We talked about the upcoming municipal elections, my predictions on the various races and voter turnout.
Randy is a Biddeford native and a former member of the Biddeford School Committee. You can find his podcast on several platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and Facebook.
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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results
City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.
In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.
NOTE | You can see my previous interview with Randy — where we talked about my 2024 Top 20 local politicians and policy maker list — at the link below.
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UPDATE | Biddeford’s 2025 Election Results
City Council President Liam LaFountain edged out one-term incumbent Marty Grohman in a three-way race that also included former city councilor Norman Belanger.
In the three-way race, LaFountain picked up 2,626 votes (42 percent) over Grohman’s 2,414 votes (38 percent) and Belanger’s 1,273 votes (20) percent.
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.
Marc LessardNasreen A. Sheikh-YousefLisa Vadnais
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
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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.
Brad CoteSam Pecor
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!”
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.
John McCurryAbigail Woods
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
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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.
“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.
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
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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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:
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.
Marty Grohman
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.
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
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(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
c.) 2025 All Rights Reserved
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Several city council hopefuls and one of the three candidates for mayor in Biddeford attended an event Tuesday that was billed as a “Community Roundtable” discussion between candidates and members of the public.
The forum was held in an ante room at Pizza By Alex and was attended by 18 members of the public. Delilah Poupore, executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, served as moderator of the 90-minute Q & A session.
The event was organized by Better Biddeford, a non-profit organization focused mainly on residential tenant rights. On its website, the group describes its mission as follows: “to connect, inform and empower the community through shared resources and civic engagement.”
ModeratorDelilah Poupore (far right) kicks off the candidate roundtable meeting
Several candidates were not able to attend the forum. Those who did attend provided short answers to a wide range of topics and questions from the audience, including concerns about affordable housing, ICE enforcement actions, sustainable development and making Biddeford a more walkable community.
Each candidate was also allowed to make brief opening and closing remarks.
Although Mayor Marty Grohman stopped by shortly before the event began, he said he was unable to participate because of a Traffic Committee meeting at City Hall. Mayoral candidate Norm Belanger also did not attend the event, telling the Gazette last week that he will be out of town on vacation.
City Council President Liam LaFountain did attend the event and said he is hoping that candidates will have even more opportunities to connect with residents and talk about their priorities.
Of the three at-large candidates, only Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef attended Tuesday’s forum. Neither Councilor Marc Lessard nor Lisa Vadnais attended the meeting. The two council candidates from Ward Six — Roger Hurtubise and Jake Pierson – also did not attend. And Ward Two candidate John McCurry said he had a prior engagement.
Ward Seven council candidate Brad Cote pointed out that all Biddeford residents are facing increasing costs for food, utilities and healthcare on top of skyrocketing housing costs.
Council candidate Nasreen A Sheikh-Yousef answers a question while candidates Sam Pecor (left) and David Kurtz (right) listen.
“Sometimes it’s easy to simply say we should spend more on various projects, but we have to balance and prioritize our wants and needs,” Cote said. “We need to be creative in searching for sources of revenue that are not just reaching into the pockets of taxpayers.”
On the topic of how to increase “environmentally sustainable” housing, Sam Pecor, the other Ward Seven candidate, pointed out that Biddeford’s current housing stock is among some of the oldest in the nation.
Pecor — who owns a rental property on May Street – said housing is one of the biggest issues facing the city. “We have to be creative,” he said. “We have to look at different options. This is a really complex puzzle.”
Many of the candidates said the city needs to improve how it communicates with residents.
“As councilors, we have a responsibility to help educate and organize people into action,” said Sheikh-Yousef. “Citizens need to know what is happening in their own community.”
On the topic of accessible public information,” LaFountain pointed to the plans last year to convert apartments into market-rate condominiums at the Pepperell Mill complex.
“What really disturbed me is that we councilors were kept in the dark about those plans,” LaFountain said. “None of us were told about it until the news was dropped on the tenants in that building.”
Mayoral candidate Liam LaFountain (center) and Ward One council hopefuls Jim LaBelle and Pat Boston listen to a question from an audience member during Tuesday’s event.
Ward Five candidate David Kurtz will be unopposed on the ballot. He used some of his speaking time to warn residents that things happening on the national stage could and will impact the city, including federal funding cutbacks.
Kurtz also said he would like to see the city “slow down” its push for housing developments. “We are in a much different position now than we were 20 years ago,” he said. “We no longer need to offer commercial and residential developers sweetheart deals.”
LaBelle reminded the small audience that the demand for all types of housing is quite high in Biddeford, and private sector employers are also struggling to find workers who can afford to live close to the city.
Former Ward Four Councilor Bob Mills said he has long been an advocate for rent stabilization programs but found little support for any kind of rent control from his peers during his prior service on the council.
“I am one of those people in Biddeford who is earning more than $100,000 and still feels poor,” Mills said.
On the issue of ICE enforcement actions, all of the candidates said they do not want the Biddeford Police Department to enter into agreements or cooperate with the federal agency’s enforcement activities.
Ward Two council candidate Abigail Woods was one of the organizers of Tuesday’s event, and said the council should always act with compassion, especially for its most vulnerable citizens.
Former Ward One Councilor Pat Boston talked about the difficult realities of serving on the council.
“We have to be fiscally responsible,” she said. “But the hard part is ‘the how.’ How do we balance the city’s needs without pushing taxpayers over the edge?”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com
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Many people get excited about this time of year. They order pumpkin everything, pick apples, decorate their yards with mums and fret about having the cleverest Halloween costume for themselves and their kids.
I get excited this time of year for an entirely different reason. I am a political junkie with a local focus, and every two years Biddeford voters choose who will represent them as mayor, on the city council and as members of the school committee.
Unlike the rather dull 2023 cycle two years ago, this year’s upcoming elections are bringing some heat to the game.
We have three mayoral candidates this year, and almost every ward race will feature two candidates, except Wards Three and Five.
Marty GrohmanNorman BelangerLiam LaFountain
The last time Biddeford had more than two people running for mayor was in 2013, when former mayor Joanne Twomey and former councilor Perry Aberle both tried to deny Alan Casavant a third, consecutive term.
And one of the most interesting mayoral races in Biddeford took place in 2003 when Gen. Wallace Nutting – a Republican and Saco native – upset the ballot with a decisive win over School Committee member Dan Boucher and City Councilor Marc Lessard.
Few people predicted that outcome, and I was not one of them. For the record, that race generated a whopping voter turnout of more than 67 percent of registered voters.
Typically, turnout during local elections rarely break the 45 percent mark.
Today’s political landscape in Biddeford
Voters will also be asked this year to decide the fate of two rather significant municipal bond issues; and whether to convene another Charter Review Commission.
In my opinion, there are at least three significant issues driving more candidates and voters to participate in this year’s election.
First, issues connected to former city manager James Bennett angered many people in the community on almost every front: how federal grant money was being used, excessive staff turnover at City Hall, questions about discrepancies in the Finance Department, a blistering report from the city’s auditors and the city’s inability to pay a private contractor for his services to the city.
Former City Manager James Bennett
And Bennett was also a central figure in the controversy surrounding the University of New England’s plan to construct a large pier on the Saco River. Bennett sidelined both the city’s harbormaster and deputy harbormaster during local review of the pier proposal.
The council finally removed Bennett from office but not before he left a shitty taste in a lot of mouths across the city. Bennett filed a lawsuit against the city.
City officials, in turn, are pointing to concerns about how Bennett used his office for his own gain.
Secondly, the UNE pier proposal raised local concerns on a number of fronts as opponents raised questions about possible conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency during the project’s review.
Members of the public voiced concerns and anger earlier this year about the University of New England’s controversial plan to construct a large pier on the Saco River (Seaver photo)
Finally, continuing property tax increases are always an issue in local elections. Over the last two years, the city has passed on increased spending budgets of nearly six percent per year.
Not surprisingly, several incumbent candidates are now raising concerns about property tax burdens, yet many of them actually approved increased spending over the last two years.
Politicians will be politicians.
How will the Biddeford Gazette cover all the election news?
Our in-depth election coverage will begin on October 1.
We are now in the process of collecting questionnaires that were sent to all city council candidates. We will use those surveys as the basis for upcoming stories about each of the contested ward races. We will also periodically examine each of the races and how they align with public concerns.
The contested ward races will be covered in a single story. For example, candidates Patricia Boston and Jim LaBelle from Ward One will be featured in the same story.
Likewise, the three at-large candidates will be introduced in one story, but we will also do follow-up stories on that race.
When it comes to the mayor’s race, we will publish three separate stories regarding each candidate during the first full week of October.
Profiles and interviews with Norman Belanger, Marty Grohman and Liam LaFountain will be published in alphabetical order on three consecutive days.
Obviously, we will be writing many other stories, especially about the mayoral candidates and their campaigns.
Upcoming mayoral debate
Finally, I am proud of the fact that I was able to organize at least one public debate among all three mayoral candidates. It took a lot or work to get this thing organized but I think it’s well worth the effort.
I am especially pleased that my colleagues from Saco Bay News, and the Biddeford-Saco Courier agreed to participate as panelists with me.
That debate will take place on Friday, October 10, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Biddeford High School’s Little Theater on Maplewood Avenue.
The debate will be streamed live and recorded for later viewing on social media sites.
While there will be no public comment during this event, we are hoping that most of the questions will come from the public in the form of written submissions before the debate.
Even as the University of New England begins construction of its controversial research pier, opponents of the project are ramping up their own efforts and raising new concerns about how the City of Biddeford handled its review of the project.
A group of Biddeford residents are now circulating a petition to require the mayor and city council members to host a citizens’ grievance meeting.
This aerial photo from UNE shows where the university is planning to construct its new research pier
According to the city’s charter, any Biddeford resident can force the council to publicly hear their concerns during a meeting in which only the citizens are allowed to speak if they can collect at least 100 signatures from registered voters.
Carole Alexander is one of the key organizers of the proposed Citizen Grievance meeting.
Alexander is the wife of the late Marshall Alexander who served as the city’s harbor master for 37 years. She says her husband proposed an alternate location for UNE’s pier more than 10 years ago.
“I’m angry,” Alexander said. “The city has bungled the entire process and the truth has been distorted. First, they removed our harbormaster, and now they are going after a planning board member who raised concerns. It’s time for citizens to stand up.”
Alexander says she is more than confident that her group can collect more than 100 signatures in order to force the meeting.
Meanwhile, questions are now being raised about the law firm that the city hired to represent the Zoning Board of Appeals and some potential conflict of interest issues.
Following the Planning Board’s approval of the university’s pier project, John Schafer – one of the project’s most vocal opponents — filed an appeal of that decision with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
Schafer said that he and several other residents are appealing the planning board’s decision because it hinges largely on one central point: whether the university’s plan required the expressed approval of a harbor master.
“All I can hope for is that the zoning board will send this item back to the planning board,” Schafer said. “The planning board got bad information about whether a harbormaster approved the project.”
During the planning board’s review of the proposed pier, City Attorney Harry Center repeatedly told the board that the project had been approved by a harbormaster.
This audio clip of a discussion between Planning Board Chair Alexa Plotkin and Center during one of the Planning Board’s meetings shows that the role and definition of the harbormaster was a central issue of the board’s review.
But Schafer and others point to the city’s own ordinances and say the private engineer who was hired to replace the city’s harbormaster does not meet the definition of a harbormaster from both city and state regulations.
According to city ordinances, a harbormaster must meet specific requirements to hold that title, including being a “city resident for no less than five years; must have five years of marine experience and must attend annual Maine Harbormasters Association training.”
Center, however, argues that the engineer hired by the city only needs to “facilitate” the review process and ensure that other local, state and federal agencies have approved the project.
But opponents say the city’s ordinances are crystal clear in what defines a ‘harbormaster’ and what his or her responsibilities are.
Section 74-35 of Biddeford’s ordinances reads: “Permission for the construction of any new wharf or pier within the jurisdictional limits of the city shall not be granted without approval of the Harbormaster, along with federal, state and local governing authorities.”
“The planning board never heard from an actual harbormaster,” Schafer said. “That’s a big oversight that needs to be addressed.”
More conflicts of interest?
Earlier this month, the city hired Archipelago Law, a small Portland-based law firm to represent the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Former city councilor Kyle Noble says that particular firm has several conflicts of interest issues because four of the firm’s 12 employees graduated from the University of New England’s Marine Sciences program.
Keith Richard, the attorney who will be representing the Zoning Board, refused to comment for this story.
Mayor Marty Grohman declined to comment on the matter because it is a pending legal issue for the city.
Council President Liam LaFountain also said he could not comment directly on the story, but did indicate that he is hoping to learn more about the firm and why they were chosen.
In an email response to Schafer, City Manager Truc Dever wrote: “While I cannot speak to your assertions regarding potential conflicts of interest, I will be looking into this in advance of the appeals hearing to ensure there is, in fact, no conflict.”
Next steps?
A UNE spokesperson said the university is currently searching for a contractor and has initiated a bid process for the project.
Sarah Delage, Associate Vice President of Communications, said an actual construction schedule has not yet been established and that the university will need a building permit from the city’s code enforcement officer.
“The total work can be done in six to eight months,” Delage said, pointing out that both the land portion of the project and the water portion can be done in phases, as opposed to concurrently.
Delage said the university has not reached out to mooring owners who may be impacted by the project, saying that responsibility rests with city officials.
Delage also said the university will periodically update construction information on the school’s website.
The Zoning Board of Appeals hearing has been set for October 9 and residents who are now gathering signatures for a Grievance meeting with the council say they expect to have more than the required number of signatures they need within a few days.
Editor’s Note: A copy of the citizens petition may be viewed or downloaded using the link below:
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman seems ready to take another bite at the apple when it comes to ousting Roch Angers from the planning board, despite broad public opposition.
On Tuesday, Grohman presented the council with his recommendation to remove Angers from the Biddeford Planning Board. Only councilor William Emhiser was willing to take up the matter, but his motion failed to get a second from another member of the council.
While most people considered the issue dead on arrival, Grohman says he is still exploring ways to remove Angers from the board.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman
On August 5, Angers, a member of the planning board, brought his own personal concerns to the council regarding how the city was handling the University of New England’s proposal to construct a large pier near its Biddeford campus.
When contacted by the Gazette on Friday, Grohman remained steadfast in his effort to remove Angers.
“I don’t think it is something that can be ignored,” Grohman said. “We can’t have people doing whatever they want on boards and commissions, there are rules that need to be followed.”
Grohman says the complaint, which was lodged by Alexa Plotkin, chair of the planning board, should be heard before the council.
Several councilors we spoke to say they do not understand why or how the mayor intends to move forward.
When asked that question, Grohman acknowledged that he does not have an approach or plan worked out. “I’m not sure, I’m not going to do it. I think it has to come from the council chair or someone else.”
Emhiser was unavailable for comment as of press time. He was the only councilor willing to bring the mayor’s proposal forward. Emhiser represents the city’s coastal area including the University of New England’s campus. He is not seeking reelection.
Other members of the council say that they are somewhat baffled as to why Grohman is pursuing something that has so little support.
Councilor Marc Lessard said the mayor has the prerogative to pursue the item, but he also said “It’s really weird. It’s got me scratching my head.”
It’s really weird. It’s got me scratching my head.
— Councilor Marc Lessard
Council President Liam LaFountain said “It’s perplexing, but it’s the mayor’s prerogative.”
Councilor Norman Belanger echoed what Lessard and LaFountain said.
“I don’t get it,” he said. “Under Robert’s Rules of Order, it can be brought back up, but I don’t see this as proceeding forward.”
When contacted by the Gazette, Angers said he also does not understand the mayor’s dogged approach to remove him from the planning board.
“I have no clue why he is continuing to go after me. I see it as Marty just being Marty,” Angers said.
Angers added that he has no plans to step down from the planning board but did say that his relationship with Board Chair Alexa Plotkin feels strained and awkward.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email at randy@randyseaver.com
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The Biddeford City Council is expected to vote Tuesday about Mayor Marty Grohman’s request to remove a member of the city’s planning board.
And now, another member of the planning board is rising to the defense of his colleague, saying a removal is not necessary and that a written reprimand would be more appropriate.
Grohman issued a public statement last week, announcing that he will be asking the council to oust Roch Angers – a longtime board member and former city councilor – from the planning board.
Roch Angers addresses the Biddeford City Council on August 5
Grohman says Angers acted inappropriately during the August 5 city council meeting.
At that August 5 meeting, Angers approached the podium and said he was speaking to the council as a citizen, not in his official capacity as a member of the planning board.
During his remarks, Angers raised several questions about the process connected to the municipal review of the pier project being proposed by the University of New England. Specifically, Angers said that he was disturbed about the city’s move to remove harbormaster Paul Lariviere from the review process.
While Grohman says that all planning board members sign a statement agreeing to be impartial and follow the board’s code of ethics, Angers said that his motivation for speaking out is rooted in the fact that people should know what is happening in the city with regards to the project.
Grohman says he has “tremendous respect” for Angers and his many years of service to the city.
“This was not an easy thing for me to do,” Grohman said. “But it is my responsibility to make sure that every applicant is treated fairly and consistently by the city’s review agencies, including the planning board.”
Angers said he was not especially surprised by the mayor’s move to oust him.
“I have always given my best effort to the city of Biddeford,” Angers said. “I also have a responsibility to make sure that the city is well represented on every application that comes before the board.”
According to the planning board’s rules of procedure and code of ethics,
“appointment to the Planning Board…represents a public trust”
The code of ethics also reminds members of the importance of seeking as much information as possible. The code of ethics states, that “members have the responsibility to insist that they are provided…information of sufficient scope and depth to allow them to fully understand the issues before the Board and the alternative actions available to the Board.”
Also, the protocol spells out what a member should do if they do not fully understand the issues immediately before the board. The board member has the responsibility to ask questions and to acquire the necessary understanding.
“I did what I did because I was speaking for the people of Biddeford,” Angers said. “There have been too many questionable things, and I have a reputation for calling it like I see it.”
Grohman said the decision was a hard one for him to make. He also acknowledged that the timing of his decision is less than ideal, given that citywide elections will be taking place in less than 90 days.
“I realize this is very bad for me politically, but I have got to do what is right, rules are rules,” Grohman said.
When contacted by the Gazette, planning board chair Alexa Plotkin said she was the one who filed the complaint against Angers.
“A joint request was made by myself and the vice chair of the planning board (Larry Patoine) to Mayor Grohman to begin the process of removing Mr. Angers from the board due to his actions at the August 5th, 2025 city council meeting,” Plotkin said.
However, when contacted by the Gazette on Friday, Larry Patoine — vice chair of the planning board— said he is reconsidering his position.
“I now think we are being a bit too harsh,” Patoine said. “I would be more supportive of issuing a written reprimand.”
Angers says he will personally attend Tuesday’s council meeting to defend his position as a member of the planning board.
“I am not going to walk away with my tail between my legs,” Angers said. “I have no regrets.”
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email at Randy@randyseaver.com
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It is a community project that has been in the “conceptual phase” for nearly two decades, but now the conversation about a new ‘multimodal’ bridge connecting the cities of Biddeford and Saco is once again bubbling to the surface.
On Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council will hear a proposal about the multimodal bridge that would connect Saco Island to the planned Pearl Point Park in Biddeford.
Representatives from the city of Saco and the Maine Department of Transportation will update the council about the project, a plan that will likely cost millions of dollars and require federal funding to complete.
The concept for a new bridge (City of Saco)
“It is an exciting concept,” said Biddeford City Council President Liam LaFountain. “But obviously, this is something that the two cities cannot take on alone. We would new federal and state funding.”
Although there is already a pedestrian bridge connecting the two cities closer to the Saco River falls, the new bridge is designed to be more user friendly
Creating a link between Saco and Biddeford is a long-term goal that has been identified in Saco’s comprehensive plans since 2011.
The new bridge is designed to improve walkability; promote equitable access to public transit and help alleviate traffic congestion by creating a shift away from personal vehicle use.
Proponents of the project also say the new bridge will encourage further economic development near the downtown core shared by both cities.
“It really is a very interesting project,” said Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time. It’s nice to see some forward momentum.”
MacPhail said the project has been an ongoing topic of conversation between the two cities during past joint workshop meetings.
She said conversation about the bridge “sort of fizzled” because former Biddeford City Manager James Bennett did not view the project as a priority.
Joint meetings between the two communities slowed for a period of time until both MacPhail and Biddeford’s Marty Grohman were elected as their respective city’s mayor in 2023.
“We’ve been talking about this for a long time. It’s nice to see some forward momentum.”
–Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail
Today, both Grohman and MacPhail say the cities have an “excellent working relationship.”
The project is expected to cost roughly $5.5 million to construct. If the two cities decide to move forward and apply for federal funding, the project could start construction as soon as 2028.
“I think we can get back on track, and continue looking at things we can do together,” MacPhail said. “When you step back and look at it, we really are joined at the hip and one community.”
Disclosure:Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail is the step-sister of Biddeford Gazette editor Randy Seaver.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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The Biddeford City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to give the city’s non-union employees a one-half percent pay increase.
Earlier this year, the council completed negotiations with union employees. Those negotiations resulted in a four percent cost-of-living raise. Meanwhile, during this year’s budget process, non-union employees were allocated a 3.5 percent increase.
All city employees — union and non-union are now on a level playing field when it comes to cost-of-living adjustments.
Those supporting the half percent increase said it was a matter of fairness, arguing that non-union employees should get the same increase given to union employees.
“All of our employees are facing the same inflationary pressures when it comes to housing food and utilities,” said Councilor Doris Ortiz. “Citizens want and demand services, and we have to acknowledge employee turnover. We’re not going to be able to recruit or retain employees if we ignore their challenges.”
According to acting city manager Brian Phinney, the half-percent increase this year could be covered by a personnel reserve account in the city’s budget.
Phinney also said the modest increase would bring the city closer to salaries offered by other nearby communities
Phinney told the council that personnel reserve account has a balance of approximately $26,000.
Former city councilor Stephen St. Cyr, however, told the council that he could see no new information since the council finalized the city’s annual budget in June.
“Taxpayers are also facing inflationary pressures, and you have to look out for them too,” St. Cyr said.
Councilor Marc Lessard also raised concerns about the proposal, pointing out that the recent Consumer Price Index reporting showed only a 2.7 percent increase in June.
“When we were working on the budget – just a few weeks ago – we were hoping for and expected a 3.5 percent increase or less,” Lessard said. “How many times to do we go back to the budget just because we want to spend more money?”
“This is a never-ending story of us spending more than what we budgeted,” he added.
Mayor Marty Grohman reminded councilors and members of the public that the city already has the funds in reserve to cover the increase.
Councilors William Ehmiser and Dylan Doughty were absent from the meeting.
Lessard was the only councilor who voted against the increase.
The city’s non-union employees include department heads and some administrative positions, such as emergency dispatchers.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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The Biddeford City Council Chamber came alive with excitement Tuesday as members of the state champion high school baseball team filed into the room amidst a buzz of respect and admiration.
Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said, “today is a proud day for Biddeford,” as the players and coaches stood against the wall, holding the giant golden-baseball glove trophy.
Players and coaches from the 2025 State Championship Biddeford Tigers Baseball Team pose with Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council (Seaver photo)
On June 21 this year, the BHS Tigers rallied from two three-run deficits to beat Mt. Ararat and win their first state championship since 1984.
During a previous interview with the Gazette, Coach Keith LeBlanc described his team, which includes seven seniors, as “battle-tested” and always ready to play their hearts out.
On Tuesday, LeBlanc once again referred to his players as “some of the hardest working young men I have ever met.”
LeBlanc pointed out that his team was also recognized with the statewide Sportsmanship Award. “That is something that is pretty impressive,” LeBlanc told the crowd. “Generally, that award is given to a team that has put in a lot of effort but came up short in the playoffs.”
Team Captain Landon Sirois presents Mayor Grohman with a jersey featuring the signatures of every member of the Championship Team (Seaver Photo)
From across the room, someone yelled out. “Don’t forget to mention you were named as coach of the year!”
“The community support we received was nothing less than amazing,” LeBlanc told the mayor and council. “It is something I will never forget.”
Councilor Neva Gross described her excitement while watching the state championship game. “We were all so pumped,” she said. “We had so much fun, cheering them on, and Marty was right there, keeping the fans focused and excited,” she said, gesturing toward the mayor.
The entire team and all the coaches posed for a photo with the mayor and council.
On her way out of the chamber, one person was heard, saying, “I’m just so damn proud of these boys. They worked so hard for this.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Understandably, the mayor was less than pleased by what I wrote about him in that editorial. How do I know the mayor was upset? After all, he didn’t contact me directly to offer his perspective on the matter.
I learned about the mayor’s displeasure from back-channel sources. This is becoming a regular trend with this mayor.
When I pissed off former mayors Alan Casavant, JoAnne Twomey, Jim Grattelo, Wallace Nutting or Donna Dion, trust me — I heard about it — from them. Sometimes I apologized, sometimes I didn’t.
Marty does his very best to avoid difficult or challenging subjects. He would much rather post a “selfie” of himself in a variety of locations, always posing. Always smiling.
Here I am with an unhoused person. Here I am with a Vietnam veteran! Here I am with a downtown merchant! Here I am watching traffic!
Mayor Marty Grohman buys an Italian sandwich and wants you to know about it (Photo: Facebook, Marty’s Community Corner)
A few weeks ago, I joked that the most dangerous place in Biddeford is the space between Marty Grohman and an available camera.
Marty isn’t so much supporting Biddeford as he is supporting himself — always ready for the next photo-op, the next group photo, the next feel-good proclamation, avoiding controversy and difficult questions at all costs.
Marty doesn’t want pesky reporters like me looking under the carpet at City Hall or writing stories that are difficult to explain and reconcile.
What Marty seems to want from the media is an enhanced level of public relations, not hard-hitting journalism about an out-of-control city manager, a blistering report from the city’s financial auditors or problems with delayed sewer bills.
George Orwell reportedly once opined that “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations.”
I happen to agree with Mr. Orwell. The Biddeford Gazette is not here to support the mayor’s or anyone else’s PR strategies. We’re here to tell you all the news; the good, the bad and the ugly.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
To be honest, Marty was not the only one upset about my July 13 editorial. I also heard from a few of the mayor’s closest supporters, all telling me that I was making a mountain out of a molehill. They extolled all the good things that Marty has done and continues to do for the city.
They are right. Marty deserves plenty of credit for some good things, and no one can reasonably argue that he has anything less than enthusiastic passion for his adopted hometown.
In fact, I would say that cheerleading is an important part of what the mayor should be doing. On this front, Marty gets an A+ from me, and I mean that as a sincere compliment.
But was I wrong about a lack of leadership from the mayor’s office?
Marty Grohman announces that he will be seeking reelection with – – another selfie photograph. (Photo: Facebook, Marty’s Community Corner)
Over the last three weeks, we have seen some mounting evidence that supports my argument, most notably from two men who watch the mayor much more closely than most everyone else in the city.
Councilor Norman Belanger and Council President Liam LaFountain have each announced that they will be challenging Grohman for the mayor’s seat.
Both men say the city is currently lacking strong leadership. Belanger is 68, LaFountain is 28. They are very different individuals. They sometimes disagree but they are saying the same thing here: Biddeford needs and deserves strong leadership.
Consider this: Belanger and LaFountain both have a front row view of the mayor. They all attend the same meetings, even those behind-closed-door-executive session meetings where discussions about city personnel or legal matters take place.
Belanger is more of a traditional, old-school Biddeford politician. He is smart, friendly and truly wants what’s best for Biddeford. LaFountain is a younger and more dynamic candidate who will likely appeal to a broad range of citizens with his pledge to increase transparency and data-driven solutions.
Despite their differences, both men say the same thing: Biddeford is lacking real leadership.
During a fairly recent meeting with a resident, Grohman threw up his arms and joked: “I don’t even have the power to decide what sodas are available in the City Hall soda machine.”
Do you think if Jim Grattelo wanted a Mountain Dew in City Hall that his request would be rebuffed by some mid-level bureaucrat?
Are you kidding me? Do you think if Jim Grattelo wanted a Mountain Dew in City Hall that his request would be rebuffed by some mid-level bureaucrat? Or if Joanne Twomey wanted a Dr. Pepper?
Almost one year ago today, I bumped into Marty at a Chamber of Commerce function. At the time, I had given up my role as a reporter in order to orchestrate a full-throttle campaign to get rid of former City Manager Jim Bennett. (Hindsight now reveals that I was on the side of the angels with that campaign).
Marty was not happy about my work. “Why are you doing this to me?” he asked in a frustrated tone. “I’ve only been in office six months.”
Marty didn’t complain that I was making the city look bad, or even that I was making the city manager look bad. His complaint was that my work to oust Bennett also made Marty look bad. And that’s a big no-no.
I do not think Marty is a bad mayor, but I do think the city needs strong leadership.
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That’s my perspective, and I welcome yours. The Biddeford Gazette is always more than happy to publish letters to the editor, op-eds or columns about Biddeford, its people, places and politics from our readers.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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The race to become Biddeford’s next mayor has now turned into a three-way contest.
City Council President Liam LaFountain told the Biddeford Gazette this week that he will give up his Ward Seven council seat to join the race for mayor.
LaFountain now joins fellow city councilor Norman Belanger in opposing incumbent Mayor Marty Grohman.
“I’ve had many conversations with neighbors across the city, and there’s a clear message coming through. Too many decisions are being made without enough accountability, and I agree,” LaFountain said. “City government exists to serve the public. People are frustrated because they feel unheard, and in recent years, we’ve drifted away from the kind of leadership that takes responsibility and delivers results. It’s time for a course correction.”
LaFountain, a former member of the city’s Recreation Commission, first joined the council in 2021. Two years later, he was unopposed for his reelection to represent Ward Seven. He then won a bid to become the council president (6-3) ousting Belanger from that role.
Liam LaFountain (File Photo)
“The public interest must be at the center of every decision Biddeford makes,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain, 28, is employed as a senior data analyst for Healthcare Purchaser Alliance, a non-profit organization headquartered in Falmouth. He grew up in Biddeford, and his father Llyod LaFountain served on the Biddeford School Committee and as a state senator in the late 1990s.
The younger LaFountain is often described by his peers and other political observers as “thoughtful, analytical, measured and hard-working.”
LaFountain said that his professional experience as a data analyst will help him bring a fact-based, detail-oriented approach to City Hall. “I know for sure that smart decisions start with good information,” he said.
In recent months, LaFountain has pointedly raised concerns about controversial development deals involving credit enhancements and tax increment financing, proposals that have drawn the ire of many residents.
“Pointing out only the good news doesn’t solve problems. The voters know we have serious problems, and they want hard facts.
True leadership is telling the truth about a difficult issue and then finding the best solution.”
“Voters are smart, and the last thing I’ll ever do is insult their intelligence,” LaFountain said. “Yes, Biddeford is a great city, yes, fantastic things have been happening here in the last decade, and yes, that will continue. But we can no longer gloss over the very real staffing, financial, and accountability challenges.
“Pointing out only the good news doesn’t solve problems,” he added. “The voters know we have serious problems, and they want hard facts. True leadership is telling the truth about a difficult issue and then finding the best solution.”
LaFountain said he is encouraged that he’s already drawing support from a wide range of Biddeford residents, people with different perspectives, experiences, and priorities, who also strongly agree that a fresh approach and much more transparency are needed.
“I’m getting tons of encouragement for the idea that Biddeford should work for the people, not around them,” he said. “Voters are not inconvenient obstacles, in fact, quite the contrary. I look to Biddeford residents as a source of wisdom for city officials, and we need their full participation as we get back to basics with honest conversations, thoughtful planning, and decisions that serve the public good.”
LaFountain said his goals include increasing public engagement, strengthening oversight of city operations, and upholding the city’s fiduciary responsibility to manage taxpayer resources wisely, while advancing priorities like recreation investment, capital infrastructure, and responsible development that serves Biddeford’s long-term interests.
“I want every resident and taxpayer to know that, in my opinion. we need to right this ship and guesswork isn’t good enough. Data analysis will get us to evidence-based, forward-thinking policies that prioritize the public good over narrow interests. I hope to win the support of every Biddeford voter who agrees with that,” LaFountain said.
LaFountain graduated from Cheverus High School in 2015 and then attended Gonzaga University, a Jesuit school in Washington state, where he earned a degree in international relations.
He and his partner, Eisha, have been married five years and live on Elm Street.
Note:The Biddeford Gazette previously reported that both Marty Grohman and Norman Belanger are running for the mayor’s seat in the upcoming election. The Gazette plans to continue its comprehensive coverage of this year’s election, and we will have future stories about all the candidates,
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Several potential candidates have taken out qualifying nomination forms for mayor, city council and school committee races in Biddeford.
Some familiar names are hoping to make a political comeback, but there are also several people seeking office who have never served before.
Former City Councilors Roger Hurtubise, John McCurry and Bobby Mills are all hoping to return to the council. Former candidate Gregg Shapiro who ran for an at-large seat on the council in 2023 is making another run for that seat this year. Shapiro has also taken out papers for the Ward Six seat being vacated by Norman Belanger who will be running for mayor this year.
Bobby Mills/Facebook photo
Political newcomers Dominic Deschambault, David Kurtz, Jim LaBelle, Sterling Gray Roop and Abigail Woods have all expressed interest in city council seats. Deschambault has been previously elected to the school committee.
Current councilors Roger Beaupre, Dylan Doughty and Marc Lessard have all indicated that they will seek reelection.
Political heavyweight Lisa Vadnais — a current member of the school committee — has also taken out papers for one of two at-large seats on the council.
In the last two election cycles (2023 and 2021), no one candidate has earned more overall votes than Vadnais. In 2023, she earned 3,374 votes for school committee. The next highest vote-getter was At-Large Councilor Marc Lessard with 3,021 votes and Mayor Martin Grohman with 2,894 votes.
Two years earlier, Vadnais garnered 3,297 votes for her return to the school committee. The next highest vote-getter that year was former mayor Alan Casavant with 3,237 votes, easily fending off a challenge by Victoria Foley for a sixth consecutive term.
City Clerk Robin Patterson said her office will be making weekly updates regarding who has taken out papers and who has turned them in for verification. All elected positions in the city — including mayor, city council and school committee — are up for grabs.
In order to have their names on the November 4 ballot, all candidates must turn in their papers no later than 4p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.
As of Tuesday, July 29, two candidates — Incumbent Martin Grohman and City Councilor Norman Belanger — have taken out papers for the mayor’s seat. Grohman is currently serving his first term and Belanger is a former council president.
CITY COUNCIL RACES:
Ward One. Incumbent Bill Emhiser will not seek a fourth term. Jim LaBelle, former director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, has expressed interest in that seat, but has not yet taken out nomination forms, according to the city clerk’s office.
Ward Two: Incumbent Scott Whiting announced on social media that he will not seek a third term. Former city council president John McCurry told the Gazette last week that he will seek a return to the council. Abigail Woods, a former city employee, announced on Facebook that she will also seek the seat. Both McCurry and Woods have taken out papers but not returned them.
Former Council President John McCurry, hoping to return to the Ward Two seat.
Ward Three: Incumbent Roger Beaupre is looking for a second term and has already submitted his nomination papers. So far, no other candidates have expressed interest in that seat.
Ward Four: Former Councilor Bobby Mills is once again hoping to make a political comeback. Mills resigned his council seat just four months after the last election, following an interaction with the Biddeford Police Department. Mills also resigned his position as York County Treasurer.
Just days after submitting his resignation, Mills tried to rescind that decision, saying he was pressured by Mayor Marty Grohman to resign. Grohman adamantly denied that claim. Dylan Doughty, a former Planning Board member, was unopposed in a special election to replace Mills. Doughty is hoping to keep the Ward Four seat.
Mills has already turned in his nomination forms.
Political Newcomer Abigail Woods is seeking the Ward 2 seat
Ward Five: Incumbent Neva Gross said she will not seek re-election after being appointed by Mayor Grohman to replace former councilor Julian Schalver who resigned the seat in April 2024. Dominic Deschambault submitted his name for consideration, but Grohman instead chose Gross to fill the seat.
Deschambault has been active in Biddeford policy for more than a decade. He previously served on the school committee; and was chair of the Biddeford Housing Authority’s board of directors. Deschambault also served on the Charter Revision Commitee, Capital Improvements and the Downtown Parking Committee.
Dominic Deschambault has taken out papers for Ward 5 and At-Large
Deschambault also took out papers for an at-large seat on the City Council. He told the Gazette Tuesday that he is not yet sure which seat he will pursue
David Kurtz, a Biddeford attorney and member of the city’s Waste Management Commission, said he has been attending council meetings for the last several months and would like to be more involved in the city’s policy making arena.
Ward Six: Former Councilor Roger Hurtubise is hoping to return to the council. Incumbent Norman Belanger is giving up the seat in order to run for mayor. Hurtubise has already turned in his nomination forms. Gregg Shapiro who ran unsuccessfully for an at-large seat on the council two years ago– has taken out papers for both Ward Six and at-large.
Ward Seven: City Council President Liam LaFountain has not yet taken out nomination forms.
At Large: There is a crowded field for the two available at-large seats. Marc Lessard is hoping to keep his seat. Incumbent Doris Ortiz will not be seeking reelection.
In addition to Deschambault, Lessard, Shapiro and Vadnais, Sterling Gray Roop of Pinewood Circle, has taken out nomination forms for one of the two at-large seats.
A little more than 24 hours before nomination papers are available from the City’s Clerk’s office, and the landscape for this year’s municipal election in Biddeford is already taking shape.
As we first reported on July 11, Incumbent Marty Grohman is hoping for a second term but will face a challenge from Ward Six Councilor Norman Belanger, a former council president who says the city “needs strong leadership.”
Ward One Councilor William Emhiser told the Gazette that he will not seek a fourth term on the council.
Ward One City Councilor William Emhiser (City photo)
Emhiser said he is supporting former Chamber of Commerce executive director Jim LaBelle for the seat. Although the Gazette spoke to LaBelle last week, he has yet to confirm his decision to run.
“Jim is a terrific guy and the right person to take over my seat,” Emhiser said of LaBelle during a brief interview Tuesday. “Jim knows Biddeford, and he brings both passion and integrity to the table.”
LaBelle, a close friend of Mayor Grohman, said he would only run for the seat if Emhiser declined to seek a fourth term.
Jim LaBelle, former executive director, Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce (Courtesy Photo)
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During the last council meeting, Grohman paused the meeting to express a sentiment of appreciation for LaBelle and “his hard work” during a seven-year tenure as the Chamber’s executive director.
Emhiser said he has enjoyed his six years on the council and had high praise for his fellow councilors. “We’re a diverse bunch, but we’ve always been willing to work together and pulling in the same direction.”
At-large Councilor Doris Ortiz told the Gazette last week that she will also not seek another term on the council. Ortiz has served on the council for three terms, beginning in 2019.
At-Large City Councilor Doris Ortiz will not seek reelection (City Photo)
Ward Five Councilor Neva Gross told the Gazette that she also will not seek a return to her seat. Gross was appointed to the council by the mayor after former councilor Julian Schlaver announced that he was resigning in April 2024.
Gross said that she and her partner are looking for real estate that will likely be outside of the Ward Five boundaries.
Abigail Woods, a former city employee, has said on social media that she is interested in the Ward Two council seat now occupied by Scott Whiting. There is no word on whether Whiting will seek reelection for a third term.
Abigail Woods announced on Facebook that she will seek the Ward Two Council seat
Former Ward Six City Councilor Roger Hurtubise told the Gazette that he will be running for the Ward Six seat being vacated by Belanger.
Hurtubise said he is especially concerned about city spending and back-to-back property tax hikes.
“This council needs people who are going to look out for the taxpayers,” Hurtubise said. “I watch all the meetings, and I shake my head at some of the stuff I see,” he said.
Roger Hurtubise is hoping to return to his former Ward Six Council seat
Other potential candidates have said they are watching the political landscape closely and still deciding whether to toss their hats into the ring, including both the mayor’s seat and council seats.
Nomination papers for all open positions will be available, beginning July 24, at the City Clerk’s office.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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Hopefully, you are all enjoying the beautiful weather this week! I am on semi-vacation, pinging back and forth between our campsite at Rangeley Lake and Biddeford.
No matter where you find yourself, this is a good week to be living in Maine.
This is also a very good week for those of us who closely follow local politics.
WELCOME TO BIDDEFORD POLITICS
Every two years, Biddeford voters select a mayor, city councilors and school committee members.
If you’re considering running for one of these positions, you first need to take out nomination papers and get the required number of signatures to place your name on the November ballot.
This will be the Biddeford Gazette’s first election season, but I have been watching and reporting on this city’s local elections for nearly 30 years, and I can guarantee you the Gazette will be providing comprehensive coverage and the latest daily updates.
We are already running down information, including all the latest developments: reports of former councilors seeking a return; new faces considering a run, and incumbents who may or may not seek reelection.
There are already two candidates vying to be the city’s next mayor: Incumbent Marty Grohman and Councilor Norman Belanger. I would not be surprised to see some other people toss their hats into the ring. Stay tuned, and we’ll have some fun!
Nomination papers will be available beginning Thursday (July 24) at the City Clerk’s office.
A BIG MILESTONE
When Laura and I decided to formally start the Biddeford Gazette in January, we told ourselves we would not invest too much money into the venture and would wait six months before committing more time or resources.
Last week, the Gazette hit that six-month marker, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far.
The Gazette is not about me. The Gazette is about Biddeford, and our mission has not changed. We believe the city of Biddeford and its people deserve a dedicated, community-driven news source, something that has been missing for a few years now.
Over the last six months, the Biddeford Gazette has published 81 news stories, many of which were exclusive and most were reported days and even weeks before other media outlets filed reports.
We have also published 14 feature stories and seven “Community Voices” stories, which are written or submitted to us by other community members. That’s the part we’re really hoping to grow as we move forward.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We have started a new business section, a rudimentary community calendar — and beginning this week we will launch our newest feature, FLUFF PIECES – a project we are doing in partnership with the Animal Welfare Society to feature a different pet available for adoption each week.
We received hundreds of clever and funny suggestions from the community about the naming of this new section. Thank you to all who offered so many very cool suggestions!
I am especially pleased to announce that we are also now in the process of putting together a seven-member community advisory board.
If the Gazette is going to truly serve the community, it must have the pulse of the people who live, work and play here. We need and want constructive feedback from the community. We want to hear a diversity of new ideas and suggestions.
I think that’s more than enough for one newsletter. Get out there and enjoy Maine’s beaches, lakes and public parks. Be safe and have fun!
As always, thank you for reading!
—Randy Seaver, editor
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BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 