NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

January 31, 2026February 1, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 7 Comments

According to blogger Mat Zucker, it is becoming more and more important for news outlets to have a pithy, clever tagline that differentiates them from an overflowing pot of news sources and media sites.

“The motto of a news organization is more than just marketing,” Zucker writes. “It’s a declaration of journalistic purpose. These short phrases encapsulate an outlet’s mission, values, and unique approach to reporting.”

Help the Gazette create a tagline, get a gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery *File photo*

As the Biddeford Gazette begins its second year, I’m asking our readers for suggestions and ideas about a possible tagline for our humble, hyper-local organization.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are a couple of ideas that have been rattling around in my mind.

We could co-opt the New York Times famous tagline: “All the news that’s fit to print,” how about this?

The Biddeford Gazette — All the Biddeford news that’s fit to publish on the internet.

Or maybe we could bend this oft-mentioned piece of writing advice:

Biddeford Gazette — An economy of words; a wealth of Biddeford information

One of my favorite potential taglines came to me last year while talking with former mayor Marty Grohman:

The Biddeford Gazette — We’re free, and we’re worth it!

Of course, we could always take the serious and boring route:

The Biddeford Gazette — Your trusted source for Biddeford news and information;

According to the experts, your tagline should really describe your brand and reputation. So, how about:

The Biddeford Gazette — There’s no such thing as a day off in our newsroom?

But my all-time favorite has to be this one from a former colleague who wished to remain anonymous:

The Biddeford Gazette — Where cranky, old-school journalists go to die in southern Maine.

What do you think should be our motto? Send your suggestions to biddefordgazette@gmail.com

If we pick your original suggestion, you get a $20 gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery. Yum!

A busy week!

It’s been a busy week here in the Biddeford Gazette’s newsroom.

We started off the week with a rather interesting story featuring local author Susan Graham’s new book about the “Great Fires of 1947” and how that disaster impacted several Biddeford neighborhoods.

That story was one of the most popular pieces we have published. Dozens of people emailed me their own recollections and the stories that were passed down from generation to generation.

Speaking of fires, we also published an exclusive interview with Biddeford Fire Chief Lawrence Best about the city’s ongoing discussions about a potential substation that would be located in the eastern part of the city.

Of course, we updated a story we first published last year about more than $500,00 of fines the city of Biddeford is facing in IRS penalties for failing to submit employee health insurance records in 2021.

Our original story about the city’s financial problems – including the city’s IRS exposure — was first published in the Biddeford Gazette on March 10, 2025.

All I can say is that I am happy that we now have a new city manager, a new finance director, a new mayor and a relatively new city council.

Our exclusive reporting continued this week on an updated story about a complaint the city filed against the University of New England in York County Superior Court.

Finally, we received a press release a couple of weeks ago from State Rep. Marc Malon of Biddeford about a new bill he introduced.

We could have just copied and pasted Malon’s press release, but we decided to dig a little deeper about his proposal to prohibit the use of credit cards for online sports gambling.

At first blush, I considered Malon’s proposal to be yet another example of government overreach into private affairs, but he convinced me otherwise.

In closing, a funny story about the power and benefit of local news, the flexibility of the internet and accessible reporters. Malon really liked the story, but he was a bit uncomfortable with our original headline: “Online gambling addiction troubles Biddeford lawmaker.”

When Malon texted me to ask if we could change the headline, I was more than happy to oblige. Some people were inferring that Malon was having personal problems with a gambling addiction.

One of my old editors – Harry Foote – was likely rolling in his grave. I had forgotten the most basic fundamentals of headline writing: Short, clear in subject-verb-object order.

And that’s a wrap! Stay warm and be safe!

P.S. Oh, yeah. . . . almost forgot to mention: The Biddeford Gazette is now a registered and incorporated as a non-profit entity in the state of Maine!

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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 investigating use of taxpayer funds for a parking plan launched by former mayor

January 19, 2026January 20, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

According to documents obtained by the Biddeford Gazette, the city of Biddeford is now investigating why more than $16,000 was spent on a downtown parking plan that was never reviewed or authorized by the city council or its Finance Committee.

At Mayor Liam LaFountain’s request, City Attorney Harry B. Center was asked to investigate questions about a temporary program that used various budget lines to fund a free parking program for downtown merchants during last year’s downtown sewer construction project.

The parking project, according to Center’s memo, was allegedly initiated by former Mayor Marty Grohman roughly 90 days before the city’s biennial election. The program was disbanded in mid-November just days after Grohman lost his reelection bid.

*The municipal parking garage on Pearl Street (City photo)*

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette on Sunday, LaFountain confirmed that neither he nor any other elected official was told about the parking program.

LaFountain said he asked Center to investigate how the parking program was launched, operated and funded.

“It appears that it was kept within a small circle of people,” the mayor said. “Unfortunately, no one bothered to tell the council or the Finance Committee.”

LaFountain said he only found out about the project when City Manager Truc Dever asked if he wanted the program to continue.

“I didn’t even know the program existed,” LaFountain said. “It’s certainly troubling. The public expects us to be diligent and careful with public monies. Any major expenditures should be approved by the Finance Committee and then the full city council.”

______________

“It appears that it was kept within a small circle of people”

— Mayor Liam LaFountain

_____________

According to Center’s memo, the parking plan was initiated just weeks before City Manager Truc Dever began her new position with the city.

As part of his investigation, Center spoke with Finance Director Gerry Matherne.

“There was no council approval,” Matherne told Center. “Marty [Grohman] just did it.”

According to Center, Matherne confirmed that the funding source came from the Route 111 TIF (Tax Increment Finance) fund. under a line item known as “Other Professional Consulting Services.”

The funds were disbursed to Premium Parking, the private company that operates the city’s parking garage and several surface lots throughout the downtown area.

The funds were used to offset the cost of parking for vehicles with certain license plate numbers and designed to make street parking downtown much easier during the sewer construction project.

_____________

“There was no council approval. Marty just did it.”

— Finance Director Gerry Matherne

_____________

LaFountain told the Gazette that he was “troubled” by the situation, and said it only further erodes public confidence in City Hall.

Last year, during a review of the city’s FY 2023 audit, the city received a blistering report from its professional auditors who raised concerns about possible mismanagement of federal grant funds and a sloppy cash reconciliation process.

Matherne was hired in February and is continuing her work to address prior problems in the city’s Finance Department.

“Director Matherne is being asked to clean up and reconcile numerous issues that took place before she was hired,” said LaFountain. “Her professionalism and hard work are exactly what the city needs as we try to sort things out.”

Former mayor defends program

Former Biddeford mayor Marty Grohman told the Gazette that he was “unaware” that the city was giving money to Premium Parking to offset costs and provide free parking for certain downtown merchants and their employees.

Grohman said the plan was intended to be “revenue neutral,” and said he never authorized any extra payments to Premium Parking.

Grohman says the paid parking plan came from an idea first discussed during his weekly meetings with downtown merchants and others who were struggling with snarled traffic.

“I didn’t set it up,” Grohman said. “It was Brad Favreau (from the city’s economic development office) who set it up.”

Because of the holiday weekend, City Hall was closed and Favreau was unavailable for comment.

Although Grohman said he thought the program would be revenue neutral, he later said he did “not recall the source of the funding” that would be used.

Grohman said the idea behind his plan was to simply reconfigure spaces and designations of certain downtown parking lots.

Grohman described the plan as a “goodwill agreement” between the city and Premium Parking.

“They (Premium Parking) must have misunderstood the intent of the program,” Grohman said, when asked why the company billed the city an extra $3,170 every month between August and November 2025.

More than two years ago, Grohman was a city councilor and hoping to become the city’s mayor.

Grohman pledged then to “get tough” on the privately operated garage that is still subsidized by the city.

During a May 21, 2023 interview with this reporter, Grohman said the city should not be using TIF funds to make its subsidy payments to Premium Parking.

Grohman then said he considered the use of TIF funds to continue funding revenue shortfalls at the garage as “galling.”

“Our debt service is more than $4 million a year,” Grohman said during that 2023 interview. “I don’t think this [funding of garage revenue shortfalls] is the best use for the TIF funds.”

Next steps

Center’s memo about the parking plan is expected to be addressed during Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. in the council chambers.

From Center’s memo: “In summary, the former mayor on his own initiative –without City Council or Finance Committee vote — directed that the payments be made to Premium Parking for private downtown business employees to park in the parking garage as well as surface lots during the Elm Street sewer construction project.

“Following an initial payment on August 26, 2025, in the amount of $3,690, four additional monthly payments of $3,170 were made from the “Route 111 TIF Fund” totaling $16,370. The payments were for parking but were made from a line item designated “Other Professional/Consulting Service Expense.”

The Gazette has filed a Freedom of Information request for emails that were circulated between July and October between the mayor’s office, Favreau’s office and Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford.

“This situation is outrageous,” said At-Large Councilor Marc Lessard. “You can’t just spend taxpayer dollars to make people feel warm and fuzzy. Our ordinances spell out a process.

“Citizens expect us to adhere to those processes and follow the city charter,” Lessard added.

This story will be updated.

Editor’s Note: The Biddeford Gazette has filed a FOIA request related to this developing story. You may view/download our request by clicking on the link below:

Jan. 19, 2026 FOIA request (2)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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How much does it cost to become mayor?

December 17, 2025December 18, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

According to campaign finance reports, a total of more than $14,200 was spent by the three mayoral candidates in Biddeford’s Nov. 6 municipal election.

Yesterday (Dec.16) was the deadline for filing those reports with the city clerk.

*Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain (City of Biddeford photo)*

Former Mayor Marty Grohman spent the most money in his campaign for a second term, a total of $6,539.31.

Mayor Liam LaFountain spent a total of $4,957.13, and former city councilor Norman Belanger spent $3,135 on his campaign.

In terms of votes, LaFountain edged Grohman by a margin of just 212 votes (2,626 – 2,414). Belanger finished in a distant third with 1,273 votes.

Based on data from the finance reports, Grohman also spent the most on a per-vote basis, roughly $2.71 per vote; Belanger spent $2.46 per vote and LaFountain spent the least on a per-vote basis at $1.89 per vote.

As required by state law, all candidates are required to file two reports regarding details about their campaigns, contributions and expenses. The first report must be filed in mid-October.

The second cumulative report is due no later than 42 days after the election. The city maintains public records of all campaign spending by municipal candidates, including city councilors, school committee members and mayoral candidates.

You can view or download the final reports submitted by the mayoral candidates below.

Candidates are required to detail line-item totals for all money contributed to their campaigns by specific individuals or businesses.

Each candidate must also provide details about how they spent their money during the campaign.

All three mayoral candidates had similar expenses, including direct mail, lawn signs, website design and social media advertising.

*Campaign signs are a major expense for most local campaigns.*

Candidates are allowed to donate an unlimited amount to their own campaigns.

To obtain copies of other campaign finance reports, please contact the Biddeford City Clerk’s office.

Please find the final reports below (in alphabetical order).

BELANGER:

CFR Belanger Download

GROHMAN:

CFR Marty Download

LaFOUNTAIN:

CFR LaFountain4 Download

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate information regarding former city councilor Norm Belanger’s mayoral campaign. Belanger spent a total of $3,135. His per vote total was $2.46. We apologize for the error. The story has been amended with the correct information.

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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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2025: A year of big changes in Biddeford

December 10, 2025December 11, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

There is little doubt that 2025 was a year of substantive change for the city of Biddeford. From political fallout to major infrastructure improvements and new business openings, this year featured a plethora of news stories about change.

In fact, even the news/media landscape changed as a new digital news source began operations, and a 36-year-old weekly newspaper ceased printing.

Like all other years, there was good news and bad news. Highs and lows.

So now we invite you to look back on what we believe were the Top-10 news stories in Biddeford during 2025. (Listed chronologically)

City Manager terminated

In February, the city council placed longtime City Manager James Bennett on “paid administrative leave.” Bennett, hired 10 years earlier, found himself embroiled and at the center of several controversies at City Hall over the last few months.

Bennett had announced his “phased retirement” in Oct. 2024, saying that he would leave his position in April 2025, with more than a year remaining on his contract.

Bennett subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city. The city opted to approve an out-of-court settlement of roughly $90,000.

Newspaper ceases publication

Like many other weekly newspapers in southern Maine, the Biddeford-Saco Courier – owned by the Portland Press Herald’s parent company – ceased publishing its print publication in early March.

Though the Courier is no longer published, its parent company now publishes a weekly, digital only newsletter.

The Courier was originally owned and operated by David and Carolyn Flood, Saco residents who later moved to Biddeford. David Flood was elected to and served briefly on the Biddeford City Council.

Major road construction project begins

In April, the city began an extensive sewer separation project on lower Elm Street (Route One). The project would last more than seven months and disrupted traffic flow throughout the city’s downtown area.

The project had an adverse impact on many downtown merchants and was jokingly dubbed as “The Nightmare on Elm Street.”

The mandated project faced intense criticism on social media sites, but was ultimately completed just a few days after the expected finish date.

Chamber hires, fires and hires new director

In May, the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce hired Matt Lewis as the agency’s new executive director after Jim LaBelle’s announced retirement. Just six months later, the Chamber fired Lewis and decided to hire Alex MacPhail as the organization’s new executive director.

Boys’ baseball team wins state championship

In June, the 15-4 Biddeford High School Tigers defeated the 17-3 Mount Ararat High School Eagles in the Class A Maine State Championship baseball game.

The Tigers rallied from two three-run deficits to beat Mt. Ararat and win their first state championship since 1984.

Truc Dever hired as new city manager

Also, in June, the City Council voted to hire Truc Dever as the new city manager. Dever was previously serving as the director of public works in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland, Wash.

In her previous position as public work director in Kirkland, Dever oversaw a staff of more than “170 employees across multiple divisions, including utilities, transportation and capital projects,” according to the city’s website.

JFK School closes after more than 60 years

The city’s JFK memorial elementary school dismissed its final classes in June. Voters previously approved a plan to expand Biddeford’s Primary School to accommodate JFK students.

School Supt. Jeremy Ray said that moving the city’s youngest students to BPS will give those children more stability and a less fractured learning experience.

“Going forward, students will be in the same building from Pre- K to second grade,” Ray said. “This way, the kids have four years in one building with lots of familiar faces.”

Planning board approves UNE’s pier proposal

*The Biddeford Planning Board held a site walk to review the University of New England’s proposed research pier (Seaver photo)*

In August, the Biddeford Planning Board narrowly approved a proposal by the University of New England to construct a large-scale research pier on the Saco River, adjacent to the school’s Biddeford campus.

The approval of the controversial project drew the ire of several residents who attempted to appeal the decision. The Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals, however, voted unanimously (3-0) to stand by the planning board’s decision. The city — in November — filed a formal complaint about the project in York County Superior Court. A judicial review is pending.

Citizens organize grievance meeting

In October, more than 100 residents collected enough signatures to force a special “citizens’ grievance’ meeting before the Biddeford City Council.

During that meeting, residents raised concerns about how the city managed the review process of the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal. Residents’ concerns included the city’s decision to remove the harbormaster from the review process and unanswered questions about impacts on moorings held by commercial fishermen.

Voters choose new mayor, city councilors

*Liam LaFountain (foreground, wearing glasses) celebrates his win on election night with several of his supporters. (Seaver photo)*

Biddeford voters sent a clear message in November: They wanted a big change in city government.

In a three-way mayoral race, Mayor Marty Grohman was denied a second term by nearly two-thirds of those who cast ballots in Biddeford’s biennial, municipal election.

City Councilor Liam LaFountain narrowly won that three-way race, edging out Grohman with 210 votes, a margin of roughly three percent.

LaFountain campaigned and won on a platform of more transparency and accountability from City Hall.

Four new city councilors were also sworn into office, including Lisa Vadnais, Abigail Woods, David Kurtz and Jacob Pierson. Former councilors Patricia Boston and Brad Cote returned to the council after an extended hiatus of several years.

Other stories:

Of course, there were several other significant stories that took place over the last year, including a significant August fire that displaced two Biddeford families; a rather scathing report issued by the city’s financial auditors in August and the approval of two significant housing projects near the site of the former MERC trash-to-energy incinerator.

Several new businesses popped up in 2025, including an L.L. Bean outlet store, a Firestone Tire center and a new indoor recreation facility in the former Five Points shopping center.

And I’ll go ahead and toot our own horn. The Biddeford Gazette formally began its operations in January and now features a roster of contributing writers, expanded community-based news coverage and weekly obituaries.

When Laura and I started the project, we weren’t sure whether the endeavor would last six months. We exceeded all of our expectations, even after breaking my right arm in August.

I also want to note that our community lost Vincent Keely earlier this year. Keely, a former city councilor, was a beloved downtown business owner and reliably ensured the “raising of the Irish flag” at City Hall every year on St, Patrick’s Day. His restaurant – the Wonderbar – was a favorite hangout for city officials, reporters and others who wanted to keep updated about city news and events.

Now we’re looking forward to what 2026 will bring.

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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: A change will do us good?

November 19, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber — back row and closest to the door.

With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room.

That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that the shit hits the fan.

I almost didn’t go to the meeting. I had a pretty bad headache, and Laura suggested that I could just stay home and watch the meeting online.

Nope, I said, reaching for my jacket. This would be the last meeting for this current group of city councilors.

It would also be the last council meeting for Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman.

*The last regular meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)*

Tuesday’s council meeting was yet another significant moment in our city’s history. The transition process has begun. A new administration will take over the reins in less than two weeks, during the Dec. 2 inauguration ceremony at City Theater.

I am excited about the change, but I am also feeling some trepidation and even some sadness.

Over the last two years, this current council has become akin to a favorite chair that is a tad worn, a bit stained — but always a good fit and comfortably familiar.

Yes, it’s time for a new chair. But I am going to miss this one.

Waiting for the meeting to start, I began pondering all the ups and downs that this council and mayor have faced over the last two years.

There were some high points and some low points. There was anger and there was laughter. I suppose the same could be said for any governing body, but you simply cannot deny that this council was battle-tested during the last two years.

You simply cannot deny that
this council was battle-tested
during the last two years.

Change is an unavoidable part of life. We have to let go of the familiar in order to discover new opportunities. That is often easier said than done.

You say hello, and I say goodbye

The mayor seemed somewhat somber during Tuesday’s council meeting. He smiled and laughed during some of the meeting’s light-hearted moments, but you could almost feel his sadness.

And who could blame him? Marty put his heart and soul into the job. When he took over the reins two years ago, he was brimming with ideas and energy.

He was a fresh voice following a 12-year run by his predecessor and mentor, Alan Casavant.

*Mayor Marty Grohman (right) chairs the final city council meeting of his term while mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) reviews an agenda item during Tuesday’s meeting*

Marty pledged to hit the ground running. And he made good on that promise. So, naturally, it’s easy to understand why his loss for a second term stings – and will probably sting for a long time to come.

When Marty took over, he inherited some challenges that were not his fault. Former city manager James Bennett was acting like a petulant overlord at City Hall, and he would treat city councilors like a group of adolescents learning how to French kiss.

There were other challenges: a skyrocketing unhoused population, a finance department in chaos and the hemorrhaging of city staff.

Marty rolled up his sleeves and jumped immediately into the deep end of the pool. He never checked the water temperature or whether there were other swimmers in his path.

You have to go back more than 30 years to find another mayor who only served one term in office. Talk about a lonely-hearts club.

During a break of Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Marty Grohman invited the public and city councilors to join him for a ceremonial piece of cake to mark the last meeting of the 2023-2025 Biddeford City Council (Seaver photo)

The perfect storm

Two years ago, the city’s elections could easily be described as a “sleeper” affair. Only two city council seats were being contested. Every sitting councilor sought another term.

By contrast, this year’s elections saw contests in five of the seven ward council seats and a three-way contest for the two at-large council seats.

Moreover, Councilors William Emhiser, Scott Whiting and Neva Gross decided to step down this year. Councilors Norman Belanger and Liam LaFountain gave up their seats to run for the mayor’s chair.

There was some excitement in the air this year. Six political newcomers decided to run for council and three of them won their respective campaigns (Abigail Woods, David Kurtz and Jake Pierson).

This last election also broke records in voter turnout for off-year, municipal elections.

What was behind that groundswell of interest in Biddeford’s municipal affairs?

The short answer is: a lot.

But I think the real reason is a bit nuanced and somewhat complex. There is no denying that there has been a cloud of discontent hanging over Biddeford for almost two years.

There was some
excitement in
the air this year.

What’s the frequency, Kenneth?

Almost out of the gate, Marty and the current council were knocked on their heels by back-to-back resignations. Both former Ward Four Councilor Bobby Mills and then — two weeks later – former Ward Five Councilor Julian Schlaver resigned, both citing “personal reasons.”

Dyland Doughty won a special election to take over Mills’ vacated seat; and Neva Gross was appointed to serve the remainder of Schlaver’s term.

Only a few weeks ago, former at-large councilor Doris Ortiz announced her resignation because she was moving to a new home outside of the city.

Three resignations in one term? That seems like a record to me.

Two years ago, Councilor Liam LaFountain jockeyed to become council president, ousting Councilor Norm Belanger from that role in a 6-3 vote.

Affordable housing became the focus of the new administration.

Earlier this year, the council received a blistering report about its delayed financial audits from an outside accounting firm.

*Wade Goldthwait addresses the city council during a citizens grievance meeting about the University of New England’s planned research pier*

Former city manager James Bennett was finally ousted from his office and then filed a lawsuit against the city.

The city hired Truc Dever to become the new city manager.

A major sewer upgrade project along Elm Street drew the ire of residents and downtown business owners who were impacted by the seven-month construction project.

In the background – beyond the council’s purview – there was increasing tension and controversy brewing about a proposed pier that the University of New England hopes to build on the Saco River.

The city ramped up efforts to address the issues of homelessness, clearing out a large encampment near Mechanics Park.

Planning Board Member Roch Angers spoke at a city council meeting regarding his concerns about the UNE pier. The mayor then tried to have Angers removed from his position on the planning board.

Citizens circulated petitions and collected enough signatures to trigger a “citizens grievance” meeting about the UNE pier.

In July, residents saw one of the most heated and tense council meetings in recent memory, calling into question two major development projects on Pearl Street.

Of course, there were many other things that shaped this current council and Marty’s term as mayor but now it is time for us to turn and face the winds of change.

It’s time to recycle that old, comfortable recliner. Let’s see what the future brings.

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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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Veterans Day 2025

November 11, 2025November 11, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Scores of people braved chilly temperatures and biting winds to celebrate the annual Biddeford-Saco Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday.

This year’s ceremony featured the unveiling of the Gen. Wallace H. Nutting Memorial Bridge.

*Gen. Wallace Nutting’s children attended the dedication ceremony of a bridge named in their father’s honor. (L-R) Sally Nutting Somes, John Nutting, Katherine Haughs and Elizabeth Hood.*

Nutting’s four children were on hand for the dedication of the bridge at the base of York Hill.

This year’s parade featured marching bands from Thornton Academy, Biddeford High School, and Saco Middle School.

*Members of the Biddeford High School marching band played Taps during the opening ceremony.*

*A small crowd on the Biddeford side of the bridge awaits the start of the annual parade*

Local leaders pose with members of Gen. Nutting’s family moments after the bridge was dedicated (L-R) State Rep. Marshall Alexander (D-Saco), Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford), Katherine Haughs, John Nutting, Sally Nutting Somes, Elizabeth Hood and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman (Randy Seaver photo)

*Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman attended the ceremonies.*

*Members of Boy Scout Troop 310 raised the American flag*

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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Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’

November 5, 2025November 6, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Just hours after losing the mayor’s seat, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he will issue a formal apology to Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain during Thursday’s city council meeting.

LaFountain narrowly won the three-way race with 42 percent of the vote (2,623). Grohman received 2,413 votes (38.3 percent).

After the polls closed Tuesday, I offered Gazette readers feedback I received from several voters, speculating that Grohman shot himself in the foot on Sunday by penning a vitriolic op-ed column that leveled attacks against LaFountain.

Grohman lost the election by only 210 votes. It was not a landslide election.

Yes, there are lots of reasons why LaFountain was able to defeat two older and more-seasoned candidates, but Grohman’s op-ed left a sour taste in the mouths of several voters.

Many voters told me yesterday that they are upset about skyrocketing property taxes, a lack of affordable housing and a sense of unchecked development.

Marty is not responsible for many of the things that motivated voter turnout, but he is the incumbent, and most people wanted change. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of voters chose someone other than Marty to be the city’s next leader.

The analysis of yesterday’s election doesn’t matter much, but what does matter is the fact that Marty realized his mistake and says he will issue a “formal apology” tomorrow.

Grohman indicated that he will apologize in a comment he posted on my personal Facebook page.

“Let me use this thread to apologize to Liam,” Grohman wrote. “However you read the race, he ran an excellent, excellent campaign, extremely well run with a great team, and worked very, very hard.

“I will issue a more formal apology at Thursday’s Council meeting,” he added.

Grohman’s willingness to publicly own and acknowledge his mistake is an excellent example of leadership.

We all make mistakes. The first step in correcting those mistakes is to acknowledge and own them.

Marty is a smart, innovative thinker with lots of energy. I am not worried about his future.

The loss of Tuesday’s election will likely sting for a long time, but so will the never-ending list of opportunities for leadership and community service.

Thank you for your service, Marty. You are one of Biddeford’s loudest and most passionate champions. I hope you will continue to be involved in the community you love.

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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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Biddeford chooses new mayor

November 4, 2025November 5, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Biddeford voters chose City Council President Liam LaFountain to be Biddeford’s next mayor.

LaFountain edged incumbent Marty Grohman 2,623 – 2,413. City Councilor Norman Belanger placed third with 1, 272 votes.

For the first time, the Biddeford City Council will include three women. Patricia Boston won her campaign in Ward One; political newcomer Abigail Woods will be the next Ward Two councilor; and School Committee member Lisa Vadnais will join the council as one of two at-large representatives.

*Mayor-elect Liam LaFountain (left) chats with supporters who gathered at Pizza By Alex*

Incumbent Marc Lessard will keep his at-large seat. Councilor Roger Beaupre was unopposed on the ballot and will return to represent Ward Three. Political newcomer David Kurtz was unopposed and will represent Ward Five.

In Ward Six, Jake Pierson won his race against Roger Hurtubise. Former councilor Brad Cote edged out challenger Sam Pecor in Ward Seven.

Biddeford voters also approved two local bond questions for sewer separation projects and recreational facility upgrades,

“I am honored to have the support of so many people.” LaFountain told his supporters during a campaign party at Pizza By Alex.

*Bobby Mills (right) congratulated his opponent Dylan Doughty who won the Ward Four race, 430-340 (Seaver photo)*

Detailed results from the City Clerk’s office are included below:

Question 1: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $20,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Separating and Improving the City’s Storm and Sanitary Sewer Systems in accordance with the signed Administrative Consent Agreement with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection” be ratified and approved?”

Yes: 4708

No: 1497

Blank: 396

Total: 6601

Question 2: “Shall the the Order of the Biddeford City Council entitled “Order Authorizing Issuance of $6,000,000 of the City’s General Obligation Bonds for Improvements to the City’s Recreation Facilities” be ratified and approved?”

Yes: 3984

No: 2221

Blank: 396

Total: 6601

Question 3: “Shall a Charter Commission be established for the purpose of revising the municipal charter?”

Yes: 3457

No: 2305

Blank: 839

Total: 6601

Mayor

LaFountain, Liam: 2626

Grohman, Martin: 2414

Belanger, Norman: 1273

Blank: 288

Total: 6601

Councilor at Large

Vadnais, Lisa: 3766

Lessard, Marc P.: 3005

Sheikh-Yousef, Nasreen: 1897

Blank: 4532

Total: 13200

Ward 1 Councilor

LaBelle, James: 217

Boston, Patricia: 610

Blank: 73

Ward 1 Total: 900

Ward 2 Councilor

Woods, Abigail: 381

McCurry Jr., John: 289

Blanks: 115

Ward 2 Total: 785

Ward 3 Councilor

Beaupre, Roger P.: 850

Blank: 220

Ward 3 Total: 1070

Ward 4 Councilor

Doughty, Dylan: 430

Mills, Bobby, J.: 340

Blank: 105

Ward 4 Total: 875

Ward 5 Councilor

Kurtz, David: 553

Blank: 211

Ward 5 Total: 764

Ward 6 Councilor

Pierson, Jacob: 562

Hurtubise, Roger: 381

Blank: 189

Ward 6 Total: 1132

Ward 7 Councilor

Pecor, Samuel: 375

Cote, Brad: 581

Blank: 119

Ward 7 Total: 1075

School Committee

Amy E. Clearwater: 2718

Meagan E. Desjardins: 3242

Andrew Chad Barrs: 1970

Stephanie C Edwards: 2360

Michele L. Landry: 2799

Marie E. Potvin: 3175

Timothy P. Stebbins: 3044

Jessica A. Cinquegrano: 1971

Karen S. Ruel: 2486

Henley, Emily L: 2667

Blank: 19757

School Total: 46189

Wardens and Ward Clerks for Wards 1-7 are all blanks, as there were no candidates listed on the ballot for these races.

Statewide Referendum Return of Votes Cast

MUNICIPALITY: BIDDEFORD – 1 (1-1)

Total Number of Ballots Cast: 6591

Question 1: “Do you want to change Maine election laws to eliminate two days of absentee voting, prohibit requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, end ongoing absentee voter status for seniors and people with disabilities, ban prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes, limit the number of drop boxes, require voters to show certain photo ID before voting, and make other changes to our elections?”

Yes: 1608

No: 4940

Blank: 43

Question 2: “Do you want to allow courts to temporarily prohibit a person from having dangerous weapons if law enforcement, family, or household members show that the person poses a significant danger of causing physical injury to themselves or others?”

Yes: 5013

No: 1540

Blank: 38

OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty

November 2, 2025November 2, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

I have to break a promise.

A few weeks ago, Dennis “Duke” Dutremble invited me to join him for lunch. I seized that opportunity.

If you’re into local politics, you already know that the Dutremble name is legendary and highly respected in the community. Duke’s father, Lucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble, served three terms as Biddeford’s mayor and 15 terms in the Maine House of Representatives.

Duke followed in his father’s footsteps and served seven terms in the Maine Senate, including one term as senate president.

When Duke Dutremble talks, you listen.

*Duke Dutremble and I seem to be channeling Marty Grohman’s insatiable need for selfies.*

In 1994, Duke almost won a U.S. Congressional seat. Almost.

Duke lost his race against Republican James Longley, Jr. by less than two percentage points. Dutremble says that — more than 30 years later – the loss still stings.

During our lunch meeting, Dutremble shared his theory about why he lost that campaign. “I refused to go negative,” he said. “Most of my supporters and campaign staff were saying I needed to go after Longley because it was such a tight race. But I refused.”

Dutremble narrowly lost that election because his integrity and principles meant more to him than winning an election.

A new low for Biddeford?

Duke offered me some sage advice two months ago: Between now and Election Day, do not write any opinion pieces about the candidates, he advised.

Duke’s advice made good sense — right up until this morning when I received Mayor Marty Grohman’s guest column for the Gazette and then threw up a little in my mouth.

Two weeks ago, I notified the three mayoral candidates that they could each submit one column, outlining why they should be the city’s next mayor.

Yesterday, we published the response from Liam LaFountain. Earlier today, we published the response from Norman Belanger.

Both Belanger and LaFountain used the opportunity to underscore the principles of their campaigns and explain their positions on various issues.

Neither Belanger nor LaFountain made any comments about other candidates. But Marty used the bulk of his column to attack and vilify LaFountain and his supporters

“The gloves are off,” the mayor wrote. “Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.”

Of course, Grohman shared no evidence to support his claims.

*Marty Grohman:* *Biddeford’s most insecure mayor?*

Grohman touched upon some of his accomplishments, but the bulk of his column was a rambling screed against LaFountain.

I have been watching Biddeford politics for 30 years. I have never seen a sitting mayor personally attack an opponent, relying on scare tactics and innuendo to make their point.

A promise broken

I apologize to Duke, but I cannot just sit by and silently watch the floundering and desperate mayor hurl personal insults.

Grohman’s column reveals and explains several things about his character and his approach to city politics in three simple steps.

Step One: Start off by being a victim, blaming others and absolving yourself of any responsibility.

“In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote,” Grohman wrote. “The [city] council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures.”

Step Two: After absolving yourself from any responsibility, brag about things that others have accomplished. Take credit for only the positive things happening in the city.

“It’s been a good two years,” Grohman writes, conveniently forgetting how much others have contributed to the city’s success. “We’ve gotten a lot done.”

Step Three: Attack your strongest opponents. Raise doubts about their character and commitment to the city. Accuse them of things with no evidence. Cast them as a boogeyman.

A used car salesman approach to politics

A common complaint about our mayor: “When you shake hands with Marty, you can almost see him looking over your shoulder to see if someone more important is in the room.”

Two weeks ago, Marty was ready to throw City Clerk Robin Patterson under the bus when he was asked why an agenda item about the UNE pier was not on the city council’s agenda.

He ignored the request made by Councilors Marc Lessard and LaFountain, and publicly said he “didn’t know about their request.” That is a lie. How do I know that? Because after I called him on it, he provided copies of the emails sent to him by Lessard and LaFountain several days prior.

He knew about it. He just didn’t want it on the agenda. When pressed, he backstepped and said the error happened because of a “busy city clerk.”

Forty-eight hours later, during a citizens meeting about the UNE pier, the mayor was handing out documents and saying he was not responsible for the removal of the harbormaster from the review process.

The truth? Grohman never said a peep when the former city manager yanked the harbormaster from the review process. In fact, the mayor repeatedly supported the former city manager’s decision.

But the mayor sure changed his tune when confronted with a roomful of residents who were pissed about the harbormaster’s removal.

Grohman has done a pretty good job in being a cheerleader for the city, but he can never resist a photo op for himself. If there’s no one there to take his picture, he simply posts yet another selfie.

Sure, it’s good to support local businesses, but why do you have your picture in every post?

When I wrote profiles about Dupuis Hardware, Biddo Bahn, Nibblesford and Georges, I took pictures of the owners or employees. I didn’t feel compelled to include a picture of me.

Last night, I witnessed a stunning difference between Marty Grohman and Liam LaFountain during a charity event for the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

Marty spent the evening gladhanding the crowd, pointing out that he is the mayor. LaFountain, on the other hand, remained at his own table with his wife and a few other people. He didn’t work the room. He was there – like most of us – to help a deserving charity.

Marty is always kissing babies and posing for flattering photos. He diligently avoids talking about difficult or challenging subjects.

He’s always looking for the easy way out, furtively scanning the horizon for the next vote or handshake. He is the consummate politician, and that is the problem.

Dutremble chose integrity over votes. It’s too bad Marty wasn’t at that lunch meeting. He could have learned something valuable; something about leadership and integrity.

________________

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 blasts his opponent; seeks your vote

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

Mayor Marty Grohman touts his accomplishments, skewers his opponent

By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette

In Biddeford, the mayor doesn’t have a vote. The Council has all the power of passing legislation and budget expenditures. The mayor, according to the City Charter, can only set the tone, act as a catalyst for change and progress and project a vision.

Still, it’s been a good two years. We’ve gotten a lot done. A new attitude of responsiveness and customer service in city hall. New businesses opening, new programs that are housing the homeless at more than one a week. But there’s a lot at stake.

I’m running against a young firebrand, who’s gotten a lot of endorsements, but voters need to know there is a cost to those endorsements.

I suspect many of you have wondered why vocal fiscal council conservatives would be supporting a candidate whose fiscal philosophy is from the far left.

Using tactics not seen in years, my opponent is making backroom deals with city councilors to guarantee them coveted committee assignments, in return for their support.

I have never played that political game and never will. I won’t put you on the Finance committee if you endorse me. I’ll put you on the Finance committee if you’re the best person for the job, and that’s it.

And if that kind of backroom dealmaking isn’t the opposite of “accountability” and “transparency”, I don’t know what is.

With me, what you see is what you get. No games. No secret deals. No demonization of investors and businesses. Just a deep caring for this community and a desire to make things better. While I am not perfect, I try my best and assist everyone that I can.

It’s disingenuous for my opponent, who is the Council President, to now claim that he’s pro-business, when he has relentlessly driven up the costs of business: like making it cost ten thousand bucks to hook up a sink.

Yes, the gloves are coming off.
But I think it’s important that
you know these things.
— Marty Grohman

He never took a risk and started a business. He has no idea how hard that is, how every chance you take puts your life savings on the line.And he attacks the people who invest in Biddeford, including developers trying to create affordable housing opportunities. He’s earned a statewide reputation as anti-development.

Importantly, the Council President presided over the biggest increases to the municipal services budget that the city has ever seen and increased fees, including for many permits and licenses. Though by Charter I could not vote on the budget, the $733,000 in cuts that I proposed, trying to be responsive to the concerns of taxpayers, instead were blocked by the Council President.

Of the three candidates running for mayor, the Council President is, by far, the most fiscally liberal. In this economy, I don’t think the city can afford his budgetary philosophy and excessive spending.

Yes, the gloves are coming off. But I think it’s important that you know these things. Portland-style policies like rent control will end Biddeford’s comeback. And if some of his endorsements sound like strange political bedfellows, now you know why.

So, if you want to go back to the days of empty storefronts and avoiding downtown, that’s what’s at stake in this election. Remember when you used to tell people you live ‘near Portland’ instead of now proudly saying, ‘I live in Biddeford’?

I don’t want to go back there either. I want to keep Biddeford growing, positive and a place that you’re proud of. A safe place for you to raise a family and build a career. Together we can make that happen. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 4.

Editor’s Note: All three mayoral candidates have been given the opportunity to submit their own guest column.

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Teachers union offers dual ‘endorsements,” gives candidates access to PAC funds

October 30, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

Campaign “endorsements” from the Biddeford Teachers Association (BTA) caused some confusion yesterday when two of Biddeford’s three mayoral candidates announced that they received the union’s endorsement.

The BTA endorsed both Mayor Marty Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain in their bids to become the city’s next mayor.

Councilor Norman Belanger – the third mayoral candidate – was not endorsed by the BTA. He was unavailable for comment at press time.

Beyond bragging rights, the endorsement from the Biddeford Teachers Association also opens up potential campaign funds from the statewide Maine Education Association Political Action Campaign (PAC) fund.

According to an email the BTA sent to Grohman and LaFountain, they both earned the recommendation from the union’s Screening and Endorsement Committee.

The teachers’ union sent all candidates a questionnaire. The endorsements were based upon how the candidates answered those questions from the union.

Allison Pickering, vice president of the Biddeford Teachers Association, said the organization – “after great consideration” — decided to make a dual endorsement in the mayoral race, recommending two candidates for support by the union’s membership.

Pickering – a fifth-grade teacher at Biddeford Middle School — was not available for comment at press time, but according to the email she sent both Grohman and LaFountain, she described the two men as “preferred candidates.”

According to Pickering’s email, teachers in the city’s public schools are being asked to support Grohman and LaFountain, writing “we appreciate your commitment to the students and communities we serve.

“We thank you for taking the time to complete our candidate questionnaire and for sharing your views with us.

“We feel you will be a strong candidate dedicated to improving our local schools while listening and respecting the front-line educators who work with students every day,” she added.

Pickering told Grohman and LaFountain, that the BTA “will be working with staff at the Maine Education Association to make sure educators all over our city are aware of our support for your candidacy.”

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

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OPINION: Campaign predictions and a free lunch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what about my predictions?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My predictions for 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheikh-Yousef made three big mistakes this year.

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

But the other two reasons are more serious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_____________________

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

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OPINION: Behind the Scenes — Biddeford elections and the Biddeford Gazette

October 28, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Thanks to Randy Forcier for the opportunity to discuss Biddeford’s upcoming elections and the genesis of the Biddeford Gazette.

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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Mayor offers two city council endorsements

October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By RANDY SEAVER, Editor

NOTE: This story was updated to include comments from city council candidate Abigail Woods.

As Election Day draws closer, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is endorsing at least two city council candidates.

Grohman today announced his endorsement of Brad Cote in the city’s Ward Seven race. Grohman also says he will be endorsing John McCurry in the Ward Two race over political newcomer Abigail Woods.

Earlier today, Cote posted a brief video of himself on Instagram. Within minutes, the mayor – through his campaign page – offered an endorsement of Cote over Sam Pecor, the other Ward Seven candidate.

“Brad is experienced and level headed,” Grohman wrote. “He is the clear choice for this seat. Please join me in supporting Brad Cote for Ward 7!”

You can see Cote’s video and the mayor’s endorsement here.

Cote told the Gazette that the mayor’s comment was unsolicited. “I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing,” he laughed.

Pecor said he is not especially surprised that Grohman endorsed his opponent in the Ward Seven race, especially since the endorsement came less than 24 hours after he publicly criticized the mayor during a special public meeting on Thursday.

“I’m not sure if this is
a good thing or a bad thing”
— Candidate Brad Cote

Grohman said his endorsement of Cote was not related to Pecor’s public criticism on Thursday night.

When asked if he would be endorsing other city council races, Grohman said he is supporting John McCurry in the Ward Two race over Abigail Woods. Grohman also said he would like to see McCurry become the next council president.

The mayor did not respond to our question about whether he will also make endorsements in the at-large race and in the Wards One, Four and Six races.

“Again, this is something that raises concern about the mayor’s ability to be impartial and transparent,” Pecor said. “You can’t say with a straight face that this is coincidence. It’s very hard to believe that my criticism of the mayor and his endorsement of my opponent today are unrelated.”

Ward Two candidate Abigail Woods said she was disappointed that Grohman endorsed her opponent, especially since she and the mayor both share a priority in meeting the needs of the unhoused and low-income renters, issues that Woods describes as her area of expertise.

“We are all neighbors,” Woods said. “Ideally we will work together no matter who is elected. His endorsement of only two individuals could make this challenging.”

McCurry said he was also surprised to learn that the mayor was his endorsing his campaign in Ward Two.

“I never asked for his endorsement,” McCurry said. “But if he is going to be offering endorsements, he should do them for all the races. There is nothing wrong with the mayor endorsing candidates, but he should not be picking and choosing only certain races.”

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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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Residents sound off about UNE pier, mayor tries to rewrite history

October 23, 2025October 24, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, editor

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council listened Thursday evening to several residents who raised concerns about how the city has handled its review of a controversial pier project that the University of New England wants to build on the Saco River.

Roughly 55 people attended Thursday’s special Citizens Grievance meeting, and more than a dozen of them took turns speaking at the podium about a wide array of concerns about the pier’s review process and its proposed location.

Although an appeal of the Biddeford Planning Board’s narrow approval will take place on November 13, the university’s plan has already been approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Saco River Commission.

*Wade Goldthwait of Biddeford Pool tells the council that the city missed several opportunities for a better review process, (Seaver photo)*

One of the most notable complaints of the evening came from several people who said the city’s harbormaster should have been part of the review process.

In the moments before the meeting started, Mayor Grohman was circulating copies of letters that were sent to Biddeford’s harbormaster by former city manager James Bennett last year.

“It’s important that people understand I had nothing to do with removing the harbormaster from the review process,” said Grohman who is hoping voters will give him another term in the Nov. 5 election.

Although Grohman did not personally tell the harbormaster to step down, he consistently said he supported Bennett’s decision.

In a Saco Bay News interview with this reporter last year, Grohman said that Bennett made the right decision to remove the harbormaster.

“I think we have come a long way over the past few years,” Grohman said during that 2024 interview. “From where I sit, it appears to me that the university is more than willing to work with us. We all know that relationship has not always been smooth, but I am reasonably confident we can work together.”

Grohman was singing a much different tune on Thursday to a packed council chamber full of people upset about how the city has handled the review process. He nervously paced through the audience, handing out copies of Bennett’s letters and directives to Paul Lariviere, the city’s harbormaster.

In July 2024, as the city was scrambling to find a new harbormaster, Grohman said: “There’s really nothing in our ordinances about how to proceed in this situation. We have been put into a difficult position.”

University of New England Vice President Alan Thibault and the school’s senior attorney sat in the back row during the grievance meeting, quietly listening to some scathing citizen comments. They did not take notes.

After the meeting, Thibault declined an opportunity to comment about the meeting and the concerns raised.

Tensions and concerns run deep

The meeting was moderated by Craig Pendleton, a former commercial fisherman with deep ties to the community.

Although many residents expressed frustration about how the review process was handled, all the speakers spoke with civility and respect, following the basic guidelines that Pendleton laid out during his opening statement.

Wade Goldthwait, a highly respected resident and businessman in Biddeford Pool, said the harbormaster should have never been removed. “It’s too bad that it has come to this, it just breaks my heart.”

Carole Alexander, wife of the late Marshall Alexander, who was the city’s harbormaster for 37 years, said the current harbormaster was not “biased” against the university. “He was just doing his job,” she said. “Was he biased because he would not back down to an institution with deep pockets?

“The problem is not the pier,” she added. “The problem is its location.”

Steve Martin said the city’s charter is clear and that the harbormaster can only be removed by the city council, not the city manager. “This doesn’t sit right with me, and it doesn’t feel right.” he said.

“The problem is not the pier.
The problem is its location.”
— Carole Alexander

Capt. Shawn Tibbetts, who has owned his mooring on the Saco River for 14 years, said he will be directly impacted by the proposed pier location. “At least seven mooring owners will be impacted by this thing,” he said. “We have been ignored and removed all local knowledge from the process.”

Tibbetts pointed out that Randy Desmaris, Biddeford’s assistant harbormaster, or Saco’s harbormaster could have been tapped to review the project if the city felt that Lariviere was biased.

Resident Ken Buechs said he felt as if the city’s Planning Board was “coached by the city attorney to arrive at a pre-determined location.”

Joe Emmons of Biddeford said the council needs to learn how “to avoid this situation in the future.”

“How does this pier actually benefit the citizens of Biddeford?” he added.

“Now that we know that there is a 250-foot buffer zone that was overlooked, how can the city issue a permit,” asked Gary McMullen.

Emma Bouthillette, a former university student, said she was dismayed that the university seems indifferent to environmental impacts as they continue a course of more development and an increasing campus.

“I have seen several projects just pushed through,” she said. “They have impacted wetlands and critical habitats. This pier is another attempt to get what they want without regard for the environment.”

The meeting lasted a little more than an hour and the audience applauded when the meeting was concluded.

“I think people were pleased to have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns in a constructive manner,” Pendleton said.

Councilor Roger Beaupre said he was impressed by the tone and process of the meeting. “I had no idea what to expect,” he said. “But I think it was well organized and presented.”

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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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UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake

October 14, 2025October 15, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 7 Comments

Although the University of New England has cleared all the reviews and hurdles needed to begin construction of a large pier on the Saco River, the Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) has now admitted it made a crucial mistake while approving the university’s application in 2024.

The Saco River Corridor Commission (SRCC) voted in August 2024 to approve the university’s pier project, which includes construction of an access road that can accommodate large vehicles including fire/rescue trucks.

That access road, however, will be constructed within a 250-foot non-development “buffer” zone that was created by an agreement between the university and the SRCC in 2001.

Alan Thibeault, a UNE vice president, leads members of the planning board and the public through a wooded area where an access road will be built to accommodate the university’s planned research pier. (Seaver photo)

The agreement came as the result of a quid-pro-quo arrangement between the SRCC and the university, which allowed the university to build two new dormitories that would exceed a 35-foot height restriction.

In return for the height variance, the university agreed to create a 250-foot buffer zone along the river frontage on the school’s campus to protect the “environmentally sensitive” area.

Although the minutes of that June 2001 meeting shows no ambiguity on the matter, the SRCC today admits that the approval they granted last year did not take the previous agreement into consideration.

“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.

Dunning said there is nothing that can be done today to fix the situation since a 30-day appeal window has come and gone.

Dunning added that her agency has been “overwhelmed” by the number of applications filed by the university over the last few years, describing the agency’s workload as an “administrative burden.”

The SRCC is a quasi-state agency with statutory control over all development along the Saco River.

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

A group of commissioners is made up of representatives from all municipalities along the river. Don Furman, Biddeford’s representative on the SRCC, abstained from voting on UNE’s application in August 2024.

Ben Pinault, the commission chairperson, did not return our request for comment, as of press time.

For her part, Dunning said she and other staff are “working to prevent similar errors in the future.”

When asked if UNE’s permit should be revoked since new information has come to light, Dunning said there is nothing the SRCC can do about the past mistake, suggesting that the matter could be settled in the courts.

Sarah Delage, a UNE spokesperson, said the Saco River Corridor Commission did not impose a ‘no-build’ or ‘no construction’ zone within a 250-foot zone from the river.

Delage also said that Sandra Featherman – the university’s former president – “did not make any commitment that UNE would never seek to build a research pier on the Saco River.”

*Many members of the public have expressed concerns about the location of UNE’s proposed research pier (Seaver photo)*

However, the minutes of the July 2001 SRCC meeting clearly show that both UNE and the SRCC did work out an arrangement including the creation of the buffer zone so that the new dormitory buildings could be constructed.

These meeting minutes illustrate UNE’s unambiguous endorsement to achieve the same goal: environmental protection.

Featherman attended the July 2001 meeting in which several commissioners voiced strong support for the creation of a 250-foot buffer.

Featherman stated that “the University of New England has absolutely no plans to build within 250 feet of the river, and that the city as well as the university believe this buffer to be very sensitive and necessary for the protection of the river.”

From the SRCC’s 2001 meeting minutes: “The applicants are hereby required to retain and maintain a 250-foot-wide vegetative buffer along the entire shoreline of the property, measured horizontally starting from the mean high-water line and proceeding inland, described herein. Failure to do so will result in revocation [of the permit] and all subsequent amendments.’”

Also, Dunning left no doubt that the order issued by the Saco River Corridor Commission in 2001 is, in effect, state law, quoting the legislative act that created the Commission, she wrote, “Standards, rules and orders issued by the SRCC have the force and effect of law.’”

Local reaction to the SRCC’s error

The city of Biddeford now finds itself in a bewildering predicament, since UNE has not yet put a shovel in the ground and a building permit has not been issued.

Yet, city officials now know for certain that an SRCC order, which has the effect of state law, prohibits construction in the 250-foot buffer where the access road is supposed to be built.

Will the city continue to green light a project it knows to be illegal? The Gazette contacted Mayor Marty Grohman a week ago for comment, but he has still not responded.

The two candidates who are hoping to replace Grohman, however, responded quickly to our request for comment.

City Councilor Norman Belanger said he does “not want to be hasty with an opinion” until he has the opportunity to closely review the documents sent to him by the Biddeford Gazette.

“On its face, it does appear that the SRCC had imposed a 250-foot vegetation buffer,” Belanger said. “I believe, however, that the enforcement of this order would be within the purview of SRCC and not the city unless it was a formal party to the order.

“It is something that definitely deserves research and clarification along with an understanding of how it impacts the prior approvals for the pier,” he said.

“It is something that definitely
deserves research and clarification”
— City Councilor Norman Belanger

City Councilor Liam LaFountain said his “initial reaction was one of major concern.”

“Many residents have already expressed frustration about the pier review process, and I understand why,” LaFountain said.

LaFountain noted that a special citizens grievance meeting about the controversial pier project will be held next week at City Hall.

“Given the public’s interest in the integrity of the city’s regulatory review is extremely high, the [newly revealed] information raises serious questions,” LaFountain said.

LaFountain said that the city council is expected to take up the issue at its next regular meeting on Oct. 21.

“In my view, outreach to the SRCC and possibly the Attorney General’s office, for legal clarification, is necessary. If an SRCC order carries the force of law, the city has an obligation to understand the implications and ensure compliance. Biddeford must obey all laws.”

City solicitor Harry Center was asked to comment on this story last week. Center said he needs time to review all of the documents, including the SRCC minutes.

“Many residents have already expressed
frustration about the pier review
process, and I understand why,”
— City Councilor Liam LaFountain

An insider’s look at UNE’s ongoing development

Biddeford resident Matt Haas graduated from the University of New England in 2005 with a degree in organizational leadership.

Haas was also employed by the university for nearly 18 years and served as a public affairs liaison between the university and its residential Hills Beach neighbors.

In fact, Haas – a registered Maine Guide — said he did extensive work in the creation of the Institutional Zone that covers all of UNE’s Biddeford campus, a process that was guided and promoted by Featherman, the university’s former president.

“This whole process has been mishandled by both the city and the university,” he said. “There absolutely was and is a 250-foot buffer zone in place. This pier is in the wrong location and was approved as part of a mismanaged process.”

Haas is one of several Biddeford residents who are appealing the Biddeford Planning Board’s approval of the large research pier on August 6, 2025.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled to take place on November 13.

Click here to view and/or download a PDF copy of the SRCC’s July 2001 meeting minutes:

Minutes SRCC July 11, 2001 Download

Note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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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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Biddeford mayor wants another term

October 14, 2025October 26, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman is hoping to keep his seat for a second, two-year term.

Grohman, 57, said he wants to continue his work and the initiatives he started after being elected as mayor in 2023.

Grohman and his wife, Amy, moved to Biddeford in 1999 and they both became active in the community, including volunteer work. Amy Grohman served on the Biddeford School Committee. Marty was appointed by former mayor Alan Casavant and served on the city’s Recycling and Waste Management Commission. He also served as past president of the Biddeford–Saco Rotary Club.

Before being elected to the Biddeford City Council in 2021, Grohman served two terms – first as a Democrat before switching to Independent — in the Maine Legislature. As an independent candidate, he lost a 2018 bid to replace U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine’s First Congressional District.

Grohman grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of Carthage, a rural western Maine community wedged between the towns of Farmington and Rangeley.

Grohman has an engineering background and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He founded and later sold Correct Deck, a Biddeford-based company that used recycled composite materials in the manufacture of decking products.

When asked what he believes are the city’s biggest challenges, Grohman listed rising property taxes, housing affordability and homelessness as his top priorities.

Although the mayor does not get to vote on budgets or other council matters, Grohman said he proposed trimming more than $730,000 of new spending during a budget meeting in May.

Grohman says continued commercial development will provide new revenue and ease the burden on residential property taxpayers.

“Over the last two years, we have added between $40 million and $60 million of new commercial value,” he said. “That’s the mayor’s job.” Grohman pointed to the recent opening of a Firestone car repair shop and an L.L Bean outlet store as examples of his work to attract more business to Biddeford.

Grohman said he is also heavily advocating for the city when it comes to state subsidies for public education. “We are setting the tone and growing our tax base,” he said.

“We’re on the right track. I want
to keep Biddeford growing.”
— Marty Grohman

The mayor said housing inventory needs to grow at all levels, including single-family homes that can accommodate the needs of the city’s workforce, including public employees such as firefighters, police officers and public-school teachers.

Grohman said the city needs “sensible” development that includes land conservation measures.

“I’m not a rent control guy,” Grohman said. “We have added 84 new apartments to the mix and some of those are being rented in the neighborhood of $1,300 per month.”

Grohman described concerns regarding the city’s growing homeless population as his “signature” issue.

“When I came into our office two years ago, we had a lot of problems with a growing encampment near Mechanics Park,” he said. “It was bad; filthy, crowded, unsafe and offered no dignity for those who were forced to stay there.”

Grohman said clearing that encampment was necessary and triggered new opportunities for homeless residents and the city.

“I am proud of what we did,” he said, pointing out that his ongoing efforts on the homeless issue has resulted in finding safe and stable housing for 70 residents over the last few months.

“There is still a lot to do,” he said when asked about growing complaints about homeless individuals congregating near the McArthur Library’s main entrance. “That’s not okay, but it is not illegal,” he added, pointing to the fact that the York County shelter, which provided services for nearly 40 people, closed in July, creating a surge in Biddeford’s homeless population.

Grohman said his weekly “huddle” meetings with homeless advocates and volunteers has produced some “positive results,” including hiring a city liaison that can directly work to find resources for unhoused residents.

Although the other candidates both say that the city needs “stronger leadership,” Grohman says he has a proven track record and is proud of his work on several fronts.

“It’s a tough job,” he said. “But we have a great team of city staff and employees who are all very committed to serving the needs of our community.

“We’re on the right track,” Grohman said. “I want to keep Biddeford growing. I have a proven track record; People know me and trust me.”

To learn more about Grohman’s campaign, please visit his campaign website at martymayor.com

NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette will publish profiles of all three mayoral candidates, including Norm Belanger and Liam LaFountain.

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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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Mayoral candidates square off at debate

October 11, 2025October 28, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

NOTE: An unedited audio recording of this event can be found at the end of this article

The three men who want to be Biddeford’s next mayor squared-off Friday evening during a public debate that was held at Biddeford High School.

The candidates – including incumbent Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and City Councilor Norman Belanger – answered a wide range of topics, including public concerns about rising property taxes, infrastructure, homelessness and issues surrounding gentrification in the downtown area, including soaring residential rental costs

*(Left to right: Mayor Marty Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain and Councilor Norman Belanger tell the audience why they each think they should be Biddeford’s next mayor (Seaver photo)*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Biddeford needs a
course correction,”
— Liam LaFountain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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