Tag: Marty Grohman

Angers considers run for county commission

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A longtime fixture at City Hall, Roch Angers tells the Gazette he wants to follow in Richard Dutremble's footsteps at the county level By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Roch Angers – a longtime former Biddeford city councilor and a current planning board member – told the Gazette Sunday that he is seriously considering a run for … Continue reading Angers considers run for county commission

Council debates controversial parking plan

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By RANDY SEAVER, Editor The Biddeford City Council finally got the chance Tuesday to discuss a controversial parking plan that has raised questions and eyebrows about city spending procedures. One councilor described the project as a significant breach of city procedures, but another councilor described the $20,000 project as “small potatoes,” when compared to other issues … Continue reading Council debates controversial parking plan

OPINION: Supporting our municipal workforce; how AI can help cities serve better

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette Our municipal employees are the backbone of our communities. They plow our streets at three in the morning during snowstorms. They respond to service requests, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our cities running smoothly day after day. These dedicated public servants often work with limited resources, facing growing … Continue reading OPINION: Supporting our municipal workforce; how AI can help cities serve better

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

~ Randy Seaver ~ 10 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 … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Help us with a tagline, score some goodies from Reilly’s Bakery

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

~ 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 … Continue reading City investigating use of taxpayer funds for a parking plan launched by former mayor

How much does it cost to become mayor?

~ 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 … Continue reading How much does it cost to become mayor?

2025: A year of big changes in Biddeford

~ 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 … Continue reading 2025: A year of big changes in Biddeford

City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier

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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 … Continue reading City will seek Attorney General’s advice about UNE pier

Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’

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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 … Continue reading Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’

Biddeford chooses new mayor

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

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 … Continue reading Biddeford chooses new mayor

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

~ 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 … Continue reading OPINION: Mayor Marty reveals his true character, and it’s not pretty

Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote

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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 … Continue reading Mayor blasts his opponent; seeks your vote