NEWSLETTER: ‘Looking for a place to happen’

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

New partnerships, expanding technology will help the Gazette stay connected to you

I don’t believe this could have been a better week for the Biddeford Gazette.

I am especially excited about several new partnerships that will allow us to give you more news and information about your community.

Earlier this week, I was invited to a meeting at the University of New England, where I enjoyed a really nice lunch with Michael Cripps, a professor and director of UNE’s School of Arts and Humanities and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Cripps and I had a fascinating and free-wheeling conversation about the state of today’s media landscape and some of the challenges he faces in working to provide his students with real life experiences to support their education outside of the traditional classroom.

Bottom line: Dr. Cripps and I began laying the groundwork of a partnership that will allow his students who are pursuing careers in journalism and communications to work as interns with the Biddeford Gazette.

It has the potential to be a dynamic relationship, one that will allow us an opportunity to expand our coverage and learn the valuable perspective of students attending classes in Biddeford.

But wait, that’s not all . . .

If you don’t know Cy Cyr of Biddeford, you’re really missing out. A Biddeford native, Cy recently launched Brick + Tides, a digital magazine that features his photography and some very compelling document-style storytelling about the people shaping southern Maine today.

I am a huge fan of Cy’s work, and I am ecstatic that he and I will be working together to promote and share his work on the Biddeford Gazette’s site.

We’ll be posting our first story from Brick + Tides on Monday in which Cy does an in-depth interview with Heather Paquette, another Biddeford native who is the president of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.

But wait, there’s more . . .

As you can see from a story we posted yesterday, the Biddeford Gazette is continuing its ongoing media partnership with The Maine Monitor, a nonpartisan, independent publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting.

The Maine Monitor – another digital only publication — has earned an outstanding reputation across the state, providing readers with in-depth, comprehensive reporting on the issues that affect Maine people on a daily basis.

Our partnership with The Maine Monitor is especially valuable as we approach the upcoming election season in which Maine voters will choose a new governor, a U.S. senator, Congressional representatives, not to mention numerous state legislative and county races.

The party primaries are now less than 90 days away. We look forward to sharing more stories from The Maine Monitor in the days and weeks ahead,

A busy week in our own newsroom.

*Neva and Samanntha Lance speak in favor of funding for the city’s skatepark during Tuesday’s Biddeford City Council meeting (Seaver photo)*

As a reporter, I had a new experience this week.

A local politician voluntarily told me that he was partly to blame for some financial issues that are now plaguing the city of Biddeford.

I don’t recall ever hearing a politician accept responsibility for a problem. Gotta say, it was refreshing to hear City Councilor Marc Lessard talk about his own role in a mess the city is still working through. “You can spread the blame like peanut butter,” Lessard told me. We thought that quote made a perfect headline.

On Thursday, I was the only reporter in attendance during the first meeting of the revised Institutional Zone Review Committee.

Hopefully, other reporters were watching the meeting remotely on-line. It’s convenient for me to be the only reporter in the room, but it’s bad for you, as I explain in this week’s upcoming editorial: Life During Wartime.

We covered several other stories this week. UNE is considering extending a natural gas line from downtown to its Biddeford campus; and several residents spoke in favor of reopening the city’s skatepark during Tuesday’s council meeting.

Video killed the radio star

On a final note, we began experimenting this week with using video and other technology to expand our news and commentary. It’s in a very rudimentary, early stage and well-beyond my experience as a print journalist, but it is fun and somewhat exciting.

The move was inspired by my conversation with Dr. Cripps this week. For younger news consumers, it’s all about video. You can find that video in our new section: Video Commentary & Reporting.

A close friend of mine – a media expert – tried to be as supportive as possible.

“You know,” he said. “You could always do a second take.”

And that, my friends, is the beauty of being a digital publication.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He is a Biddeford native who has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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New UNE oversight committee begins work

February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The first meeting of Biddeford’s revived Institutional Zone Review (IZR) Committee was held Thursday evening, giving members a chance to introduce themselves and to complete several organizational and administrative tasks, including scheduling their first public hearing.

The committee was launched earlier this year, at the direction of Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain who attended Thursday’s meeting as an observer.

Members of the newly formed Institutional Zone Review Committee begin their work during their first meeting Thursday. Left to right: Betsy Martin, Christine Stone, Matt Haas, Dr. James Herbert, Chair Patricia Boston and Code Enforcement Officer Roby Fecteau (Seaver photo)

The mission of the committee is to review planning documents that have been submitted by the University of New England over the last 20 years; to seek public input and make recommendations regarding future growth at the school’s Biddeford campus.

From the public podium, LaFountain spoke only briefly to welcome and thank the committee members for their willingness to “dig deep” into issues that will likely impact the city and the University of New England.

“You have taken on an ambitious timeline,” LaFountain told the committee, reminding them that the city hopes to receive their preliminary recommendations in May for city council review and input.

The final recommendations are expected for a public hearing in July, LaFountain said.

“The council will rely upon your diligence and judgment,” LaFountain told the committee. “What matters most is that you approach this work respectfully and thoughtfully and encourage public input and feedback.”

On that note – following a rather arduous process of coordinating various schedules and available meeting times at City Hall – the new committee tentatively scheduled its first public hearing for Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m.

The committee is scheduled to have at least two more meetings before the first public hearing.

Nearly a quarter-century ago, a previous IZR committee was tasked with similar objectives.

City Councilor Pat Boston, a Hills Beach resident, is serving as chair of the current committee. She recalled serving on the first IZR Committee in 2001.

“I recently came across a note from [former mayor] Donna Dion, thanking us for our service,” Boston laughed.

Thursday’s meeting was sparsely attended by members of the public.

John Shafer – an outspoken critic of the university’s controversial pier proposal – sat in the back of the room, carefully watching the meeting. UNE vice president Alan Thibault also attended the meeting along with City Planner David Galbraith and City Manager Truc Dever.

For more information about the Institutional Zone Review Committee, you may visit the committee’s webpage, which is a section of the city’s larger website.

The link to the committee’s page: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/5839/Institutional-Zone-Review-Committee

In addition to Councilor Boston, other committee members include City Councilor Marc Lessard; Dr. James Herbert, the university’s president; Matt Haas, a former UNE employee and graduate; Christina Stone, a real estate agent and Hills Beach resident; and Associate member Elizabeth Martin of Biddeford.

Lessard did not attend Thursday’s meeting.

Code Enforcement Officer Roby Fecteau will serve as the committee’s staff liaison.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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‘You can spread the blame like peanut butter’

February 18, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

City Councilor Marc Lessard falls on his own sword by saying he is partly responsible for some of the city’s ongoing financial problems

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Tuesday’s meeting of the Biddeford City Council’s Finance Committee made one fact abundantly clear.

The city is still struggling to clean up the damage done over the last few years by a Finance Department that was beleaguered by rapid staff turnover and minimal supervision from city leaders.

“You can spread the blame around like peanut butter,” said City Councilor Marc Lessard during a telephone interview with the Gazette on Wednesday.

“But you know what?” Lessard stated. “I’m partly responsible for the problem.”

*Council President Roger Beaupre and Mayor Liam LaFountain discuss the city’s finances during Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting about upcoming sewer work. (Seaver photo)*

The city’s ongoing financial problems were raised again Tuesday evening when Finance Committee members took up the subject of how to pay for another state-mandated sewer update project.

The city is currently trying to catch-up on several of its long overdue financial audits. The city is now working to finalize the FY 2024 audit, now more than two years overdue.

The problem impacts the city in numerous ways, most notably preventing city departments from accessing bond funds that were approved by voters.

In November, voters approved a $20 million bond to complete long overdue sewer updates that are mandated by the state of Maine.

Last year’s major project on Elm Street was paid for from money in the city’s general fund versus an account that is replenished by sewer fee revenues.

That situation put Public Works Director Jeff Demers in an uncomfortable position. When he asked the former city manager about the lack of funds for the project, he was told to move forward and that funding for the project would come from another line item in the budget.

“I did what I was told,” Demers told the committee. “I took my marching orders, but I’ve lost sleep over it.”

Lessard – a member of the committee — asked how that decision to move funds around impacted other parts of the city’s budget.

“If we took $4.1 million from one part of the budget – roughly 5 percent of our budget – what item or work didn’t get funded?” Lessard asked.

City Manager Truc Dever said city staff is working overtime to sort out numerous issues that took place over the past few years, in addition to performing all of their current day-to-day responsibilities.

Although Mayor Liam LaFountain rang alarm bells about the situation, describing it as a “DEFCON 1 financial scenario,” he also offered at least one point for optimism during a follow-up conversation with the Gazette on Wednesday.

“We are doing everything possible to regain public trust and confidence in City Hall,” LaFountain said. “It’s nearly impossible to fix everything that took place over several years in just a few months.”

More importantly, LaFountain noted that the conversation – although difficult and somewhat concerning – took place in a public meeting with cameras rolling and members of the press in the room as opposed to “a couple guys meeting in an office behind closed doors.

LaFountain was able to oust former Mayor Marty Grohman in November by using a campaign pledge to bring “accountability and transparency” back to City Hall.

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“It’s nearly impossible to fix

all of these problems

in just a few months.”

— Mayor Liam LaFountain

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“It may not seem like it on the surface, but we are moving in the right direction,” LaFountain said. “It’s frustrating, but we now have the right people in place to help us in our overall course correction.”

Lessard said he was also feeling frustrated.

“There’s plenty of blame to go around,” he said. “And frankly part of that responsibility lies at my feet.”

Lessard – a veteran member of the council – said that, in retrospect, he should have pushed harder for accountability and transparency.

“There were many times when we allowed the former city manager and others to skirt, delay or obfuscate the issues,” he said. “That should not have happened, and I have to accept my own share of responsibility for that, even though that’s not what most politicians do.”

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NEWSLETTER: Can’t touch this

February 14, 2026February 14, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Wow! What a week it’s been.

Let’s get right to it. Things have been pretty much non-stop here at the Gazette since the beginning of February.

We set some new records, broke some big stories and had some fun along the way. More about all that in just a moment.

Our promise to you:

A lot of media outlets – large and small – often brag about their commitment to local, community journalism.

At the Gazette, community journalism is much more than just a slogan. It’s a proven track record of being embedded in the community; a promise to always be accessible to everyone on both our website and on the Biddeford Gazette’s social media pages, including our Facebook page.

Never a charge or fee for subscriptions.

We are the only news outlet in southern Maine that actively shares and promotes news about Biddeford from other professional media outlets, including Saco Bay News, the Portland Press Herald, MaineBiz, WGME-TV or WMTW-TV.

Why do we do that? Because we care more about you than about silly competition with other news outlets. That philosophy is embedded in our mission statement.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find news and information that impacts Biddeford, no matter where that news is generated.

And when we do share items from our news partners, we make sure those stories are clearly labeled and linked to their originating source.

Speaking of slogans:

A couple of weeks ago we asked our readers for suggestions regarding a potential tagline for the Gazette. We were looking for something unique, something that defines our mission and principles – what sets us apart.

We received dozens of suggestions from our readers: some funny, some serious. But each one of them showed that readers were willing to take time to connect with us for nothing more than the possibility of scoring a dozen donuts from Reilly’s Bakery.

I am pleased to announce that we have a winner. It was me.

Don’t worry, we’re still going through the suggestions to determine who was the runner-up, and who will get to enjoy the tasty treats we promised from Reilly’s.

In fact, it was thoughts about Reilly’s Bakery that inspired what will be our tagline going forward.

Reilly’s is a Biddeford institution built on a legacy that stretches over decades. It is a small, independent bakery focused on quality and customer service.

What sets the Gazette apart from all the others? Simply this: Experience and the community’s trust that has been developed over decades of covering Biddeford news and politics.

I have been covering Biddeford longer than any other journalist actively working today. Nearly 30 years of climbing those wooden creaky stairs at City Hall. No one else even comes close.

Hence, our new tagline:

THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism

A media partnership with . . . you

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 12, we published a total of 22 items on our website, including news and feature stories, guest columns and two weekly obituary updates. That’s more than a 250 percent increase over the same time period last year, and does not include things such as our EVENTS page and BUSINESS listings

But here’s the really exciting part: 40 percent of that recent news and feature material was generated by people in the community, not us.

The community is engaging with the Gazette, and that’s the way we want it. I am excited about this, very excited. All indicators show that we’re on a good trajectory, including our growing list of subscribers and increased traffic on our website.

Some irony, a political shakeup and what’s next

Most journalists go through their whole life without ever being able to write a headline like the one I wrote yesterday: Firefighters fight fire at fire department

Fortunately, no one was hurt but the smoke damage was extensive.

We were honored that the Speaker of the House, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford asked the Gazette if he could submit his column about recent ICE activity in Maine for publication on our site.

On a similar note, former mayor Marty Grohman asked us to publish his recent op-ed about artificial intelligence and its potential benefit for Maine communities. Both State Sen. Henry Ingwersen and State Rep. Marc Malon publish their monthly columns in the Gazette.

We sincerely appreciate their trust and confidence.

And in this corner . . .

Speaking of Marc Malon, it looks like he may face a challenge in his reelection bid for a third term as Biddeford’s District 133 representative. Veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard told us he is giving serious consideration to running for the seat as an unenrolled candidate. This could be the first time that Malon is challenged for his seat.

I think that’s good news. I like Marc Malon. I think he does a decent job and truly cares about the people he represents, but it’s always better for voters if they have options. And we care more about the voters than the politicians.

Two good guys going toe-to-toe. Could be interesting.

I’m outta room. Good stuff coming down the pike! Kiss someone today and celebrate Valentine’s Day!

P.S. I talked a lot about journalism in this week’s newsletter. If you’d like to see a list of my 12 all-time favorite journalists, hop over to my personal blog Lessons in Mediocrity and check out The List. You will probably recognize some of the names and faces.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Councilor Lessard considering run for state house

February 13, 2026February 13, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard confirmed Friday that he is considering a challenge against incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon to represent District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives.

District 133 includes the central and western area of the city. The upcoming election will be held in November.

If he does decide to run, Lessard says he will run as an unenrolled candidate.

“Honestly, I don’t feel that comfortable with any political party,” Lessard said during an exclusive interview with the Gazette. “Many people tell me they are tired of partisan politics.”

*Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard (City Photo)*

Lessard, 62, is a well-known fiscal conservative on the council and said there are several issues prompting him to consider running for state office.

“There are so many things that need our attention in Augusta,” he said. “Our public schools are underperforming; our utility costs are skyrocketing, and too many families are having a hard time just paying their basic bills. To me, this is unacceptable.”

In addition to serving as an at-large representative on the city council, Lessard also serves on the York County Budget Committee.

“I have a full-time job, grandchildren and responsibilities as a city councilor,” Lessard said, noting that is he planning to retire at the end of this year.

Lessard has served on the city council — off and on — for more than 30 years. He is historically one of the city’s biggest vote-getters in municipal elections

Lessard is planning to begin conversations with people who might be interested in supporting his campaign if he ultimately decides to toss his hat into the ring.

“There are a lot of things to consider,” he said. “Should I run as a Clean Elections candidate or as a traditionally funded candidate? I haven’t yet figured out all the details.”

According to state law, Clean Election candidates for the Maine House of Representatives must raise $300 in 60 individual $5 donations in order to qualify for the program.

Malon, a Democrat, is hoping to secure a third term in District 133.

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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly 30 years. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Council debates controversial parking plan

February 4, 2026February 4, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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 facing the city.

*The Biddeford City Council took up several issues Tuesday night, including discussion about a controversial parking program that was launched last year (Seaver photo)*

The temporary parking plan is no longer in place. It was designed to help struggling downtown businesses by providing them and their employees free parking during a major sewer construction project last year in the downtown area.

The city spent roughly $20,000 over a five-month period to fund the program. It was designed to be “net neutral,” transferring money from an account the city uses for subsidizing bi-annual payments to the company that operates the Pearl Street parking garage.

Councilor Brad Cote blasted the program and the city’s former mayor, saying he was outraged about how it was funded and implemented.

“This was done without the approval or knowledge of the Finance Committee or the city council,” Cote said. “This was a one-man show, and it was shooting from the hip. I think it’s awful and insulting to taxpayers.”

In December, Mayor Liam LaFountain – the former council president and chair of the finance committee — said he was flabbergasted when he first learned about the program months after it had been launched.

LaFountain then asked City Attorney Harry Center to investigate the issue. In his Jan. 3 memo to the mayor and city council, Center raised concerns about the program’s “process.”

But Councilor Jake Pierson said the issue is relatively benign.

“I think we’re making a mountain out of a molehill here,” Pierson said. “I guess I don’t understand the outrage. I see this as a waste of our energy and city resources.

“When we look at all the other issues facing the city, I see this as small potatoes,” Pierson added.

Councilor Marc Lessard – an outspoken critic of former mayor Marty Grohman – said his concerns were rooted in the process used behind the program’s funding.

“It was incorrectly done,” Lessard said, pointing out that the former mayor “lobbied hard” last year for a 35 percent increase to the Heart of Biddeford’s annual funding request.

The Heart of Biddeford – a non-profit downtown booster organization – coordinated the parking program, providing outreach and information to downtown businesses.

“This is yet just another example of mismanagement,” Lessard said. “It was swept under the rug, and it should have never happened.”

In order to reconcile the city’s accounting ledgers and prepare for future financial audits, the council voted 7-1 (Cote) to retroactively approve the project and redirect the expenditures from a different account in the city’s budget.

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

You may view and learn more about our editorial standards and policies here: Biddeford Gazette | Standards & Policies

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Lessard: ‘I am not so ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya’

January 23, 2026January 24, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Finance Committee takes a closer look at how a downtown parking plan was funded

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

A controversial and temporary downtown parking program will be reviewed by the Biddeford City Council at its next meeting, Feb. 3.

As first reported in the Biddeford Gazette earlier this week, Mayor Liam LaFountain and members of the city council were unaware that nearly $20,000 was being spent to offset parking costs for business owners and their employees during a seven-month long sewer upgrade project in the downtown area.

The parking plan was never reviewed or discussed by the city council or Finance Committee before it was launched last year, but the subject dominated Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which raised new questions and drew a sharp rebuke from City Councilor Marc Lessard.

*Biddeford’s Pearl Street Parking Garage (City photo)*

Subsequent to the Jan. 19 story, the Biddeford Gazette conducted additional interviews and filed a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for more information, much of which was discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.

City Attorney Harry Center told the Finance Committee that he was “troubled” by how the plan was implemented.

“I’m not a CPA. I’m not an auditor, but it troubles me as a lawyer regarding how the [invoices] were characterized as professional/consulting services,” Center said.

City Manager Truc Dever told committee members that the plan was envisioned to be “net neutral” and would not add additional spending beyond the ongoing subsidy payments that the city gives to the city’s parking garage operators, Premium Parking.

According to Dever, the city makes two payments each year to the parking garage owners so that they are guaranteed a profit — an agreement the city made years ago to entice developers to build the parking garage on city-owned land.

The most recent payment to Premium Parking was $146,570 to cover the period from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Brad Favreau, the city economic development coordinator, said that Brian Phinney – then the acting city manager – assured him that the program would be revenue neutral. He said it was Phinney who decided which account would be used to make the payments.

Phinney retired from the city earlier this month.

Favreau told the committee that former mayor Marty Grohman approved the project after some discussion between Grohman, Phinney, Favreau and Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, a private downtown booster organization.

Favreau said only 43 downtown employees took advantage of the program.

Dever — who began her job weeks after the parking program was launched –described the program as “well-intentioned” and said no one tried to keep it a secret.

Dever said flyers about the program were made and distributed and it was posted on the city’s website and discussed during a May 28 meeting of the Downtown Development Commission (DDC).

Poupore told the Gazette that her organization was aggressive in raising awareness about the program and that she and Favreau both handed out flyers to merchants throughout the downtown area.

Former city councilor Neva (Gross) Lance served as the city council’s liaison on the DDC. She told the Gazette on Wednesday that she recalled “some vague discussion” but no official decision or approval was made at that May 28 meeting.

Councilor Lessard – a member of the Finance Committee – said it does not matter if the program was well intentioned.

“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle makes me raise my eyebrows,” Lessard said. “If this program was so good, it would have been brought to the council.

“Instead, it was buried in an innocuous budget line. Call me a little bit crazy, but I’m not so ready to say that there is nothing wrong with this. I’m not ready to hold hands and sing Kumbaya,” Lessard said.

Councilor Dylan Doughty said he was concerned that the program was being funded by TIF (Tax Increment Finance) funds, which are strictly regulated.

“As a whole, we have committed ourselves to accountability and transparency,” Doughty said, adding that he thinks the city should take a closer look at how all TIF funds are being used to ensure that the city doesn’t end up in a “questionable position.”

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“The fact that this was done during the city’s election cycle

makes me raise my eyebrows.”

— Councilor Marc Lessard

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Mayor LaFountain told the committee he shares their concerns about how the program was launched and operated.

“My concern is not the intentions of the program,” LaFountain said. “We’re just coming off the review of a FY 23 audit that was quite scathing. When we go down this route, we lose public confidence.”

LaFountain told the city manager he would like to see plans and policies put in place to prevent another similar event. “It doesn’t matter who is sitting in these seats,” the mayor said. “We have process failures that we need to correct.”

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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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West Brook skating: an enduring legacy in Biddeford

January 1, 2026January 22, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

The West Brook skating rink in Biddeford was first opened to the public roughly four weeks before Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29^th president of the United States in 1921.

Although the outdoor rink has undergone some dramatic changes over the last century, the heart of its mission has remained unchanged, and it has become an embedded part of the city’s cultural heritage — kept alive by a small team of dedicated volunteers and the generosity of local businesses.

*A recent photo shows a wide age range of kids enjoy the West Brook Skating Rink (Seaver photo)*

Mike Bouthillette is one of those volunteers. In fact, Bouthillette – a lifelong resident who grew up skating at West Brook – is today serving as president of the small group of older volunteers who work to keep the facility alive.

“It’s a lot of work, and we really need more volunteers,” he explains.

Bouthillette says the rink is almost part of his DNA, pausing during our interview to remember his late father, Norman who loved skating at West Brook.

“My dad was a big piece of this rink,” Bouthillette explained. “In fact, over there is the spot where he reportedly first kissed my mother,” he said pointing to the far western side of the outdoor rink.

“When I moved back here in 2018, I knew I wanted to give back to the community,” Bouthillette said. “That’s what drives our core group of volunteers. It’s the love of kids and seeing their smiles. That’s what drives us. That’s why we keep doing it.”

Some things have not changed since the rink first opened more than 100 years ago. There is no charge to use the rink. Ice skates – in a variety of sizes – can be borrowed for free.

The rink does accept donations but it’s the concession sales that keep the lights on and the building heated.

But even the concessions are sold with the needs of working families in mind.

“This is basically the only place in Biddeford where you can get in and out for under $10,” Bouthillette explains. “You can get a hot dog or slice of pizza, some popcorn, hot chocolate and candy all for under $10.”

During the chilly days of winter – especially on the weekends – you can expect to find anywhere from 300 to 500 people skating on the large outdoor rink.

“The rink is bigger than our parking lot, and our parking lot is pretty big,” Bouthillette laughed.

*Mike Bouthillette talks about the generations of families that have enjoyed West Brook skating rink (Seaver photo)*

Fond memories and a lasting legacy

Former Biddeford City Councilor Clement Fleurent has fond memories of skating at West Brook skating rink when he was a teenager in the late 1950s.

“Oh yes, it was quite the spot for young people,” he laughed during a recent interview. “That’s where the boys met the girls.”

Beyond socialization, Fleurent recalled fierce skating competitions on West Brook’s ice.

“I never won,” he laughed. “I always came in second or third. My older brothers – J.P and Jerry — would often win, but not me. They used to laugh a lot about that.”

Fleurent said he recalled hearing about another skating rink across the street from West Brook on the side of Pool Street known as Silver Skate, which was dominated by girls’ skating while the boys raced and did barrel jumping at West Brook.

Fleurent said he learned to skate the same way he learned to swim: trial and error.

“I remember skating at the airport,” he laughed. “There would be a little bit of rain, and it would glaze over. We lived just behind the woods at the airport, so I would just walk over and skate.”

Fleurent also recalled skating on Wilcox Pond near the cemetery on West Street. “We used to skate, regardless of the weather,” Fleurent said. “I remember skating as early as Thanksgiving back then. I would come home basically frozen.”

Fleurent, 90, says he still has his skates, but says his speed skating days are now behind him.

“What great memories we had there,” Fleurent explained. “I remember the parking lot was full and you would see cars parked up and down Pool Street.”

Even then, it was all volunteers who kept the rink operating,” Fleurent said, pointing out that the Laverriere family had a home near the Knights of Columbus Hall, and they would help maintain the ice.

“Kids like Danny Gagne and Henry Paradis were the local legends,” Fleurent recalled. “The only time I come in first is when I’m driving in traffic. I’m always first at the red light.”

*A framed collection of photos from the 1940s adorns one of the walls at the West Brook skating rink*

Keeping the lights on, and the ice clear

Maintaining the property and keeping the rink open is a challenge, and Bouthillette points out that West Brook is the city’s only self-sufficient recreational facility.

Over the past few years, several improvements have been made at the facility, thanks to the generosity of some local businesses and work completed by students at Biddeford’s Regional Center of Technology (BRCOT).

Bouthillette is a master electrician and a teacher at the BRCOT. He says his students helped install new parking lot lights and a sound system at West Brook.

Students from the carpentry program helped repair the rotting floors in the concession building and built new stairs leading down from the parking lot to the ice, he said.

Jim Godbout, owner of Godbout Plumbing and Heating, donated and installed a new heat pump system. The St. Louis Alumni Association donated roughly $26,000 to obtain a tractor that can be used to clear the rink after a snow storm.

Kim Cocharane, the owner of Biddeford Painting, took care of repainting the building’s interior and never sent an invoice for the services or supplies. Jeff Brochu of Camille’s Electric also donated time and supplies for electrical upgrades.

“It’s just incredible,” Bouthillette says. “We have received so much support from the community, but there is still so much we need to do. A lot of things were put off for many years, and so we’re sort of in a catching-up phase.”

*West Brook skating rink is a resource free to use for families and skating enthusiasts*

A big bang for the buck

In November, Biddeford voters approved a $6.1 million bond package to be used for improvements and updates at more than a dozen recreational facilities across the city.

How and where those funds will be used has yet to be determined by the Biddeford City Council, which is planning to solicit broad-scale public comment about where and how the money will be used.

Bouthillette is keeping his fingers crossed that West Brook skating rink will get just a small sliver of that money, estimating he needs less than $50,000 to make much-needed repair to the building’s doors and windows, which are made of plexiglass.

“Right now, we’re pretty much heating the outside,” he said, pointing to a visible gap in the building’s main doorway.

While other facilities, including the Biddeford Ice Arena, the Community Center and the shuttered outdoor skate park near Rotary Park, are each asking for hundreds of thousands of dollars in needed repairs, West Brook has a rather modest funding request.

*Plenty of skates — in a variety of sizes — are available for community use at West Brook skating rink*

City Councilor Marc Lessard – an outspoken advocate for the city’s recreational facilities – says the city can get a “big bang for its buck” by investing a comparatively small amount at the popular skating rink.

“They are doing it all with volunteers,” Lessard said of West Brook skating rink. “When you look at how many people use that facility, it becomes quickly apparent that we can get a lot of citywide value for a pretty modest investment.”

Bouthillette says he knows there are other things that will be much more expensive to repair at West Brook including the dam under Pool Street that is used to help keep the water in the rink.

“We’re trying to be realistic,” he said. “We’re just trying to stay open to serve another generation of Biddeford families.”

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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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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!

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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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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.

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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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Talkin’ Biddeford Politics with Randy Forcier

October 27, 2025March 7, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

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 and Facebook.

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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results

City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.

In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.

Find all the official results from the Biddeford City Clerk’s Office here.

________________

NOTE | You can see my previous interview with Randy — where we talked about my 2024 Top 20 local politicians and policy maker list — at the link below.

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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results

City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.

In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.

Find all the official results from the Biddeford City Clerk’s Office here.

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, 2025February 10, 2026 ~ 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.

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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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City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase

August 7, 2025February 10, 2026 ~ 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.

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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, 2025February 10, 2026 ~ 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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