she was humble, authentic and grateful for the opportunity to serve.

At the end of her brief statement, it was Marc Lessard who was first on his feet to offer Ortiz a standing ovation. Everyone else in the council chamber quickly followed Lessard’s lead.

Lessard and Ortiz offered all of us a timely and relevant lesson.

No matter how discouraged we may feel about our nation’s political divisiveness, we can still choose to treat each other with civility and respect.

Godspeed, Councilor Ortiz. Thank you for your service and commitment to our city.

____________

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

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City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase

August 7, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The Biddeford City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to give the city’s non-union employees a one-half percent pay increase.

Earlier this year, the council completed negotiations with union employees. Those negotiations resulted in a four percent cost-of-living raise. Meanwhile, during this year’s budget process, non-union employees were allocated a 3.5 percent increase.

*All city employees — union and non-union are now on a level playing field when it comes to cost-of-living adjustments.*

Those supporting the half percent increase said it was a matter of fairness, arguing that non-union employees should get the same increase given to union employees.

“All of our employees are facing the same inflationary pressures when it comes to housing food and utilities,” said Councilor Doris Ortiz. “Citizens want and demand services, and we have to acknowledge employee turnover. We’re not going to be able to recruit or retain employees if we ignore their challenges.”

According to acting city manager Brian Phinney, the half-percent increase this year could be covered by a personnel reserve account in the city’s budget.

Phinney also said the modest increase would bring the city closer to salaries offered by other nearby communities

Phinney told the council that personnel reserve account has a balance of approximately $26,000.

Former city councilor Stephen St. Cyr, however, told the council that he could see no new information since the council finalized the city’s annual budget in June.

“Taxpayers are also facing inflationary pressures, and you have to look out for them too,” St. Cyr said.

Councilor Marc Lessard also raised concerns about the proposal, pointing out that the recent Consumer Price Index reporting showed only a 2.7 percent increase in June.

“When we were working on the budget – just a few weeks ago – we were hoping for and expected a 3.5 percent increase or less,” Lessard said. “How many times to do we go back to the budget just because we want to spend more money?”

“This is a never-ending story of us spending more than what we budgeted,” he added.

Mayor Marty Grohman reminded councilors and members of the public that the city already has the funds in reserve to cover the increase.

Councilors William Ehmiser and Dylan Doughty were absent from the meeting.

Lessard was the only councilor who voted against the increase.

The city’s non-union employees include department heads and some administrative positions, such as emergency dispatchers.

____________

Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.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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Joint budget workshop: ‘A Tough Pill to Swallow’

April 1, 2025April 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

With a “challenging” budget hanging over their heads, members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated in a joint workshop meeting Monday to examine the proposed budget.

Monday’s joint meeting was a rare occurrence that has happened only once before over the past 10 years.

“This is an unusual opportunity,” said Mayor Marty Grohman during his opening remarks. “We all share the same goals.”

School Superintendent Jeremy Ray said both the council and the committee are all in a “difficult situation, but we are being very conservative.”

In its current form, the proposed budget for next year shows an increase of 0.53 percent for the city; a 5.10 percent increase in school funding and an 0.08 percent increase in county taxes.

According to Acting City Manager Brian Phinney, every $100,000 of spending requires 2.3 cents on the tax rate.

As it stands now, the proposed budget would require an increase in the mil rate, from $14.22 last year to $15.03 this year.

*Members of the Biddeford City Council and Biddeford School Committee discuss the proposed budget for next year. (Seaver photo)*

Grohman said Monday’s evening was designed to bring both groups together under one roof so that they could each share their concerns and collaborate with one another about ways to soften the impact on taxpayers.

School Committee member Marie Potvin is a retired teacher who spent many years working in Biddeford schools.

“I was born and raised here,” Potvin said. “Our demographics have been changing significantly, and I am feeling somewhat anxious about all the things happening outside of the city that is creating so much uncertainty.”

School Committee member Megan Desjardins is a social worker. “Every single decision we make is in the best interest of our students,” she said. “Every day, we are being asked to do more for less.”

John McCurry, a former city councilor and current school committee member, described the budget as “quite high” McCurry said the city’s schools are always seeking ways to drive down costs, but he is worried about public perception.

“How do we get citizens involved?” McCurry asked, recalling previous budget debates when members of the public filled the council chamber, spilling out into the hallway.

Almost everyone at Monday’s meeting agreed that an 11.5 percent increase in the overall school budget is going to be a hard sell to voters.

“People just react to the numbers,” said School Committee member Chad Barrs. “There’s often a stark difference between perception and reality. It is much more complicated than it looks on paper.”

“Every day, we are being asked
to do more for less.”
— Megan Desjardins, School Committee member

City Councilor Marc Lessard said the council needs to make some “painful decisions,” reminding the group that Biddeford taxpayers have seen a 20 percent increase over the last three years.

“If everyone here is okay with a 5.7 percent increase, then let’s just go home,” Lessard said. “Our work is done,” adding that he will not support a 5.7 percent increase.

“Do we take money away from kids who need funding or do we take it from McArthur Library and the Heart of Biddeford?” Lessard asked rhetorically, suggesting that the city could slash all of its funding for social services requests.

Councilor Doris Ortiz rebuked Lessard. “A lot of those social service agencies help our kids,” she said.

Councilor Norman Belanger said the council should avoid creating an “us versus them mentality.”

What’s driving the school budget?

School Supt. Jeremy Ray pointed to what he described as a “seriously flawed” school funding formula that is used for determining state subsidy amounts.

During his presentation, Ray walked through several charts and spreadsheets that demonstrate how increasing valuations hurts the city’s schools.

One of those spreadsheets shows Biddeford being well behind many other communities when it comes to per pupil cost for education.

Biddeford’s per pupil cost last year was $9,904.76, compared to $16,085.68 in the town of Falmouth or $15, 936.72 in South Portland.

“Our focus is always about what our students deserve,” Ray said. “A child in Biddeford doesn’t deserve less than a kid in Cape Elizabeth. We have a tough population, but people still want excellence.”

Ray also provided an 11-year comparison for Biddeford’s school budget, which shows an average expenditure increase of 3.82 percent.

Last year, the school budget came in with a 6.1 percent increase in expenditures. This year’s requested increase is 5.39 percent.

City Council President Liam LaFountain said there is still a long road ahead in what the final budget will look like, including public hearings and additional council review.

“Some of this feels premature,” LaFountain said. “I want to make sure that we’re not just thinking about the short term, but are also considering a lot of long-term impacts.”

Councilor Dylan Doughty said “everyone is being asked to do more with less” on both the city and school side of the budget.

Barrs said the proposed budget is going to be a “tough pill to swallow” for taxpayers and voters who will ultimately decide on whether to approve the school budget in June.

Click on the link below to view/download a copy of the Biddeford School Budget Presentation

School budget Download

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

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Budget tensions include homeless funding

March 23, 2025April 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

Last week, more than two dozen people appeared before the Biddeford City Council, each of them requesting varying amounts of public funding for their respective non-profit organizations.

It is an annual process that is just one part of the city’s annual budget.

None of the public presenters were questioned or challenged about their funding requests – except one.

Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center, was questioned about her funding request by veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard.

Fowler told the council that her organization’s budget has exploded over the past 12 months, from a total of $345,000 last year to a projected $1.1 million this year.

*Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope*

“It’s hard for me to even say that number out loud,” Fowler told the council.

Last year, Fowler asked the council for a $50,000 donation. Ultimately, the council then approved a $28,000 expenditure for Seeds of Hope.

This year, Fowler is asking the city for a contribution of $180,000 primarily to support the installation of fire sprinklers on the second floor of the former church on South Street, where between 40 and 50 unhoused residents stay during the evening.

Fowler told the council that she expects to pay $150,000 for the sprinkler system, and said her organization is in “serious need” to support its daily meals, pointing out that a single gallon of orange juice now costs $8.

Fowler said Seeds of Hope served more than 36,000 meals last year. “We are focused on getting the most out of every dollar,” she said. “At this, point finding solutions to the growing need seems impossible.”

Fowler said her organization was quite different than other organizations asking for funds, such as the Heart of Biddeford, City Theater, LaKermesse or Subscircle, a community arts program.

“What we do is not fun to talk about,” she said.

After Fowler completed her presentation, Mayor Marty Grohman asked if any of the councilors had any questions. Lessard raised his hand.

Lessard pointed out that last summer the city committed $1.3 million to begin a new “test program” to provide structured services for unhoused residents. Almost nine months later, the city still does not have a permanent plan to address the issue.

“We have no guarantees about what your operation will look like or how it will function after November,” Lessard said to Fowler.

During a telephone interview on Sunday, Lessard said he was simply asking the same questions he asked last year when Grohman and former City Manager James Bennett outlined a plan that would allow the city to close a sizeable homeless encampment near Mechanic’s Park.

“I am concerned that we have no long-term security in how this program will operate in the future,” Lessard said. “There’s nothing stopping them from becoming a for-profit organization or shutting down.

“I just want some assurances,” Lessard said. “I am trying to safeguard the city.”

Growing questions and a growing need

The city began its new “homeless approach” in July 2024, after the annual budget was already approved.

Bennett told the council then that the city could tap into some of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds that the city had received.

Bennett laid out a two-phase approach, the first part of which would be to hire a new homeless outreach worker and provide several zero-gravity chairs to Seeds of Hope. The second-phase included funding to make repairs and upgrades to the former church that included the installation of several shower stalls and a new kitchen.

But after learning that the city could not use the CDBG funds for work on an historic building, the renovation project was abruptly halted as the city struggled to find a new way to fund the renovation project.

Fowler said that once Seeds of Hope was asked to provide the city with overnight services, her operating costs skyrocketed because of the need for additional staffing, utility costs and other supplies.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,”
— Vassie Fowler

“I think it’s important to remember that this was the city’s plan,” Fowler told the Biddeford Gazette during a subsequent interview. “We’re just the vehicle the city decided to use to tackle this problem.”

When asked by Lessard about a guarantee or assurances, Fowler said it depends on what the city wants.

“We will always be a non-profit,” Fowler replied. “The answer is that’s a conversation that needs to happen. I’m open to it. I have always been open to it. We’re open to all possibilities.

“To me, it doesn’t make sense to fix something that isn’t broken,” Fowler added. “This is working. We are finding permanent solutions to homelessness in our community. I cannot imagine why we wouldn’t continue to do that.”

As a resident of Biddeford, Fowler told the Gazette that she very much appreciates Lessard and his fiscally-conservative perspective.

“Marc really cares about this city, and we need people like him who are going to keep a close eye on things,” Fowler said.

For his part, Lessard told the Gazette that it is sometimes hard being in the minority on the council.

“I have a very deep appreciation for everything that Vassie and Seeds does for our community,” Lessard said. “I don’t feel as if I’m asking for a lot by looking for some concrete assurances.

“We are facing a budget that is putting a big strain on the backs of most taxpayers,” he added. “We talk a lot about affordable housing but then we go ahead and make housing less affordable. It’s just not sustainable.”

“That’s a good back and forth,” Grohman said of the exchange between Fowler and Lessard on Thursday evening.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

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Biddeford budget: ‘Saltines & Cauliflower’

March 18, 2025April 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The Biddeford City Council was presented Tuesday with preliminary budget proposals from both the School Department and the acting city manager.

There were a lot of grim faces in the room after both acting City Manager Brian Phinney and School Superintendent Jeremy Ray reviewed their budget projections with the council.

Because of a technical glitch, Phinney was unable to provide detailed information regarding salaries, but said that information should be available by early next week.

Ray described the annual budget process as a “Superbowl event” for those who have to develop public budgets.

Much later in the meeting, Biddeford City Councilor Norm Belanger said he felt like he was being served “saltines and cauliflower” instead of chicken wings for this ‘Superbowl.”

The largest number of the evening came from the School Department, which is requesting an 11.6 percent increase over last year.

*Acting City Manager Brian Phinney (center) presents the council some grim budget realities* (Seaver photo)

Though the city does not have its municipal budget finalized, Councilor Marc Lessard predicted a bleak outlook for the public and his fellow councilors.

Lessard, who has served on the council since 1993, said the upcoming budget review is going to be a “monumental task,” which will require plenty of pain and needed belt-tightening.

“The city council has never been able to shrink a budget request by more than two or three percent,” Lessard said. “Although we don’t yet have the numbers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a seven to eight percent increase [on the city side of the budget]”

According to Lessard, the city’s combined budgets (School and City) have increased by roughly 20 percent over the last three years.

“This may be the year when we zero fund some social services,” Lessard said.

The social service budget includes funding for non-municipal services and programs, including things such as the library, the Heart of Biddeford, the Biddeford Housing Authority, Seeds of Hope, La Kermesse and the Biddeford Mills Museum.

A few highlights and details

Supt. Ray gave the council an impassioned presentation, pointing out the biggest factor for the school budget was directly tied to dwindling reductions in state subsidies because of the city’s skyrocketing valuation.

“This is the real picture and it’s going to involve some tough conversations,” Ray said. “But I firmly believe that our conversation should be about what is right, not what is on the spreadsheet.”

Ray said the school department is “hanging on” with its proposed budget and operating with minimum staffing levels and supports for students.

While student enrollment has risen only risen slightly since last year, Ray said an increasing number of students are facing significant challenges, including food insecurity and homelessness.

“I firmly believe that our conversation
should be about what is right,
not what is on the spreadsheet.”
— School Supt. Jeremy Ray

Ray told the council that between 100 and 150 Biddeford students are homeless, and that the large majority of students are living in poverty.

“Roughly two-thirds of our kids are living below the federal poverty line,” Ray said.

Ray told councilors that the school department has also seen a spike in students who need English as a Second Language services, up more than 100 from last year’s total of 300 students needing those same services.

Ray said looming concerns about federal funding for education along with changes in state funding are creating an extraordinary set of challenges, asking councilors and members of the public to show support for two bills now being reviewed by the Maine Legislature.

LD 501 would slightly increase the weighted count in the school funding formula for economically disadvantaged students under the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act, from 0.15 to 0.25 beginning next year.

LD 193 would amend the school funding formula to provide an additional .50 weight to a school administrative unit’s per-pupil count for each student experiencing homelessness.

On the municipal side of the budget, Phinney said he and his staff are presenting a “needs-based” budget.”

Phinney listed five new positions including a deputy fire chief, a fire inspector and a part-time administrative assistant in the fire department. The Recreation Department is requesting a part-time custodian, and the Assessing Department is requesting a “field lister” position.

Of those five new positions, Phinney said he was only recommending the field lister position.

Phinney said the council may want to look at reducing staff and building operations for the city’s public-access television studio that is now located on Pool Street near the West Brook skating park.

The budget process will continue Thursday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. as the council hears directly from those requesting social service funding from the city, including City Theater, the My Place Teen Center, Caring Unlimited, Biddeford Community Gardens and several others.

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette, He can be reached at: randy@randyseaver.com

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Council discusses winter parking bans

February 5, 2025April 7, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

With another winter storm looming on the horizon, members of the Biddeford City Council discussed the city’s policy regarding overnight parking bans.

At the tail end of Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilor Neva Gross – who represents much of the city’s downtown area — raised the issue to her fellow councilors, asking if there is more the city can do to announce parking bans in advance of a storm.

“I personally live down here [downtown area] so I am affected by this every time there is [a ban],” Gross said. “I received some emails over the last few days from some folks whose cars were towed during a ban because they didn’t know about it.”

Gross acknowledged that city routinely updates residents about pending parking bans in a variety of ways, including the city’s website, the city’s official Facebook page and the ability for residents to sign up for email or text notifications.

The city — — along with several other communities throughout southern Maine — also notifies television news stations about upcoming parking bans.

“Is there some kind of way that we could notify folks who are not on social media or looking at the city’s website,” Gross asked.

City Councilor Marc Lessard drew a round of laughter when he suggested that the city may want to consider using a “fire horn” to alert downtown residents of a pending parking ban.

“The bottom line is that if you park your vehicle on a public road, in the wintertime,
and it’s going to snow; you have to assume that there is going to be a parking ban
and try to figure out a way to find out about that.”
City Manager James Bennett

“I’m kind of being serious,” Lessard said, recalling that decades ago the city used a central fire horn to inform citizens of fires and served as a curfew notice.

City Manager James Bennett said “there is just no way for us to do it right” in reference to snow parking bans.

Bennett said the city of Lewiston had a policy prohibiting all overnight parking during the entire winter season.

“I’m glad to look at ways for us to enhance getting that information out,” Bennett said, pointing out that residents should make an effort to stay informed.

“This probably sounds cold, or not customer-friendly, but the bottom line is that if you park your vehicle on a public road, in the winter time, and it’s going to snow; you have to assume that there is going to be a parking ban and try to figure out a way to find out about that,” Bennett said.

Bennett also told the council that “snow clearing” parking bans represent an additional challenge in keeping residents informed about parking bans because those do not happen during a storm. “We really have to go overboard in alerting residents about those [parking bans].” Bennett said.

“If you live downtown, please help us by also doing what you can to find out about parking bans,” Bennett said.

Mayor Marty Grohman also said he heard from some friends whose vehicles were towed during a parking ban. “I think making the lots on Water and Washington streets available has been helpful,” he said.

Editor’s note: Click here for more information about Biddeford parking bans or to sign up for email and text alerts

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Biddeford struggles with communication

January 20, 2025April 7, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Despite spending a little more than $45,000 last year on upgrades and consulting services, the city of Biddeford is still wrestling to improve its external communication platforms.

During almost every public meeting, the city struggles and stumbles as it attempts to allow people to remotely watch or participate in meetings at City Hall. As a result, many meetings begin late.

There are often sound issues and other glitches, especially when the council is hearing a presentation and trying to load third-party information onto its streaming platform.

Many residents also complain that remotely watching meetings is confusing, including poor sound issues and saying online public participation is often arduous

“It has gotten a bit ridiculous,” Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said during a recent interview with the Biddeford Gazette.

Unlike the city of Saco, Biddeford uses the ZOOM technology platform to both broadcast and archive past meetings of the city council, school committee, planning board and other government committee meetings.

Saco, on the other hand, uses more user-friendly technology including Facebook and YouTube.

Biddeford City Councilor Roger Beaupre said many senior citizens feel somewhat disenfranchised because the city is not doing a good enough job in getting news and information out through more traditional methods, including public access television and print media such as the Biddeford-Saco Courier and the Portland Press Herald.

“All this push to online communication is fine and dandy, but many seniors are not comfortable with using websites to get information about what is happening in the city,” Beaupre said.

During the tail end of a city council meeting earlier this month, Beaupre shared his frustration about the issue with his fellow councilors, suggesting that the city should focus on more traditional media platforms.

The city now offers a weekly newsletter that is available by email from the city.

I think we need to do a better job in making sure that the public is getting
the news and information they need.”
— Councilor Marc Lessard

Anyone with an internet connection can access and receive the Biddeford Beat newsletter. Updates are then automatically sent out weekly by email to subscribers.

Beaupre suggested that the council should also consider having the Biddeford Beat or something similar published in the weekly Biddeford-Saco Courier, a free newspaper that is distributed to every household in Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.

For those who don’t receive the Courier in their driveway, the paper is also available at area newsstands.

Councilor Marc Lessard emphatically agreed with Beaupre’s idea.

“We don’t want to leave anyone in the dark, and we want to be open and transparent,” Lessard said. “But I think we need to do a better job in making sure that the public is getting the news and information they need.”

Grohman — who was elected as mayor a little more than a year ago — said he is also frustrated by the situation, an issue that has plagued almost every meeting he has chaired.

“Almost every meeting experiences some kind of technology glitch,” Grohman said. “We are striving to be open and inclusive, but we have to do better in getting information out to the public.”

Grohman had high praise for the city’s communications director, Danica Lamontagne.

“I think Danica does a really good job of putting the Biddeford Beat together every week,” Grohman. “The trick now is how do we make sure that everyone is able to see that information.”

Councilor Doris Ortiz said it’s the consensus of the council to solve the problems associated with broadcasting public meetings. She also said that many older people feel more comfortable with popular platforms such as Facebook, pointing out that city of Saco livestreams its meetings on the popular social media site rather than using ZOOM.

Although Saco seems to have a more user-friendly approach, there is no opportunity for remote public comment. Those who want to comment during a Saco meeting must attend the meeting in person, according to the city’s website.

City Council President Liam LaFountain sends out his own weekly newsletter for his constituents who use Facebook.

LaFountain uses the Biddeford -Ward 7 Facebook page to keep his constituents informed about what is happening in the city and to offer previews about upcoming issues that the council will face.

“A lot of people like that I do that,” LaFountain said. “But I have also heard complaints from people regarding how we currently stream live meetings.

“We want to use technology to increase efficiency and promote public participation, but we also have to make sure that our methods are user-friendly.

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