Given recent complaints about the city of Biddeford’s sidewalk snow removal policies, Jeff Demers, the city’s public works director, recently sent the Gazette a detailed explanation regarding his department’s priorities when it comes to clearing snow from city sidewalk policies.
Jeff Demers, Biddeford Public Works Department director (Seaver photo)
Demers said resources are stretched thin, and if residents want changes, they should contact the city council and request more funding and manpower.
Here is a recent memo from Demers regarding sidewalk snow clearing:
“Sidewalks are a major concern for many people throughout our community year after year,” Demers wrote.
“Public Works can never do them all. As of today, we do an average of 34 miles of sidewalks taking up around 30 to 100 hours after any given storm.
“Not to mention the ongoing cleanup. More equipment and personnel are needed to add on more sidewalks at this time.
“If the City Manager and city council want to re-prioritize the way we do them today more discussion is warranted, in my opinion,” Demers said.
Demers said sidewalks are done by the following priorities.
When journalists compete, readers win | Good news for people in Biddeford
Whether you’re buying a new car or just picking up the week’s groceries, you are always better off when you have choices and competition in the marketplace.
It’s no different when it comes to the highly competitive world of journalism. Having choices about where you get your local news ensures that you are well-informed and up to date about what is happening in your community.
Most journalists I know – me included – would rather have “exclusive rights” when it comes to local news reporting. We’re doing just fine. There’s no need for competition. Thank you very much.
But if there is only one dominant media outlet in any market – large or small –news consumers suffer.
Competition keeps journalists on their toes, hungry to find new and more detailed information. Competition also serves the public as an appropriate ‘check and balance’ on each reporter and every media outlet.
Bias and inaccuracy are exposed when multiple journalists cover the same beat.
The idea – and the importance – of “getting the scoop” is a well-known mantra, that even those outside the realm of the so-called Fourth Estate understand and appreciate.
But getting the scoop should be much more focused on getting the story right rather than getting the story first.
So, how does all of this impact local news consumers in Biddeford?
What’s the buzz? Media competition in Biddeford
The local news landscape in the Biddeford area has changed dramatically over the last 30 years.
I have written about this subject ad-nauseam on my personal blog, Lessons in Mediocrity.
I grew up here, and when I returned to Biddeford in the mid-1990s, there were three newspapers regularly covering City Hall, local politics, news and events.
The Portland Press Herald – Maine’s largest daily newspaper – had a fully-staffed regional bureau on Main Street. The legendary and award-winning Journal Tribune – an afternoon daily – was then “the paper of record.”
At the same time, the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier – a locally-owned publication — was keeping the big boys on their toes, filling the gaps and providing (during my tenure as editor) a somewhat manic approach to covering City Hall.
What happened?
For all intents and purposes, it was like a slow-acting bomb was triggered. There were a lot of things at play, most notably corporate restructuring of local media and big changes in how consumers accessed their news and information.
Welcome to the internet and social media.
Suddenly, everyone was a reporter. The Fourth Estate was being overrun by a mob of discontented citizens who no longer trusted the media or valued its self-described role as guardians of local news and information.
The Journal Tribune – after more than a century of providing local news in Biddeford – permanently closed its doors in October 2019. The Press Herald closed its regional bureau; and the Courier was sold and then – just last year – ceased publishing its print edition and was folded into an electronic newsletter distributed by the Press Herald.
Rising from the ashes
It may have happened slowly, but over time folks in the Biddeford area realized that they were living in a vacuum of local news coverage. The local newspapers were always taken for granted.
Many of us didn’t recognize how lucky we were to have three independent, professional publications covering Biddeford news.
Not surprisingly, it was a local journalist who took the very first step in filling the news vacuum in Biddeford.
Liz Gotthelf, a former Journal Tribune reporter, launched Saco Bay News – a digital publication – only months after her employer sent her and her co-workers packing in 2020.
Liz Gotthelf (Saco Bay News photo)
It likely would have been easier for Liz to find a job at another newspaper or go into the much more lucrative field of public relations. But with tenacity and grit, she almost single-handedly built a trusted, local media source.
Saco Bay News does an excellent job of covering local news, but since Liz is basically running it as a one-person show, she is stretched thin and challenged by simultaneously covering three communities: Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.
Another fighter enters the ring
Almost two years ago, I found myself increasingly frustrated about some local issues, including Biddeford’s brash and rather obnoxious former city manager and a lack of coverage about a controversial project put forth by the University of New England.
In November of 2024, I tentatively launched the Biddeford Gazette as a special section on my blog. Two months later – following my wife’s suggestion – I formally launched the Gazette as a stand-alone publication.
Biddeford is the largest community in York County, and the eighth-largest city in Maine. I thought the city deserved its own news source.
I doubt that Liz – a good friend and former co-worker – was very happy about a new competitor, but readers almost immediately embraced the Gazette because of its commitment to be a Biddeford-only publication.
There’s an old saying: “Write what you know.”
Well, I know Biddeford. My family’s roots here go back generations. I was raised on the third-floor of a Quimby Street triple decker and received First Communion at St. Mary’s.
Heck, I even had a paper route delivering the Journal Tribune in the 1970s.
As a professional journalist, I have been covering the city of Biddeford for nearly 30 years. Thus, I have a somewhat unfair advantage over Liz and various reporters from the Press Herald. I know this city and its people, and they know me.
The media landscape continues to change
Today, any person with a smartphone and an internet connection can set themselves up as a journalist or as “a community reporter.”
That’s a good thing, and that’s a bad thing. Allow me to explain.
Last year, during a small, community symposium about local media issues that was hosted by The Maine Monitor at the McArthur Library, several folks raised concerns about how to “separate the wheat from the chaff.”
In an age of rampant internet communication, how are consumers supposed to discern and distinguish the news being fed to them, asked Susan Gold, a veteran journalist who once worked at the Journal Tribune.
Sadly, there is no easy answer to that question.
As I said at the top, increased competition among the media is good for you, but you have to be careful.
A few months ago, another digital media outlet emerged in Biddeford.
The Biddeford Buzz was launched last summer by Josh Wolfe, a man who was reportedly less than satisfied with the area’s existing news coverage, especially the Gazette.
The Biddeford Buzz may not be my cup of tea. Josh has had no editorial training or professional news experience prior to launching his own publication. For example, the Buzz recently published a story about a political candidate simply by “copying and pasting” something the candidate wrote on Facebook. She called me to complain. “He [Wolfe] never even called me,” she said.
But what Mr. Wolfe may lack in experience, he more than compensates with enthusiasm and a dogged desire to keep other reporters on their own toes.
Unlike many other reporters, Wolfe has become a regular fixture at Biddeford City Council meetings. He has a near perfect attendance record, always sitting up front and eager to cover even rather benign city issues.
Furthermore, — and perhaps most importantly — the Biddeford Buzz gives its readers and others another platform to share their own news and opinions about the city of Biddeford. That’s very important, especially for people who have a rather dim view of the Gazette or other local publications.
More choices often lead to better outcomes, and at least Biddeford consumers are no longer living in a news vacuum
CORRECTION: The original article contained an error. The Journal Tribune closed in October 2019, not in 2020. The story has been updated, and we apologize for the error.
New partnerships, expanding technology will help the Gazette stay connected to you
I don’t believe this could have been a better week for the Biddeford Gazette.
I am especially excited about several new partnerships that will allow us to give you more news and information about your community.
Earlier this week, I was invited to a meeting at the University of New England, where I enjoyed a really nice lunch with Michael Cripps, a professor and director of UNE’s School of Arts and Humanities and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Cripps and I had a fascinating and free-wheeling conversation about the state of today’s media landscape and some of the challenges he faces in working to provide his students with real life experiences to support their education outside of the traditional classroom.
Bottom line: Dr. Cripps and I began laying the groundwork of a partnership that will allow his students who are pursuing careers in journalism and communications to work as interns with the Biddeford Gazette.
It has the potential to be a dynamic relationship, one that will allow us an opportunity to expand our coverage and learn the valuable perspective of students attending classes in Biddeford.
But wait, that’s not all . . .
Cy Cyr of Biddeford (Courtesy photo)
If you don’t know Cy Cyr of Biddeford, you’re really missing out. A Biddeford native, Cy recently launched Brick + Tides, a digital magazine that features his photography and some very compelling document-style storytelling about the people shaping southern Maine today.
I am a huge fan of Cy’s work, and I am ecstatic that he and I will be working together to promote and share his work on the Biddeford Gazette’s site.
We’ll be posting our first story from Brick + Tides on Monday in which Cy does an in-depth interview with Heather Paquette, another Biddeford native who is the president of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine.
But wait, there’s more . . .
As you can see from a story we posted yesterday, the Biddeford Gazette is continuing its ongoing media partnership with The Maine Monitor, a nonpartisan, independent publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting.
The Maine Monitor– another digital only publication — has earned an outstanding reputation across the state, providing readers with in-depth, comprehensive reporting on the issues that affect Maine people on a daily basis.
Our partnership with The Maine Monitor is especially valuable as we approach the upcoming election season in which Maine voters will choose a new governor, a U.S. senator, Congressional representatives, not to mention numerous state legislative and county races.
The party primaries are now less than 90 days away. We look forward to sharing more stories from The Maine Monitor in the days and weeks ahead,
A busy week in our own newsroom.
Neva and Samanntha Lance speak in favor of funding for the city’s skatepark during Tuesday’s Biddeford City Council meeting (Seaver photo)
As a reporter, I had a new experience this week.
A local politician voluntarily told me that he was partly to blame for some financial issues that are now plaguing the city of Biddeford.
I don’t recall ever hearing a politician accept responsibility for a problem. Gotta say, it was refreshing to hear City Councilor Marc Lessard talk about his own role in a mess the city is still working through. “You can spread the blame like peanut butter,” Lessard told me. We thought that quote made a perfect headline.
Hopefully, other reporters were watching the meeting remotely on-line. It’s convenient for me to be the only reporter in the room, but it’s bad for you, as I explain in this week’s upcoming editorial: Life During Wartime.
We covered several other stories this week. UNE is considering extending a natural gas line from downtown to its Biddeford campus; and several residents spoke in favor of reopening the city’s skatepark during Tuesday’s council meeting.
Video killed the radio star
On a final note, we began experimenting this week with using video and other technology to expand our news and commentary. It’s in a very rudimentary, early stage and well-beyond my experience as a print journalist, but it is fun and somewhat exciting.
The move was inspired by my conversation with Dr. Cripps this week. For younger news consumers, it’s all about video. You can find that video in our new section: Video Commentary & Reporting.
A close friend of mine – a media expert – tried to be as supportive as possible.
“You know,” he said. “You could always do a second take.”
And that, my friends, is the beauty of being a digital publication.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He is a Biddeford native who has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
The first meeting of Biddeford’s revived Institutional Zone Review (IZR) Committee was held Thursday evening, giving members a chance to introduce themselves and to complete several organizational and administrative tasks, including scheduling their first public hearing.
The committee was launched earlier this year, at the direction of Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain who attended Thursday’s meeting as an observer.
Members of the newly formed Institutional Zone Review Committee begin their work during their first meeting Thursday. Left to right: Betsy Martin, Christine Stone, Matt Haas, Dr. James Herbert, Chair Patricia Boston and Code Enforcement Officer Roby Fecteau (Seaver photo)
The mission of the committee is to review planning documents that have been submitted by the University of New England over the last 20 years; to seek public input and make recommendations regarding future growth at the school’s Biddeford campus.
From the public podium, LaFountain spoke only briefly to welcome and thank the committee members for their willingness to “dig deep” into issues that will likely impact the city and the University of New England.
“You have taken on an ambitious timeline,” LaFountain told the committee, reminding them that the city hopes to receive their preliminary recommendations in May for city council review and input.
The final recommendations are expected for a public hearing in July, LaFountain said.
“The council will rely upon your diligence and judgment,” LaFountain told the committee. “What matters most is that you approach this work respectfully and thoughtfully and encourage public input and feedback.”
On that note – following a rather arduous process of coordinating various schedules and available meeting times at City Hall – the new committee tentatively scheduled its first public hearing for Monday, March 2, at 6 p.m.
The committee is scheduled to have at least two more meetings before the first public hearing.
Nearly a quarter-century ago, a previous IZR committee was tasked with similar objectives.
City Councilor Pat Boston, a Hills Beach resident, is serving as chair of the current committee. She recalled serving on the first IZR Committee in 2001.
“I recently came across a note from [former mayor] Donna Dion, thanking us for our service,” Boston laughed.
Thursday’s meeting was sparsely attended by members of the public.
John Shafer – an outspoken critic of the university’s controversial pier proposal – sat in the back of the room, carefully watching the meeting. UNE vice president Alan Thibault also attended the meeting along with City Planner David Galbraith and City Manager Truc Dever.
For more information about the Institutional Zone Review Committee, you may visit the committee’s webpage, which is a section of the city’s larger website.
In addition to Councilor Boston, other committee members include City Councilor Marc Lessard; Dr. James Herbert, the university’s president; Matt Haas, a former UNE employee and graduate; Christina Stone, a real estate agent and Hills Beach resident; and Associate member Elizabeth Martin of Biddeford.
Lessard did not attend Thursday’s meeting.
Code Enforcement Officer Roby Fecteau will serve as the committee’s staff liaison.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
City Councilor Marc Lessard falls on his own sword by saying he is partly responsible for some of the city’s ongoing financial problems
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
Tuesday’s meeting of the Biddeford City Council’s Finance Committee made one fact abundantly clear.
The city is still struggling to clean up the damage done over the last few years by a Finance Department that was beleaguered by rapid staff turnover and minimal supervision from city leaders.
“You can spread the blame around like peanut butter,” said City Councilor Marc Lessard during a telephone interview with the Gazette on Wednesday.
“But you know what?” Lessard stated. “I’m partly responsible for the problem.”
Council President Roger Beaupre and Mayor Liam LaFountain discuss the city’s finances during Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting about upcoming sewer work. (Seaver photo)
The city’s ongoing financial problems were raised again Tuesday evening when Finance Committee members took up the subject of how to pay for another state-mandated sewer update project.
The city is currently trying to catch-up on several of its long overdue financial audits. The city is now working to finalize the FY 2024 audit, now more than two years overdue.
The problem impacts the city in numerous ways, most notably preventing city departments from accessing bond funds that were approved by voters.
In November, voters approved a $20 million bond to complete long overdue sewer updates that are mandated by the state of Maine.
Last year’s major project on Elm Street was paid for from money in the city’s general fund versus an account that is replenished by sewer fee revenues.
That situation put Public Works Director Jeff Demers in an uncomfortable position. When he asked the former city manager about the lack of funds for the project, he was told to move forward and that funding for the project would come from another line item in the budget.
“I did what I was told,” Demers told the committee. “I took my marching orders, but I’ve lost sleep over it.”
Lessard – a member of the committee — asked how that decision to move funds around impacted other parts of the city’s budget.
“If we took $4.1 million from one part of the budget – roughly 5 percent of our budget – what item or work didn’t get funded?” Lessard asked.
City Manager Truc Dever said city staff is working overtime to sort out numerous issues that took place over the past few years, in addition to performing all of their current day-to-day responsibilities.
Although Mayor Liam LaFountain rang alarm bells about the situation, describing it as a “DEFCON 1 financial scenario,” he also offered at least one point for optimism during a follow-up conversation with the Gazette on Wednesday.
“We are doing everything possible to regain public trust and confidence in City Hall,” LaFountain said. “It’s nearly impossible to fix everything that took place over several years in just a few months.”
More importantly, LaFountain noted that the conversation – although difficult and somewhat concerning – took place in a public meeting with cameras rolling and members of the press in the room as opposed to “a couple guys meeting in an office behind closed doors.
LaFountain was able to oust former Mayor Marty Grohman in November by using a campaign pledge to bring “accountability and transparency” back to City Hall.
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“It’s nearly impossible to fix
all of these problems
in just a few months.”
— Mayor Liam LaFountain
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“It may not seem like it on the surface, but we are moving in the right direction,” LaFountain said. “It’s frustrating, but we now have the right people in place to help us in our overall course correction.”
Lessard said he was also feeling frustrated.
“There’s plenty of blame to go around,” he said. “And frankly part of that responsibility lies at my feet.”
Lessard – a veteran member of the council – said that, in retrospect, he should have pushed harder for accountability and transparency.
“There were many times when we allowed the former city manager and others to skirt, delay or obfuscate the issues,” he said. “That should not have happened, and I have to accept my own share of responsibility for that, even though that’s not what most politicians do.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
During Tuesday’s city council meeting, several residents used the words “community engagement,” during a public hearing about how the city should prioritize funding of its neglected recreational assets.
Several of those who testified before the council pointed to the principles and importance of community engagement, arguing that the council should prioritize projects that have received the most public feedback — most notably support for repairing or replacing the city’s former skate park that was located on outer Main Street as part of Rotary Park.
Tuesday’s public hearing was only the city’s latest effort to again seek public input and feedback about the city’s recreational facilities, and which projects should be a priority.
In November, voters approved a $6 million bond that is designated for upgrades and repairs to more than a dozen of the city’s recreational assets, including parks, playgrounds and infrastructure.
Anne Thompson of Biddeford tells the city council that the skatepark was a vital community resource, especially for at-risk youth who may not participate in more structured recreational activities (Seaver Photo)
Over the next few weeks, city councilors from each of the city’s seven voting wards will be hosting individual ward meetings to solicit resident feedback about the recreation bond and other community issues.
Several people packed the council chambers Tuesday but most left quickly after the recreation public hearing.
Despite several pleas and noting the importance of public engagement, there was absolutely no community engagement or public comment during a second public hearing regarding the use of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Kids got a ‘raw deal’ from the city
The former skate park received broad public support from a diverse and vocal group of city residents.
Several residents said the city “took away” the skate park, a popular social gathering spot for younger residents.
City officials, however, maintain that the park was closed because of “safety and liability” concerns created by cracked and crumbling concrete skating pads.
Steven Gudschinsky of Biddeford told the council that the city should have been maintaining the skatepark as opposed to letting it fall into disrepair (Seaver photo)
Several residents balked at the city’s rationale for closing the park, arguing the city has a responsibility to repair and maintain all of its public infrastructure, including the skatepark.
“We now have an opportunity to heal an old wound,” said resident Holly Culloton during her remarks in support of the skatepark.
Other residents were equally as passionate, saying the city should embrace “atonement” for its decision to close the park nearly two years ago.
Anne Thompson, an older resident, told the council that the skatepark was a vital community asset and a resource for “at-risk kids” who may not participate in more structured school sports programs.
Steven Gudschinsky of Biddeford didn’t mince his words.
“The kids and the voters got a raw deal,” he said. “That park should have been maintained all along”
Why was previous public input ignored?
Biddeford resident Samanntha Lance and her wife, former city councilor Neva Lance, drew rousing applause from the audience when they offered their comments to the council from the podium.
Former city councilor Neva Lance watches as Samanntha Lance tells the council that they are duty-bound to honor a commitment the city made more than two years ago about the former skatepark. This is a matter of trust, she said. (Seaver photo)
Samanntha Lance reminded the newer members of the council that her wife attended a previous public meeting about the skate park that was also attended by former mayor Marty Grohman and current mayor Liam LaFountain – before the skate park was closed for public use.
Lance told the council that a “large number of parents and young people” also attended that event.
“That meeting was not casual conversation,” Lance told the council. “It was a serious discussion. Families and kids showed up. They spoke about what the skate park meant to them. They shared concerns, ideas, and hopes for its future. Their input was documented. And the three sitting city officials present — including my wife — gave their word that their concerns would not be ignored and that the skate park was not gone forever.”
Lance said those words seemed to fall on deaf ears, despite continued robust community input during subsequent city meetings.
“The city later told those same families that funding was not available,” Lance told the council. “Residents were encouraged to pursue fundraising efforts — GoFundMe campaigns and other community-driven solutions — if they wanted to see the project rebuilt.”
Lance said the skate park should not have to compete among the city’s other recreational assets because the public already spoke out overwhelmingly in support of the skate park.
“The public showed up in numbers we have not seen for any other recreation issue in the past year. The community has already spoken,” Lance said.
“In a time when trust in government is fragile, keeping your word matters. When public officials give their word to families and children, that promise should stand — especially when the funding now exists.”
“This is about more than concrete and ramps,” Lance added. “It is about trust. It is about accountability. And it is about showing this community — especially its young people — that when they show up and speak, their government listens.”
CORRECTION:An earlier version of the story incorrectly listed Samanntha Vance as Samantha Vance. It has been corrected. We apologize for the error.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
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 the District Two seat on the York County Board of Commissioners.
The county’s District Two seat is being vacated this year by Richard Dutremble of Biddeford who announced in January that he will not seek reelection after 20 years of service on the board.
Last week, former Biddeford City Councilor Doris Ortiz formally announced that she is hoping to replace Dutremble as the county commissioner representing Biddeford.
Angers, 73, is a well-known politician in the city of Biddeford. For many years, his family ran a small grocery store on South Street. He attended St. Louis High School and then graduated from Biddeford High School in 1971.
Angers has been a fixture at City Hall for more than three decades. His brother Luc was Biddeford’s city clerk in the 1980s.
Former Biddeford City Councilor Roch Angers (Contributed photo)
Roch Angers has served on the Biddeford City Council under four different mayors, including Lucien “Babe” Dutremble, Roger Normand, Donna Dion and Alan Casavant.
“I guess you could say that I have been around for quite a while,” he laughed during a telephone interview. “I still enjoy public service.”
Angers, a self-described moderate and fiscal conservative, said he wants to follow in Dutremble’s footsteps.
“I think he [Dutremble] is an outstanding commissioner,” Angers said. “When I learned he was stepping down, I picked up the phone and begged him to stay in the seat.”
Angers has served nearly a decade on the Biddeford Planning Board, and he became the center of controversy last year when he personally appeared before the Biddeford City Council to express his concerns about a controversial research pier being proposed by the University of New England.
In August – only days before the planning board narrowly voted 3-2 to approve the project — Angers told the council he was troubled by the review process.
“Something about this seems fishy,” Angers told the council. He was one of two planning board members who later voted against the proposal.
Planning Board member Roch Angers shares his concerns about UNE’s controversial plan to build a research pier on the Saco River during an August 5, 2025 council meeting. “Something about this feels fishy,” he said. (Seaver photo)
Former Mayor Marty Grohman was incensed by Angers’ move to speak publicly about the project while also serving as a member of the planning board.
Grohman later attempted to remove Angers from the planning board but got almost no support for that effort from the city council.
When Grohman brought the issue forward, the council remained silent and stone-faced. No one would second a motion offered by former Ward One City Councilor William Emhiser.
After several seconds of silence from the other eight councilors, City Attorney Harry Center advised the mayor that the issue was dead on arrival.
Grohman later told the Gazette that he would continue his efforts to remove Angers from the planning board. That never happened.
Today, Angers is enjoying his retirement after working many years in various management positions for Shaw’s supermarkets across Maine.
“I think I have something to offer,” Angers said, pointing out that he is concerned about the growing county budget and its impact on Biddeford and the city’s neighboring communities of Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Angers said he hopes to make a final decision about running in the next few days. He said he has been calling several people throughout the community.
“Many people have told me that they would support me,” Angers said. “I am honored and truly appreciative of that support, but I want to make sure that I dot my I’s and cross my T’s,” he laughed.
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CORRECTION: This story contained an error, stating that Angers retired as a butcher from the Shaw’s supermarket in Saco. In fact, Angers retired from Shaw’s after many years of working in various management positions for Shaw’s supermarkets across the state. We have corrected the story, and apologize for the error.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
A small group — including some other legislators — gathered Sunday at Pizza By Alex in Biddeford to help State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (D-Arundel) launch his campaign for a third consecutive term in the Maine State Senate.
State Sen. Henry Ingwersen (right) shares a laugh with State Rep. Malon (D-Biddeford) during Ingwersen’s campaign kickoff party in Biddeford (Seaver photo)
Among those attending were State Sen. Jill Duson (R-Portland) and Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford). Biddeford City Councilor David Kurtz attended the event with him mother, and Richard Lambert, a former Biddeford City Councilor, said he was happy to be supporting Ingwersen.
“He’s been doing some good stuff in the Legislature,” Lambert said of Ingwersen.
Ingwersen chats with River Trudo (10) of Biddeford and her mother Rochelle Trudo (Seaver photo)
Kayla Lewis — an associate member of the Biddeford Planning Board — told the crowd that she is serving as Ingwersen’s “campaign captain” in Biddeford and drew rousing applause when she addressed the gathering.
“This meeting shows the collective power and the collective impact that happens when small groups gather,” Lewis told the crowd as she formally introduced Ingwersen.
Kayla Lewis (right) chats with a fellow supporter during Ingwersen’s campaign kickoff party (Seaver photo)
“It’s great to see so many friendly faces,” Ingwersen said.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
This year’s District 32 State Senate race could become a crowded affair.
So far, three candidates have announced their intentions to seek the senate seat that represents Biddeford, Arundel, Dayton, Lyman and Hollis in the Maine Legislature.
The Gazette learned this week that there is a possibility more candidates may be coming forward in the near future for that seat.
The declared candidates now include incumbent Democrat Henry Ingwersen of Arundel; Republican newcomer John Salamone of Hollis; and Independent Jason Litalien, an unenrolled attorney from Biddeford.
IngwersenLitalienSalamone
We spoke recently with Ingwersen and Litalien, but Salamone was unavailable for an interview at press time, saying he would contact us in the near future.
Ingwersen, a retired public-school teacher and a beekeeper, is now serving his second consecutive term in the senate. He is senate chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and also serves on the on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.
He previously served one term in the Maine House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020, saying he got into politics because of his “frustration” with President Donald Trump, a brash and outspoken Republican.
Ingwersen, 75, says he hopes to win a third term in the senate in order to continue working on issues that matter to his constituents.
“I’m running to continue the work that I’ve always done to build a stronger, more affordable and caring Maine that brings our communities together,” Ingwersen said. “Now, in these impossible times, I feel more strongly than ever before that I am called to support affordable, accessible health care for all, fight for funding for affordable child care for Maine families, take on food insecurity by supporting universal free school meals, and much more.”
He said he enjoys listening to my constituents, and helping them when he is able. “It is what I do, and will keep doing.” Ingwersen said.
Litalien, 50, told the Gazette that he places a strong value on community service.
“Ever since I was a little boy, I have wanted to serve the public,” he said. “Right now, the political climate is so toxic, and that’s why I’m running as an independent candidate. We have to stop pointing fingers at each other and focus on meeting the needs of Maine people.”
Litalien, a veteran who served in the United States Air Force, made his name well-known in the city by running a very strong challenge against former Mayor Alan Casavant in 2019, losing that race by only 107 votes (2,234-2127).
Two years prior, Litalien ran against Casavant as a write-candidate and received only 78 votes.
In 2023, Litalien challenged and lost to former police chief Roger Beaupre for the Ward Three seat on the city council.
Litalien said his number one issue is public education.
“We need to take a serious look at why our students all across Maine are scoring below national averages,” he said.
But education is not Litalien’s only concern.
“It is an atrocity to see all the new taxes that our representatives are approving in Augusta,” Litalien said.
Litalien blames many of Maine’s problems on what he described as a fractured and dysfunctional two-party system.
“What matters to me is fixing the problem, not the color of your necktie,” he said. “Too many people are now blinded by party lines and party allegiance.”
Litalien said today’s publics school students are being taught what to think rather than how to think.
“We have some of the highest per-pupil costs in the country and some of the lowest student test scores,” he said. “That just doesn’t make sense to me.”
Both Ingwersen and Litalien are running as Clean Election candidates as opposed to traditionally funded campaigns.
“I don’t like owing anyone, and this way I am not beholden to anyone or any special interest,” Litalien said.
Ingwersen has previously described Maine’s Clean Elections program as “a valuable tool” that opens the doors to more candidates who might not otherwise be able to seek public office. “It levels the playing field,” he said.
Ingwersen said he is proud of his accomplishments over the last four years in the senate, pointing to his commitment to fully funding MaineCare and sponsoring a bill to create a network of regional resource hubs to connect child care providers, employers, and families.
He also pointed to a bill he sponsored that would continue the Child Care Employment Award to help pay the child care tuition of those employed as child care professionals.
“I opposed proposed budget cuts to child care worker wage supplements, child care tuition coverage, and Head Start funding, making sure that they were put back into the budget,” Ingwersen said.
When it comes to Maine’s economy, Ingwersen said he worked hard to maintain the state’s commitment to cities and towns by keeping revenue sharing at five percent and funding 55 percent of K-12 education.
“Prior to 2018, revenue sharing was at two percent, and state funding for education was at 49 percent. We increased both of these things over the years and have embedded them in the budget,” Ingwersen said.
There’s a lot more that needs to be done to help the people of Maine, Ingwersen said.
Litalien said the Legislature needs to be “more creative” in addressing problems, and stop creating new taxes such as a recent new tax levied on streaming services such as Netflix.
“When it comes to Augusta, it’s just taxes, taxes and more taxes,” Litalien said. “It has to stop. It’s not sustainable for hard-working Maine families.”
For more information about Ingwersen’s campaign, you may visit his website, Henry for Senate.
For more information about Litalien’s campaign, you may visit his website, Jason for Maine
For more information about Salamone’s campaign, you may visit his website, Salamone for Senate.
This story will be updated as the campaigns continue and new information becomes available.
Correction:Prior to 2018, the state share local K-12 public schools was at 49 percent, not 55 percent which is today’s rate. It was a clerical error, and the story has been updated. We apologize for the mistake
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ABOUT THE AUTHORRandy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Ryan Paige of Biddeford sits behind a desk in his Main Street office and carefully considers his words while talking about the upcoming “Black Balloon Day” event that will be held on Saturday, March 7.
Black Balloon Day is an annual event to remember people who have been lost to drug addiction and substance use disorder – and to raise awareness and offer hope to those who may be struggling, their families and other members of the community.
This will be the sixth year that the event has been held in Maine, and this year the event will take place for the first time in Biddeford, at the New Life Church on the Alfred Road.
Paige, 44, is the co-founder of the Access Direct Recovery Network, a statewide non-profit organization that provides “direction and connection to individuals suffering with substance use disorder through fast access into a network of treatment facilities and recovery resources” throughout Maine.
Ryan Paige of Biddeford runs the Access Direct Recovery Network and is excited that this year’s Black Balloon event will be held in the same community where he grew up, struggled and began his recovery journey (Seaver photo)
Paige is a recovering drug addict who is now on a mission to provide support, service and resources to other people, regardless of where they are on their own recovery journey. He and his wife, Cynthia, launched Access Direct six years ago.
The first Black Balloon event held in Maine took place on the Eastern Promenade in Portland six years ago. It was organized by Paige and his friend, Randy Beard – a fellow recovering addict.
“It was a really small event,” Paige recalled. “We had maybe 50 people show up and we had one table set up with information about resources, and it was freezing cold.”
Over the years, the event continually grew.
“In true addict fashion, we decided to try it again,” Paige laughed. “It’s always been a grassroots type thing, but by year two we had between 150 and 200 people.”
Last year, the event was held in Bangor and more than 500 people attended to hear musical performances and share the memories of those who have been lost to addiction.
This is the first year that the Black Balloon event will be held in Biddeford.
“Having it in Biddeford this year means a lot to me,” Paige said. “This where I live. This is where I struggled. I have a strong personal connection to Biddeford.”
Paige says the Black Balloon event is designed to allow people to grieve and share the memories of those who have been lost to addiction. But is also an opportunity for community members, families and others to learn more about available treatment resources.
“We’re constantly working to get rid of the stigma that surrounds so many of these battles,” Paige said. “This event gives people information about resources and a chance to see the power of recovery.”
This year’s event will feature a variety of food trucks and musical performances by artists in recovery from all over the country, including Skyler Ray from Seattle; Colicchie from Pittsburg; Jordan Meyer from Florida and others.
Several community awards – named after people lost to addiction – will be presented to individuals and resource providers.
But there will only be a minimum number of actual black balloons at the indoor Black Balloon event. No balloons will be released.
“During our first year, we heard some concerns from people about the negative impacts that balloons have on the environment and wildlife,” Paige explained. “We want to be good neighbors.”
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 11 a.m. Performances begins at noon.
Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Let’s get right to it. Things have been pretty much non-stop here at the Gazette since the beginning of February.
We set some new records, broke some big stories and had some fun along the way. More about all that in just a moment.
Our promise to you:
A lot of media outlets – large and small – often brag about their commitment to local, community journalism.
At the Gazette, community journalism is much more than just a slogan. It’s a proven track record of being embedded in the community; a promise to always be accessible to everyone on both our website and on the Biddeford Gazette’s social media pages, including our Facebook page.
Never a charge or fee for subscriptions.
We are the only news outlet in southern Maine that actively shares and promotes news about Biddeford from other professional media outlets, including Saco Bay News, the Portland Press Herald, MaineBiz, WGME-TV or WMTW-TV.
Why do we do that? Because we care more about you than about silly competition with other news outlets. That philosophy is embedded in our mission statement.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to find news and information that impacts Biddeford, no matter where that news is generated.
And when we do share items from our news partners, we make sure those stories are clearly labeled and linked to their originating source.
Speaking of slogans:
A couple of weeks ago we asked our readers for suggestions regarding a potential tagline for the Gazette. We were looking for something unique, something that defines our mission and principles – what sets us apart.
We received dozens of suggestions from our readers: some funny, some serious. But each one of them showed that readers were willing to take time to connect with us for nothing more than the possibility of scoring a dozen donuts from Reilly’s Bakery.
I am pleased to announce that we have a winner. It was me.
Don’t worry, we’re still going through the suggestions to determine who was the runner-up, and who will get to enjoy the tasty treats we promised from Reilly’s.
In fact, it was thoughts about Reilly’s Bakery that inspired what will be our tagline going forward.
Reilly’s is a Biddeford institution built on a legacy that stretches over decades. It is a small, independent bakery focused on quality and customer service.
What sets the Gazette apart from all the others? Simply this: Experience and the community’s trust that has been developed over decades of covering Biddeford news and politics.
I have been covering Biddeford longer than any other journalist actively working today. Nearly 30 years of climbing those wooden creaky stairs at City Hall. No one else even comes close.
Hence, our new tagline:
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
A media partnership with . . . you
Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 12, we published a total of 22 items on our website, including news and feature stories, guest columns and two weekly obituary updates. That’s more than a 250 percent increase over the same time period last year, and does not include things such as our EVENTS page and BUSINESS listings
But here’s the really exciting part: 40 percentof that recent news and feature material was generated by people in the community, not us.
The community is engaging with the Gazette, and that’s the way we want it. I am excited about this, very excited. All indicators show that we’re on a good trajectory, including our growing list of subscribers and increased traffic on our website.
Fortunately, no one was hurt but the smoke damage was extensive.
We were honored that the Speaker of the House, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford asked the Gazette if he could submit his column about recent ICE activity in Maine for publication on our site.
On a similar note, former mayor Marty Grohman asked us to publish his recent op-ed about artificial intelligence and its potential benefit for Maine communities. Both State Sen. Henry Ingwersen and State Rep. Marc Malon publish their monthly columns in the Gazette.
We sincerely appreciate their trust and confidence.
And in this corner . . .
Speaking of Marc Malon, it looks like he may face a challenge in his reelection bid for a third term as Biddeford’s District 133 representative. Veteran City Councilor Marc Lessard told us he is giving serious consideration to running for the seat as an unenrolled candidate. This could be the first time that Malon is challenged for his seat.
I think that’s good news. I like Marc Malon. I think he does a decent job and truly cares about the people he represents, but it’s always better for voters if they have options. And we care more about the voters than the politicians.
Two good guys going toe-to-toe. Could be interesting.
I’m outta room. Good stuff coming down the pike! Kiss someone today and celebrate Valentine’s Day!
P.S. I talked a lot about journalism in this week’s newsletter. If you’d like to see a list of my 12 all-time favorite journalists, hop over to my personal blog Lessons in Mediocrity and check out The List. You will probably recognize some of the names and faces.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly three decades. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE |A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard confirmed Friday that he is considering a challenge against incumbent State Rep. Marc Malon to represent District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives.
District 133 includes the central and western area of the city. The upcoming election will be held in November.
If he does decide to run, Lessard says he will run as an unenrolled candidate.
“Honestly, I don’t feel that comfortable with any political party,” Lessard said during an exclusive interview with the Gazette. “Many people tell me they are tired of partisan politics.”
Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard (City Photo)
Lessard, 62, is a well-known fiscal conservative on the council and said there are several issues prompting him to consider running for state office.
“There are so many things that need our attention in Augusta,” he said. “Our public schools are underperforming; our utility costs are skyrocketing, and too many families are having a hard time just paying their basic bills. To me, this is unacceptable.”
In addition to serving as an at-large representative on the city council, Lessard also serves on the York County Budget Committee.
“I have a full-time job, grandchildren and responsibilities as a city councilor,” Lessard said, noting that is he planning to retire at the end of this year.
Lessard has served on the city council — off and on — for more than 30 years. He is historically one of the city’s biggest vote-getters in municipal elections
Lessard is planning to begin conversations with people who might be interested in supporting his campaign if he ultimately decides to toss his hat into the ring.
“There are a lot of things to consider,” he said. “Should I run as a Clean Elections candidate or as a traditionally funded candidate? I haven’t yet figured out all the details.”
According to state law, Clean Election candidates for the Maine House of Representatives must raise $300 in 60 individual $5 donations in order to qualify for the program.
Malon, a Democrat, is hoping to secure a third term in District 133.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He has been covering Biddeford news and politics for nearly 30 years. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
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THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE | A Legacy of Trusted, Independent Journalism
Revising a concept that received mixed results from the public two years ago, Biddeford city councilors who specifically represent one of the city’s seven voting wards plan to host small, personal ward meetings to get resident feedback regarding various city issues.
See below for details regarding dates and locations about the upcoming meetings.
According to a press release distributed by the city, councilors are hoping to hear from residents about their concerns, most notably how they think a recently approved $6 million recreation bond should be spent.
The meetings are scheduled to take place over the next several weeks.
Organizers say the meetings are designed to provide residents with an opportunity for open dialogue and direct engagement with their elected officials.
Pat BostonRoger BeaupreDylan DoughtyDavid KurtzJake PiersonBrad Cote
Staff representatives from the city’s recreation department will also attend the meetings to hear input and questions about the city’s various recreational facilities.
Organizers say input from the community will help inform upcoming decisions about recreation investments and neighborhood priorities.
Schedule of Ward Meetings:
(All meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m.)
WARD ONE: (Councilor Patricia Boston) March 18, Biddeford Pool Fire Department
WARDS THREE & FOUR: (Councilors Roger Beaupre and Dylan Doughty: February 26, J. Richard Martin Community Center, Alfred Street.
WARD FIVE (Councilor David Kurtz) February 24, City Hall Council Chambers
WARD SIX (Councilor Jake Pierson) March 2, Club House at Rotary Park (Former Teen Center)
WARD SEVEN (Councilor Brad Cote) March 4, Biddeford Ice Arena
Note: The Ward Two meeting with Councilor Abigail Woods will take place in late March; meeting details will be confirmed at a future date.
A few Biddeford firefighters recently found themselves fighting a small fire on the second floor of the city’s Central Station on Alfred Street.
According to Fire Chief Lawrence Best, the small fire happened in the second-floor kitchen during the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 7 at approximately 3:15 a.m.
No one was injured in the incident, but Best said there was extensive smoke damage as the result of the fire.
Best said he is working with the city’s insurance company and estimates that the damage could total several thousand dollars because of smoke damage to ceiling tiles and the building’s HVAC system.
The fire broke out as the result of spontaneous combustion that occurred within a stainless-steel container of dish towels and cleaning rags, Best said.
“It’s actually not that uncommon,” Best explained. “Those towels — over time –soak up lots of oils and cleaning solvents. Thankfully, they were in a stainless-steel container. Otherwise, things might have been worse.”
Best said his employees regularly wash all kitchen towels in the department’s washing machine, which Best described as a “residential-type” appliance. Those types of units generally do not exceed 130 degrees of hot water. In order to effectively remain oils and solvents that build up over time, you need water that ranges between 160 and 170 degrees, Best said.
Because the incident happened in a fire station, Best said that the State Fire Marshall’s Office was notified and conducted its own independent investigation of the incident.
Best said such incidents also require review by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
“It’s an inconvenience, but we’re really lucky that the damage was contained and that no one was injured,” Best 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
The former Biddeford city councilor said she is excited about the prospect of returning to public service
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor
Doris Ortiz had to give up her at-large seat on the Biddeford City Council last year when she and her partner decided to buy a home in the adjacent town of Arundel.
During an interview with the Gazette this week, Ortiz said she missed being able to help her neighbors as a local government representative.
Today, Ortiz is hoping that she can once again have a meaningful impact on her community and another chance to help her neighbors.
Ortiz, 58, has formally announced that she is seeking the District Two seat on the York County Commissioners board. That seat is currently held by Richard Dutremble of Biddeford, who is now serving as the commission’s chair.
Former Biddeford City Councilor Doris Ortiz says there are a lot of similarities between serving as a city councilor and as a county commissioner (Contributed photo)
In January, Dutremble announced that he would not seek reelection after 20 years of service on the commission.
District Two includes the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Ortiz says there are a lot of similarities between serving as a city councilor and as a county commissioner. Both organizations address many of the same issues, from regional housing needs to infrastructure updates and improvements.
“I found serving on the city council to be very fulfilling,” Ortiz said. “It was a tremendous experience, and I learned a lot during my almost six years of being a city councilor.”
One of the things Ortiz learned was that county government has a big impact on the city of Biddeford.
“Whether you’re talking about the city’s share of the county’s budget or about shared resources, including emergency services and other things, what happens at the county level makes a big impact on the city of Biddeford and other communities.”
Because Biddeford is the largest municipality in York County, Ortiz says the city shoulders a lot of the burden for people who live just beyond the city’s borders.
“Biddeford is a service center community in York County,” Ortiz said. “As a result, the city gets a lot of traffic and growing demands for a variety of services.”
Those services include a regional hospital and state services, including the county’s combined district courthouse, the Department of Health and Human Services and a plethora of popular retail outlets.
The county, meanwhile, offers municipalities several services and facilities, including operations of the jail, a full-time sheriff’s department and support services for both emergency housing options and a regional food pantry.
Ortiz said she was intrigued by some of the things she has seen the county take on over the past few years.
“The new First Responders Training Center got me really excited,” Ortiz said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for collaboration between the city and the county, and will help municipalities as they struggle to find, hire and train emergency first responders.”
But Ortiz says the biggest reason she’s running again is because it could be another opportunity to give back to her community.
“It’s really a central part of who I am and what drives me,” Ortiz said. “I know it may sound weird, but I actually enjoy digging into public policy and finding innovative ways to help people around me.”
Ortiz is employed by Bernstein Shur, a Portland-based law firm, where she has worked as a client service specialist for nearly 13 years.
Ortiz was first elected to the Biddeford City Council in 2019 and was then twice reelected for successive terms as one of the city’s two at-large representatives.
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
Two Biddeford High School students are being recognized for their award-winning artwork in the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland next month.
Junior Brynn Wilkinson earned a Silver Key Award for her “Drawn by Light”, an 8-by-10 acrylic still-life painting, and Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy earned an Honorable Mention for her “Chromatic Shades of Me”, an 18-by-24 portrait.
The program honors the creativity of teens at both the regional and national levels through awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarship opportunities.
Biddeford High School Junior Brynn Wilkinson’s artwork, “Drawn by Light,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key Award for her acrylic still-life painting.
Open to students in grades 7–12, the competition invites submissions across 29 categories in art and writing. All entries are reviewed through a blind judging process by leading professionals in the visual and literary arts, ensuring that work is evaluated solely on its merit. Evaluators look for pieces that demonstrate originality, technical skill, and a developing personal voice or artistic vision.
“I’m incredibly proud of these students—not just for the quality of their work, but for the courage it takes to share their creativity beyond the classroom,” said Elizabeth Ames, Biddeford High School Art Teacher. “Year after year, students from the Biddeford art program earn recognition through this program, reflecting the depth of talent, dedication, and creative risk-taking across our classes.
Biddeford High School Sophomore Shayleigh Kennedy’s artwork, “Chromatic Shades of Me,” has been recognized with the Scholastic Art and Writing Honorable Mention Award for her portrait.
“Their pieces demonstrate strong technical skills and emerging artistic voices, and it’s been a joy to support them through the process. Attending the exhibit at Maine College of Art & Design later this month is a meaningful way to celebrate their achievements and show them that their work truly belongs in the broader artistic community.”
Both Wilkinson and Kennedy will be honored at an awards ceremony on March 14, 2026, and their award-winning artwork, along with other Maine student artwork, will be on display at the Maine College of Art & Design in Portland from 9:a.m. to 5 p.m. between February 20, 2026, and March 14, 2026.
Biddeford High School encourages the arts through an extensive Fine Arts curriculum, which includes Foundations of Art, Drawing and Color, Painting, Advanced Studio Art, Ceramics, Music (Theory, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir), Band (Symphonic, Concert, Jazz, Percussion, Guitar), Theater (Dance, Choreography), and Video Production.
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Karen Garnett is Director of Communications for Biddeford, Saco and Dayton schools.
In the very crowded race to become Maine’s next governor, former State Sen. Rick Bennett is hoping to stand out as an Independent candidate who is ready to tackle tough issues with a common-sense approach and a commitment to people rather than any political party.
Bennett, 62, brought his campaign to Biddeford on Saturday, at the height of the city’s annual WinterFest celebration.
Rick Bennett — one of five Independent candidates hoping to become Maine’s next governor — visited Biddeford and said the state’s leaders need to stop bickering and worrying about political affiliation. “The system is broken,” he said. “We need to focus on solutions.” (Seaver photo)
So far – according to the Maine Secretary of State’s office – there are seven declared Democratic candidates hoping to win the June primary and 10 Republicans running for their party’s nomination.
Bennett is one of five independents who are hoping to gain support and build a coalition from both sides of the political aisle.
Bennett is the most well-known of the five Independent candidates and leads that field in fundraising, raising nearly $530,000 for his campaign so far. His closest challenger, State Rep. Ed Crockett of Portland, has raised just shy of $10,000 for his campaign.
A former president of the Maine Senate, Bennett has a long history of public service that dates back to the early 1980s. As a teenager, he volunteered on various political campaigns and participated in the YMCA’s Model Legislature program, in which young people attend a three-day conference to learn about how the Legislature works and how ideas become state laws.
Bennett was elected to the Maine House of Representatives, representing the town of Norway in 1990 and was unopposed for a second term.
He didn’t wait long to jump onto the national scene. In 1994, he became the Republican nominee for Congress in Maine’s second district, narrowly losing the general election to John Baldacci, 46-41 percent with two other candidates in the race.
In 1996, Bennett was elected to the Maine State Senate where he later became senate president.
Described as a successful business innovator, Bennett served as chair of Maine’s Republican Party from 2013 to 2017.
Today, he says, Maine needs political leaders who are not focused on political affiliation.
His campaign website paints a picture of a man with a long history of reaching across the political aisle to achieve legislative goals in environmental leadership, consumer protection and campaign finance reform.
Bennett co-sponsored several laws targeting toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” and reforming Maine’s solid waste and recycling practices. He was an outspoken opponent of the “CMP Corridor” project and sought to end foreign ownership of Maine’s electric utilities. He also sponsored legislation to end “predatory practices” by payday lenders.
The candidate enjoys Winterfest
We met with Bennett and his wife, Karen, at the home of Biddeford resident Jason Briggs, a well-known community volunteer and local Republican leader.
While touring the Makers Market, Bennett couldn’t resist picking up some treats from Tabarek Alabbooti from Amira Cuisine in Biddeford. (Seaver photo)
Briggs described Bennett as “the real deal,” pointing out that they have known each other for nearly 40 years.
When asked why he is not running as a Republican, Bennett didn’t hesitate with his response. “Our government is broken, and political parties are a big part of the problem,” he said.
Bennett said partisan politics are becoming increasingly divisive in Maine, a rural state that is well-known for its hard-working, down-to-earth populace.
“Both parties have become very strident, focusing more on partisan bickering than the needs of Maine people,” Bennett said.
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“Our government is broken,
and political parties are
a big part of the problem.”
— Rick Bennett
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When asked what he believes are the top issues facing Maine residents, Bennett pointed to skyrocketing and “outrageous” energy costs, underperforming public schools and a statewide housing crisis.
“These are issues that need and deserve a collaborative approach,” Bennett said. “We’re a small state. We know each other and take care of our neighbors. We need to find a better way forward.”
Bennett – who shared the Maine Senate President’s office with Democrat Mike Michaud when the senate was briefly evenly split – said today too many legislators are afraid to pick up the phone and talk to their peers on the other side of the aisle.
“We cannot afford to see bipartisanship as a weakness,” Bennett said. “The people of Maine have real needs, and they deserve a better approach.”
Bennett received a warm response as he toured Biddeford’s downtown area during the WinterFest celebration.
He spoke briefly with both Mayor Liam LaFountain and City Councilor Jake Pierson, telling them “we’re all in this together” and that local leaders play an important role in Maine’s future.
Rick Bennett (right) shares a laugh with Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain during Saturday’s Winterfest celebration in downtown Biddeford. Both men agreed that city and state governments need to be “solutions-focused.” (Seaver photo)
Bennett said he was “blown away” by the revitalization of the city’s downtown area, including the business incubator concept being used in the city’s former textile mill buildings.
“What’s happening here is really exciting,” Bennett said while touring the Makers Market event in the former Pepperell Mill building.
But Bennett wasn’t the only gubernatorial candidate visiting Biddeford on Saturday. Democrat Dr. Nirav Shah was also touring the Pepperell Mill building on Saturday.
“I think we can both agree that this is a pretty awesome community event,” Bennett told Shah.
“You are absolutely correct about that,” Shah replied with a big smile.
If elected as governor, Bennett said one of his first moves will be to convene a weekly “Legislative Leadership” dinner meeting with legislative leaders from both parties.
“We need to break bread together, and work together to develop meaningful solutions,” Bennett said. “That’s what people want us to do. That’s the Maine tradition.”
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
You may view and learn more about our editorial standards and policies here:
Feedback from our readers reinforces the Gazette’s mission statement
Wow! What a busy week it’s been.
In a few moments, I’ll be headed out the door and on my way to this year’s WinterFest activities in downtown Biddeford.
WinterFest is so much than just a giant man-made sledding hill on Adams Street. It is now three-days of various activities and fun for people of all ages. Over the last 14 years, WinterFest has grown and become one of Biddeford’s most notable community events.
But none of it would be possible without dozens of volunteers and community sponsors. Go here: to learn more about this year’s WinterFest celebration.
Good times return to Biddeford for annual WinterFest celebration. File photo: Devin Wright
A peek behind the scenes at the Gazette
Speaking of celebrations, Laura and I — and some of our closest friends and supporters –celebrated a few milestones achieved this week by the Biddeford Gazette.
It’s mostly some little, housekeeping things — but they all reinforce the idea that the Gazette has grown from just a simple concept to a full-fledged media outlet.
This week, we received our registration papers as a non-profit media company and secured a PO Box for the Gazette. We also opened a business bank account at PeoplesChoice Credit Union. Things are getting real!
We also updated our website with a few new static pages, most notably a section that details our Standards and Policies and a page that describes our history, but there is another new page that leaves me almost speechless and close to tears each time I look at it.
Support from the community
If you get a chance, please check out our READER FEEDBACK page. We have archived some of the comments we have received from the community over the last few months.
If you want to know why I do this, what motivates me and keeps me going — check out some of the feedback we have received from our readers. From my perspective, these comments are more valuable than gold. Thank you so much!
If we pick your suggestion, you will score a $20 gift certificate to Reilly’s Bakery on Main Street. Talk about motivation.
What’s ahead?
It’s election time again, and the Biddeford Gazette will soon begin our coverage of local legislative and York County races with the comprehensive approach that our readers have come to expect.
We also plan to do a deeper dive on several issues now brewing just beneath the surface in Biddeford. Stay tuned! We have some good stuff in the pipeline!
The Biddeford City Council discusses a controversial downtown parking plan that has been discontinued.
From the “Very Good News” department: we posted an update this week, letting people know that the IRS has opted to waive more than $700,000 in penalties and fees dues to some missing health insurance forms on the city’s 2021 tax return.
The Gazette first broke that story last year, and it’s nice to see that it was resolved with a positive outcome.
Okay, now it’s off to WinterFest! We’ll be posting some photos of this year’s celebration later today.
Be safe! Stay Warm! Have fun and . . . Go, Patriots!
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Randy Seaver is the editor and founder of the Biddeford Gazette. He may be reached by email: randy@randyseaver.com
You may view and learn more about our editorial standards and policies here:
UNE dental students again provided free care to local students; Rep. Ryan Fecteau introduced a bill to expand dental coverage for Maine children.
Contributed stories
Students from the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine and Department of Dental Hygiene welcomed 85 elementary students from Old Orchard Beach to the university’s Oral Health Center on Friday, Feb. 6, for UNE’s fifth annual “Give Kids a Smile” event.
According to organizers, the Old Orchard Beach students received a full slate of preventive dental services at no cost, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, protective sealants, and oral health education.
Students from the University of New England’s dental school provided cleaning and other dental services to 85 Old Orchard Beach elementary school students. This is the fifth year that UNE has participated in the annual cleaning Give Kids A Smile event. (Contributed photo)
The services were delivered by UNE dental medicine and dental hygiene students working together in clinical teams. Each child also received a take-home oral care kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and educational materials to support healthy habits beyond the visit.
The one-day event provided more than $14,000 in free dental care, helping remove barriers to access while introducing families to ongoing resources available through UNE’s Oral Health Center, located on UNE’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences — the only fully integrated health sciences campus of its kind in New England.
“Untreated dental disease can lead to severe pain that impacts a child’s ability to eat and drink properly, disrupts their sleep patterns, affects their concentration, and contributes to changes in behavior,” said Nicole Kimmes, D.D.S., dean of the UNE College of Dental Medicine. “By hosting events like Give Kids a Smile, we improve access and education for the children of Maine and decrease the number impacted by these conditions right in our home communities.”
The now-annual event is part of a national Give Kids a Smile initiative coordinated by the American Dental Association, during which dentists and dental students across the country provide care to underserved children.
At UNE, the program has grown steadily since its launch in 2020 and continues to reflect the University’s commitment to improving community health while preparing future providers through hands-on, team-based learning.
“This experience, with dental hygiene and dental students working together to deliver care to children, enhances communication and delivers more comprehensive oral health education to the children coming to visit the OHC today,” said Dianne Smallidge, RDH, Ed.D., director of the undergraduate Department of Dental Hygiene at UNE.
Alexander Dyke, a UNE student who is scheduled to graduate later this year, is planning to pursue a pediatric residency. He said events like Give Kids a Smile benefit both families and students.
“The work we’re doing today is extremely important in providing underserved populations get the care they otherwise wouldn’t have,” Dyke said. “It also means that I get experience, and it means other students get experience. “We get to work with faculty and see their input on the type of ways they would go about doing that — it broadens my horizons and increases the tools in my toolbox.”
Fecteau introduces bill to expand access to dental care
Earlier this week, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford) introduced a bill to improve dental access care for children.
Fecteau’s bill – LD 2123 — seeks to modify the MaineCare Reimbursement Methodology for the provision of anesthesia for certain dental services.
Fecteau – who is currently serving as Speaker of the House – says his bill will hopefully address a growing backlog of children awaiting care for dental issues.
The legislation proposes a targeted increase to MaineCare reimbursement rates for anesthesia services provided to children at ambulatory surgery centers treating at least 50 percent for MaineCare patients. As a result, Fecteau said these centers will be able to continue their operations, increase capacity, and reduce wait times.
“Access to care is critical. Too many Maine children are suffering with tooth pain because of the limited options for care,” Fecteau said. “This bill is a key step that will help ease just a little bit of that suffering and make it more feasible for other ambulatory surgery centers to expand services for MaineCare patients.”
According to Fecteau, many children receiving MaineCare lack a “dental home,” meaning they do not have a dentist they see regularly for cleanings and other preventative care. Without this routine maintenance, curable issues – things like cavities – turn into surgical events, with long waits for care.
“No child should have to suffer in pain because of their insurance status when treatment is available,” said Becca Matusovich, Executive Director of the Children’s Oral Health Network of Maine. “LD 2123 is one important element of a comprehensive strategy to address dental disease among Maine children who have been unable to access dental care.”
The Health and Human Services Committee is scheduled to consider Fecteau’s bill in the coming weeks.
Note: This story was updated with a correction: The UNE event in Portland took place on Friday, Feb. 6, not Thursday. We apologize for the error.
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Alan Bennett, Assistant Director of Communications at the University of New England, contributed to this story
The Biddeford City Council received an update Tuesday regarding how the city’s local allocation of Opioid Settlement funds has been used over the last year.
The funds come from several class action lawsuits that were filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors roughly 10 years ago.
Jake Hammer, Biddeford’s General Assistance supervisor, gave the Biddeford City Council a presentation Tuesday about how the city is using its portion of the Opioid Settlement Funds.
The defendants – including Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS –reached a $56 billion settlement with those states, counties and municipalities that filed suit against them. The funds can only be used to provide for treatment and other services directly linked to opioid use.
Opioids — more commonly known as “painkillers” — are often prescribed to treat severe pain. They can be highly addictive and addiction causes consequences for communities in terms of crime, economic instability and fractured interpersonal relationships.
Examples of opioids include Oxycontin, Fentanyl and Demerol.
According to reporting by Emily Bader from The Maine Monitor, Maine communities and counties have received roughly $20.3 million from the $66.4 million they’re set to receive by 2038.
The money, Bader reports, “has been used for a wide range of initiatives, from grants to community organizations providing recovery services to scholarships for residential treatment beds.”
Biddeford’s General Assistance Supervisor — Jake Hammer – provided the council with an annual overview of how the city has been handing its portion of the funds allocated to Maine communities.
According to Hammer, the funds began flowing in 2022 and are scheduled to continue through 2038.
Hammer told the council that at least 70 to 85 percent of the funds must be used for future opioid remediation, including treatment, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery services.
In September 2024, the city council adopted an ordinance to track and report how the city’s share of Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) is being used.
A little more than a year ago, the city council approved an OSF Strategic Action Plan, Hammer said. That plan includes Strategic Goals and measurement criteria, which are required by the Maine Attorney General’s office, as spelled out by state law.
Hammer told the council that the city now has six recovery residences — total of 95 beds –available for those struggling with opioid addiction. Roughly 83 percent of the city’s allocation last year was used to support those residential facilities.
The city received roughly $378,039 during the last calendar year as its annual allocation of funds.
Hammer also supplied the council with some demographic information about the 58 people who have requested addiction treatment during the past year.
The bulk of those requesting or applying for services were white men (44), Hammer said. 18 individuals identified as having a physical or mental disability; and 14 applicants were employed when seeking services.
Councilor Dylan Doughty asked if the city could use some of its allocation for further public outreach about treatment options in the city.
“That is absolutely something we can do,” Hammer responded.
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 