Tag: Randy Seaver

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

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

By RANDY SEAVER, editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tensions and concerns run deep

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The problem is not the pier.
The problem is its location.”

— Carole Alexander

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED: UNE Pier Approval Tainted by SRCC mistake

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.”

____________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Clavette set to join Biddeford’s team

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The city of Biddeford is poised to hire Denise Clavette as its next director of Planning and Economic Development, a position that has been vacant since July.

If approved by the city council on Tuesday, Clavette will fill the void left by the sudden resignation of George Gervais who held the job for only 18 months.

Denise Clavette (Photo: Town of Gray)

According to her proposed employment contract, Clavette will be paid $125,000 per year as a salaried employee with four weeks of paid vacation time.

Clavette has worked in several Maine communities, including serving as Saco’s director of economic development for nearly four years, 2018-2022.

According to her resume, Clavette previously served as assistant city manager in Auburn; two years as economic development director for the town of South Berwick.

Clavette is today the economic development director for the Town of Gray, Maine, a position she started 11 months ago.

On her resume, Clavette describes herself as a “professional, ethical and innovative leader with excellent communication skills.”

_________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

LaFountain hopes to be next mayor

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Liam LaFountain says he’s running for mayor because Biddeford needs a “course correction.”

LaFountain, 28, was chosen by his fellow councilors as the council’s president two years ago, at the beginning of his second term as the council’s Ward Seven representative.

Liam LaFountain

A native and lifelong resident of Biddeford, he is the son of former State Senator and school committee member Lloyd LaFountain. And the younger LaFountain says he was “intrigued” by politics at an early age.

Today, LaFountain works as a senior data analyst for Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine, “a collaborative non-profit of private employers and public trusts dedicated to lowering healthcare costs and improving quality.”

After attending Biddeford schools, including St. James, Biddeford Intermediate and Biddeford Middle School, LaFountain graduated from Gonzaga University, a Jesuit school in Washington state, where he earned a degree in international relations.

He and his wife, Eisha, have been married four years and own a home on Elm Street.

LaFountain says his campaign is built on a foundation of increasing public trust and repairing government accountability with a “back-to-basics” approach that will ensure the city’s residents know what is happening at City Hall with improved transparency.

In all his campaign materials, LaFountain uses ‘ACT” as an acronym to describe his priorities. Accountability, Commitment and Transparency.

“Biddeford is at a pivotal moment,” LaFountain said. “The choices we make today—about education, housing, infrastructure, public services and other priorities—will shape our city for decades to come.

“That future must be built with care, grounded in data, and rooted in what residents truly need,” he added.

LaFountain said his top concern is about “affordability” on many different levels.

“We have a situation now where people are paying more than 50 percent of their take-home pay on housing,” he said. “That’s just not a sustainable course for the city.”

LaFountain said it’s important to note that the issue of affordability also impacts small and mid-sized businesses in the city because people have less discretionary income for shopping or dining and said business are also grappling with skyrocketing rents and increasing taxes.

“Our future must be built with care,
grounded in data, and rooted
in what residents truly need”

— Liam LaFountain

As he continues his campaign, LaFountain says he has heard from scores of residents who are frustrated about a lack of responsiveness from city government.

“We really do need to get back to basics,” he said. “We have to make sure that we’re getting information to residents, but we also have to make sure that all community voices are heard.”

Over the last few months, Liam has voiced concerns about private development projects that offer little or no benefit to residents.

“We need development that serves us, not just development for development’s sake,” he said. “We seem to have our roles reversed, catering to private interest instead of the people we represent.”

As examples of development that relied upon public investments that offer scant benefits for taxpayers, LaFountain pointed to the Marble Block building on Main Street that is now home to a bowling alley and luxury apartments that are being rented for more than $4,000 per month.

“We provided that developer with nearly $1 million of credit enhancements, which will put residential taxpayers on the hook for many years to come,” he said. “What are we really getting in return? I’d rather see that money invested in our recreation department that offers safe after school opportunities for all kids, regardless of their ability to pay.”

“The gravy train has to stop,” he added. “Our focus needs to be on the public. We should be promoting things that offer broad public benefit.”

In addition to holding developers accountable, LaFountain says that the same standard needs to be applied at City Hall.

“We are still two years behind on our internal audit,” he said. “That’s just not acceptable. We have let things slide, and it is a disservice to our community.”

LaFountain says city leaders need to “meet people where they are,” whether through rotating, small ward meetings or open-office hours at City Hall.

“Biddeford residents are thirsty for information,” he said. “We cannot just focus on the good news. We need transparency and accountability especially when it comes to facing our challenges.”

When asked why he is willing to give up a lot of his time and energy as the city’s mayor, LaFountain said he is concerned that so many of the kids he grew up with can no longer afford to live in Biddeford.

“Biddeford is where I grew up,” he said. “This is where I hope to grow old.”

For more information about LaFountain’s campaign, please visit his campaign website: LaFountainForMayor.com

RELATED:

Belanger hopes to be city’s next mayor

Biddeford mayor wants another term

_____________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

‘Town Hall’ meeting draws questions and concerns

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Roughly 40 Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for a “town hall” style meeting in order to learn more and ask questions about two local bond questions that will appear on the November ballot.

Various city officials and department heads took turns presenting information and fielding questions from concerned residents during the hour-long meeting.

Biddeford residents listen to information about two local bond questions that will be on the ballot,

The Q&A session was followed by a guided tour of the J. Richard Martin Community Center, which houses the city’s recreation department.

Detailed information about the two bonds can be found here: Local Referendum Questions

Because the city is still behind on completing its FY ’24 and FY ’25 audits, some residents wondered if Biddeford will be able to qualify for a competitive interest rate on the bond repayments.

Both City Manager Truc Dever and Finance Director Gerry Matherne said they expect the overdue FY2024 audit to be done by December, ahead of when the city would be applying for bond approval.

Although the city can only estimate the expected rates, approval of both questions – upgrades to the city’s sewer system ($20 million) and funding repairs and upgrades at the city’s recreational facilities ($6 million) – will have a combined impact of about 37 cents on the mil rate.

The average Biddeford home would see a $147 property tax impact.

Public Works Director Jeff Demers said the city is making steady progress in complying with state-mandated sewer separation projects, but said a future project could pose significant impacts on downtown businesses.

“We have already completed what we call the low-hanging fruit,” Demers explained. “We’re going to do the very best we can possibly do, and we will be working closely with business owners.”

City Manager Truc Dever (right) explains the impact of the city’s ongoing efforts to meet state-mandates regarding sewer separation as Public Works Director Jeff Demers listens.

Recreation Director Lisa Thompson listed a number of repair and upgrade projects that are long overdue at several of the city’s recreational facilities, including the West Brook skating rink, St, Louis Field, Rotary Park, the Biddeford Ice arena and the now closed skate park on outer Main Street.

“The city has seen tremendous growth in the past year, and we want to ensure that we can meet the demands that the public wants and needs,” Thompson said.

City Councilor Marc Lessard stood up from his seat in the audience to make an impassioned plea for investments in the city’s recreational assets.

“We are a service center community,” Lessard said. “Our recreational facilities attract new investments and growth in our community. Unfortunately, when things get tight, recreation is usually the first thing to be cut.

“I am a huge supporter of our city’s recreational resources,” he continued. “We have delayed these projects long enough.

“The loss of our skatepark is the poster child of what happens when we put off critical investments,” Lessard added.

Not all residents said they would support the two bonds.

“We’re writing checks we can’t cash,” said Mike Bouthillette of Biddeford.

Bouthillette asked several pointed questions during the presentation, saying the city should be looking for other sources of revenue by selling unused properties and increasing user fees for recreational buildings.

NOTE: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information about the anticipated completion of the city’s FY 2024 audit. We apologize for the error.

_________________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

UNE pier approval tainted by glaring SRCC mistake

~ Randy Seaver ~ 7 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It does appear that there was an omission
of relevant information provided to the
commissioners before last year’s vote.”

— Cherie Dunning, SRCC exec. director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local reaction to the SRCC’s error

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It is something that definitely
deserves research and clarification”

— City Councilor Norman Belanger

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

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

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

RELATED: Citizens collect enough signatures to force special meeting

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

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

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

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

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

— City Councilor Liam LaFountain

An insider’s look at UNE’s ongoing development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minutes SRCC July 11, 2001Download

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

__________________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Belanger hopes to be Biddeford’s next mayor

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Norman Belanger points to his homegrown roots and professional accomplishments as reasons why he should be Biddeford’s next mayor.

He said he is the only candidate who can bridge gaps between lifelong residents and a growing population of newer residents; a candidate with an intimate understanding of the city’s history and a vision for its future.

Belanger, 68, grew up in Biddeford, the son of textile mills workers. In fact, Belanger himself worked in those same mills when he was a student.

Norman Belanger

After graduating from Biddeford High School in 1975, Belanger attended Harvard University both as an undergraduate studying economics and later as a law school student who graduated in the top 10 percent of his class.

Belanger’s interest in local politics began when he was still in high school, where he was valedictorian and class president. In fact, he was selected to serve as “mayor for a day” during Lucien ‘Babe’ Dutremble’s administration.

Today, Belanger says he is semi-retired and is still a partner at Verrill Dana, a highly respected, Portland-based law firm.

Belanger and his wife Betty have three children and eight grandchildren.

He joined the city council in 2017, appointed by then mayor Alan Casavant to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Councilor Rick Laverriere. Belanger has since won three consecutive elections as the council’s Ward Six representative, including one term as council president.

Belanger says the city needs “strong leadership,” a central theme of his campaign to oust Mayor Marty Grohman.

“I have the ability and the experience of being able to bring people together,” he said. “There has been an ongoing loss of public trust. That needs to be fixed. We simply have to improve our responsiveness to our citizens.”

Belanger also said the public has a role to play in improving the relationship between the public and City Hall.

“We have to move beyond just belly aching on Facebook,” Belanger said. “Part of the distrust is rooted in perception, but it is also rooted in reality.”

“There has been an ongoing loss
of public trust. That needs to be fixed.”

— Norman Belanger

Belanger said he wants to find new and innovative ways to better connect local government leaders to the public.

“If we can improve the dialogue, then we can begin to restore public trust,” he said. “We make better decisions when we have robust public input.”

Belanger said a shifting media landscape has exacerbated the issues related to communication between City Hall and the public.

“Many of our constituents are missing out on information because we no longer have printed newspapers,” he said. “The shifting technology requires the public to actively seek out the news, and older residents may not have the savvy to find the news that is important to them.”

Belanger said that if elected, one of his top goals will be to finally update the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which has not been updated for 25 years.

When it comes to the city’s budget and increasing property taxes, Belanger said a “realistic approach” needs to be the cornerstone of all financial planning at City Hall.

“We’re not doing enough to prioritize our expenses,” he said, pointing out that he has tried to limit spending during creation of the annual budget, including voting against the hiring of a facilities manager and funding vacant positions in the police department.

Belanger said he will not be supporting the upcoming recreation bond question. “I certainly support the city’s recreational assets, but the timing is bad,” he said. “We have to be realistic. We simply cannot fully fund every good idea. We need to prioritize.”

“I think Biddeford is still going through an amazing renaissance,” he said. “But we are also seeing that energy begin to plateau.”

When asked why he is running for mayor, Belanger said it’s all about a deep love and appreciation of his hometown.

“I am proud of this city,” he said. “I believe that I have the temperament and experience to lead us forward.”

For more information about Belanger’s campaign, please visit his website:  norm4mayor.com

Note: The Biddeford Gazette will also be publishing interviews with the other mayoral candidates this week.

RELATED:

Grohman hopes for a second term as mayor

LaFountain wants to be Biddeford’s mayor

____________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

NEWSLETTER: An expanding team and more coverage

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to October!

The days are getting shorter. The leaves are dropping, and Halloween is right around the corner.

It’s also almost time to choose a new mayor, city councilors and school committee members in Biddeford. My favorite time of the year!

Autumn at Chez Seaver

Biddeford Mayoral Debate

Last night, I served as one of the panelists at the 2025 Biddeford Mayoral Debate. We had a really good turnout, especially when considering it was the Friday night of long, holiday weekend.

I’ll pat myself on the back here and say I put several hours and lots of effort into organizing and coordinating the event. I think it went well, and I really appreciated the kind comments from members of the public.

The candidates were candid and addressed a wide range of issues with civility and respect. More than 130 people attended the event. READ MORE

Many people asked me if there will be another debate before the election. I don’t know, but I do know that I won’t be organizing another one this year.

Upcoming Election Information

Absentee ballots are now available from the City Clerk’s office, and voting day is November 4. The Biddeford Gazette has dedicated an entire section of our website for Biddeford election information.

Here you can find comprehensive information about the candidates, the referendum issues, political events and general information about voting and this year’s election.

The profiles of the three mayoral candidates will be published over the next week. In alphabetical order, we will begin with Norman Belanger on Tuesday; Marty Grohman on Wednesday and Liam LaFountain on Thursday.

A team effort

It’s hard to believe that the Biddeford Gazette is quickly approaching its one-year anniversary, and I am very pleased with our trajectory. The Gazette is melding into its mission statement of being a community-driven media outlet.

When looking over just the past week, you may have noticed that we posted 14 original news and opinion stories. Of those, 12 were exclusive and seven of them were written by other people.

What does that mean? It means that 50 percent of what we published this week came from community voices. That’s exciting! Tom McPheeters offered a deeper look at coastal erosion issues. Jim Krause offered us a profile of David Kurtz who is unopposed on the ballot; and Rep. Marc Malon did a deep dive regarding the importance of vaccines.

We are also leveraging our media partnership with The Maine Monitor. And Gail Toussaint is still volunteering her services as the copy-editor for several of our stories.

“50 percent of what we published
this week came from community voices“

Send us your stuff and event notices

We want more community voices! And we are now accepting Letters to the Editor and Guest columns from our readers! We are also expanding our Local Events page

On a final note, you can learn more about our expanding and talented team in the OUR TEAM section of our website

Furthermore, our volunteer Advisory Board will have its very first meeting on Thursday, and I am feeling so grateful that the idea Laura and I concocted 11 months ago is really beginning to take shape.

Enjoy your pumpkin-spice coffee and the clean, brisk air of autumn!

___________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Mayoral candidates square off at debate

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

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

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

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

.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Biddeford needs a
course correction,”

— Liam LaFountain

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

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

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

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

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

— Marty Grohman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Norman Belanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

______________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Biddeford Politics: Another chapter begins tomorrow

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Tomorrow, October 1, the Biddeford Gazette will officially begin its coverage of the 2025 municipal elections in Biddeford.

It’s hard to explain why I am so excited about this time of year. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning.

After working at other newspapers, I began covering news in Biddeford during the month of October, nearly 30 years ago. I jumped right in with almost no historical perspective.

Former mayor Alan Casavant (right) was not happy when I snapped this photo during a tense city council meeting.

I was immediately hooked and fascinated by the city’s political machinations, the stories and the legends.

I found myself intrigued by long-winded tales about people like ‘Babe” Dutremble, “Papa” Lausier and “Tiny” Frechette.

Sure, I was already a lifelong political junkie. At 10 years old, my parents had to pry me from the television as I watched the culmination of the Watergate scandal.

In middle school, I would brag that I had shaken hands with Ed Muskie and Jimmy Carter. Yup, I was a weird kid.

During my junior year of high school, I found myself working in an actual newsroom during a brief internship at the Journal Tribune. We had IBM Selectric typewriters. Everyone in the newsroom drank coffee, most of them smoked – at their desks.

Bob Melville, the city editor, wore his glasses perched on the end of the nose. He referred to me only as “kid.” He almost made me cry when he questioned my loose grasp of the English language.

We got lunches at Poli’s at Five Points, and profanity was acceptable in the workplace. I was working among titans who kept the city’s political players in check.

It was a glorious time. I knew then and there what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I wanted to be the next Carl Bernstein.

I feel a special connection to Biddeford City Hall. I am one of the lucky ones. I still remember smoke-filled, off-the-record meetings in “Ward Eight” with guys like Bob Dodge and Bruce Benway, the city’s first manager.

Secrets were carefully revealed. Suggestions were made. Deals were struck – all behind the scenes.

Former City Councilor George “Pete’ Lamontagne discusses a photo collection he helped curate for the Biddeford Mills Museum. The former president of the local textile workers union, (UNITE) Lamontagne became one of the most respected and well-liked members of the city council (Seaver photo)

Back then, there were 11 members of the city council. The city had four at-large representatives. I still remember the meeting when Mayor Donna Dion appointed Maria Martin to fill the vacancy created by her father’s death.

J. Richard “Dick” Martin was another of those local political legends.

Today, I still love the creak and groan of those old wooden stairs that lead to the Council Chamber on the third floor. The smell is the same. If you pause, silent — you can almost hear the whispers of those now ghosts who were so eager to climb those stairs for more than a century.

Today, I am honored to be entrusted by so many people to report the news that happens in Biddeford. It’s not an easy gig, and that’s what makes it great.

In the 1990s, I and my colleagues from the Tribune and Portland Press Herald sat in the back row during council meetings. We respected one another, but we were fiercely competitive.

We would have stabbed one another in the neck for an exclusive story. The people were well served by the local press. I got to work with top-notch reporters like Ted Cohen and Kelley Bouchard.

Over the years, I became more and more immersed in Biddeford politics. I got to interview people like former mayors Michael Cantara and Bonnie Pothier. I listened as former councilor Kitty Goodreau recalled a story about an angry businessman who threatened to “kneecap” a councilor because of a zoning change.

Former mayor Wallace Nutting (center) and former City Councilors John McCurry and Ken Farley devised a plan to “get tough” on MERC, the former waste-to-energy incinerator located in downtown Biddeford (Seaver photo)

Former mayor Alan Casavant once lost an election by one vote because he did not vote for himself (true story).

I vividly recall the battles like a council order to re-route all trash trucks through Saco and the predictable, regular chorus of “Peaker’s Squeakers,” the three men from Biddeford Pool who were politically aligned with Councilor Ron Peaker.

And I cannot forget the marvelous “after council” meetings that would take place at that round corner table tucked away near the bar at the Wonderbar Restaurant.

I would give almost anything to have Vinny Keely pour me another perfect pint of Guiness while I chatted, laughed and fought with people like Jim Grattelo, Kent Webster, Kyle Noble and even my old editor Bob Melville — who didn’t even remember that I briefly sat next to him in a newsroom.

Yup, I am one of the lucky ones.

The next chapter of Biddeford’s ongoing political story begins tomorrow. I only hope for two things:

First, that you find my coverage to be helpful in making your decisions about who should run our city for the next two years. Secondly, that you are unable to figure out which candidates I am personally supporting. Now, let the games begin.

NOTE: For more information about the local issues, elections and candidates, please click THIS LINK

____________________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

OPINION: Are you ready to rumble?

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Today is the first full day of autumn.

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.

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.

If you would like to submit a question or comment, please email us at biddefordgazette@gmail.com

I have been covering Biddeford politics for three decades. I promise you that we will leave no stone unturned during our in-depth coverage.

Let the games begin!

______________________________

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

City gives non-union employees a modest pay increase

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The Biddeford City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday to give the city’s non-union employees a one-half percent pay increase.

Earlier this year, the council completed negotiations with union employees. Those negotiations resulted in a four percent cost-of-living raise. Meanwhile, during this year’s budget process, non-union employees were allocated a 3.5 percent increase.

All city employees — union and non-union are now on a level playing field when it comes to cost-of-living adjustments.

Those supporting the half percent increase said it was a matter of fairness, arguing that non-union employees should get the same increase given to union employees.

“All of our employees are facing the same inflationary pressures when it comes to housing food and utilities,” said Councilor Doris Ortiz. “Citizens want and demand services, and we have to acknowledge employee turnover. We’re not going to be able to recruit or retain employees if we ignore their challenges.”

According to acting city manager Brian Phinney, the half-percent increase this year could be covered by a personnel reserve account in the city’s budget.

Phinney also said the modest increase would bring the city closer to salaries offered by other nearby communities

Phinney told the council that personnel reserve account has a balance of approximately $26,000.

Former city councilor Stephen St. Cyr, however, told the council that he could see no new information since the council finalized the city’s annual budget in June.

“Taxpayers are also facing inflationary pressures, and you have to look out for them too,” St. Cyr said.

Councilor Marc Lessard also raised concerns about the proposal, pointing out that the recent Consumer Price Index reporting showed only a 2.7 percent increase in June.

“When we were working on the budget – just a few weeks ago – we were hoping for and expected a 3.5 percent increase or less,” Lessard said. “How many times to do we go back to the budget just because we want to spend more money?”

“This is a never-ending story of us spending more than what we budgeted,” he added.

Mayor Marty Grohman reminded councilors and members of the public that the city already has the funds in reserve to cover the increase.

Councilors William Ehmiser and Dylan Doughty were absent from the meeting.

Lessard was the only councilor who voted against the increase.

The city’s non-union employees include department heads and some administrative positions, such as emergency dispatchers.

____________

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

NEVER MISS ANOTHER UPDATE! Subscribe for free today!

Residents share concerns about local news

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Roughly a dozen people gathered Tuesday at the McArthur Library in Biddeford to discuss local journalism and a rapidly changing media landscape.

The event was part of a statewide listening tour coordinated by The Maine Monitor, an online publication of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, and intended to collect public feedback about how people perceive and access local news.

The July 29 event in Biddeford was co-sponsored by Saco Bay News, an online digital news outlet founded by former Journal Tribune reporter Liz Gotthelf in 2020.

“We’re here tonight to listen to you,” said Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, executive director of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting. “We want to know what matters to you when you access news about your community. How do you get your news, and what are the essential things you look for from local media?”

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail attended the workshop meeting.

Josh Keefe, a government accountability reporter with the Maine Monitor, shares highlights of a break-out group discussion about local journalism during Tuesday’s event at the McArthur Library. (Seaver photo)

“One of the things I hear all the time from my constituents is that they often don’t know about things happening in the city because they don’t know where to find the information,” MacPhail said.

During his remarks, Grohman touched upon a common theme that was shared by many of the attendees: a lack of a daily print newspaper.

“I’m constantly looking for credible news,” Grohman said. “With so many different things online, it can be difficult to find credible news.”

Those attending the meeting were largely over the age of 50 and many of them reported having a hard time getting news that is both locally relevant and comprehensive.

Susan Gold of Saco is a former reporter and editor who worked many years at the Journal Tribune, the former daily newspaper that served northern York County for more than a century.

“It’s great that local governments are doing more to share news about what is happening in the community, but we also need an unbiased person to explain what is actually happening, and we need to be able to trust the accuracy of those reports,” Gold said.

According to Schweitzer-Bluhm, rural communities across Maine are being hit especially hard by a changing media landscape that has seen newsrooms shrink and local coverage evaporate.

“The heyday of print journalism gave readers coverage of town government but also issues that bind the community, whether it’s high school sports, obituaries or public notices about meetings and events,” she explained.

In just the last decade, the Biddeford-Saco area has seen a seismic change in how local news is gathered and shared.

The Portland Press Herald once maintained a local bureau on Main Street in Biddeford that housed operations for reporters, photographers and editors who covered news and events throughout Northern York County.

In 2020, the Journal Tribune, an afternoon daily newspaper based in Biddeford, ceased publication. And the weekly Biddeford-Saco Courier, which was locally owned and operated, was sold to a media conglomerate and ceased print publication earlier this year.

Those changes have many residents wondering where to turn when it comes to finding credible and accurate local news.

Several people said social media sites such as Facebook are filling some of the void when it comes to news and information, but also said social media has many pitfalls, including questionable accuracy and fairness.

“You have people attempting to report news who have no editorial oversight or training,” one woman said.

Ted Sirois of Saco said he misses the opportunity to write letters to the editor and finds himself concerned about bias in news reporting.

Today the Biddeford Saco area is served by three digital news platforms. Saco Bay News is an independent online-only publication that covers the communities of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.

The Biddeford Gazette, started in January this year, is another independent, online-only publication that provides hyper-local coverage of Biddeford news and events.

The Courier is now delivered as an electronic, weekly newsletter that also covers Northern York County.

The Portland Press Herald, Maine’s largest daily newspaper, today rarely covers day-to-day, local news in the Biddeford-Saco area.

“It’s certainly not like the old days,” bemoaned former Biddeford City Councilor Patricia Boston. “I miss the days of print newspapers, but I do my best to follow news in both the Gazette and Saco Bay News. It’s important for people to know what is happening in their community.”

_____________

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

NEVER MISS ANOTHER UPDATE! Subscribe for free today!

A bittersweet day at JFK

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Tuesday was an emotional day for teachers and staff at Biddeford’s John F. Kennedy Memorial School.

The original building was opened in 1965, but a long list of necessary and expensive repairs, upgrades and maintenance issues ultimately forced voters to approve a plan to close the school.

What will happen next to the building and its surrounding playground and parking lot is still unknown.

Earlier this year, the city council created a committee to consider future uses for the property, which is located near the intersection of West and Hill streets.

Photo by Maureen Grandmaison

Over the years, the school building has been expanded. The school once housed students from first to sixth grade, and then third, fourth and fifth grades. Today, the building serves kindergarten and Pre-K students only.

On Thursday, when the dismissal bell rings, the students walking out the door will board their buses and close the final chapter for a school that is fondly remembered by the community it served.

On Tuesday afternoon, current and former teachers and staff members gathered in the school’s gymnasium for an informal pot-luck dinner and an opportunity to share memories and experiences in the school.

“This school is filled with cherished memories for both staff and students,” said Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal. “Although saying farewell is difficult, we are excited about what lies ahead for our students. The new space at BPS will allow for increased collaboration for teachers and create a community of Biddeford’s youngest learners.”

“This school is filled with cherished memories
for both staff and students,”

— Meghan Schrader, JFK’s co-principal.

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

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

Schrader agreed with Ray, saying that the new arrangement will also give second grade students the opportunity to be role models and mentors for their younger peers.

Retired teacher Pat Gagne attended Tuesday’s informal goodbye ceremony.

Gagne started teaching in 1977 and spent 16 years teaching at JFK. “It’s a sad moment, but it’s also nice to see our family here,” she said. “We all have so many great stories about working here.”

According to school officials, all kindergarten students will attend Biddeford Primary School while Pre-K students will temporarily be housed at Biddeford Intermediate School until construction of a new wing at the Primary school is fully complete.

The expansion project, launched in a September 2024 groundbreaking ceremony, is designed to bring PreK–2 students under one roof in a modern, developmentally supportive environment.

According to school officials, a 2002 assessment of the building determined that renovating JFK would cost significantly more than constructing a new space.

Last year, Biddeford taxpayers approved a $9 million construction bond to expand BPS—an investment estimated to save up to $16 million over the cost of renovating the aging JFK building.

“Closing JFK School is a significant milestone, not just emotionally but in terms of progress,” said Ray. “We’re incredibly grateful to the staff who have made JFK such a special place to Biddeford’s youngest learners.”

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

NEWSLETTER: Things are looking good, real good

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

It’s been a while since my last newsletter, but I am feeling good about the Biddeford Gazette’s trajectory and its future.

From time to time, I have to keep reminding myself that this publication is only four months old. We have come quite a way in just the last few weeks.

We also have some pretty big – and interesting – stories on the immediate horizon, but I am quite glad to be taking a bit of a breather during this holiday weekend. This last week, especially, has been a whirlwind.

Speaking of the holiday, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the local volunteers, veterans, city officials and non-profit organizations who work so hard every year to pay a somber and meaningful tribute to all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Although the major sewer/road project is preventing a parade this weekend, there will be a very special ceremony held at Waterhouse Field, complete with marching bands and everything else you would see in a parade. As Marshall Archer – Commander of Biddeford AMVETS Post No. 1 – said, ‘It will be just like a parade without all the walking.”

You can find more information about this year’s ceremony by clicking this link

I am also quite proud of what the Gazette has been able to accomplish, and I really appreciate all the great feedback I have been receiving.

Striving to be part of the community

Two things stand out to me: our publication of weekly obituaries and the Community Voices section of our web site.

Unlike other media sites, we publish local obituaries from area funeral homes every Sunday at no charge to the families or the public. People seem to appreciate the service, and according to our analytical indicators it remains as one of the Gazette’s most popular features.

With the help of our social media partners, we have access to more than 35,000 people in the Biddeford-Saco area.

People also seem to enjoy our Community Voices page, where we feature things written and submitted to us from other people. Over the past few weeks, we have published stories from others about a project to preserve dune grass at local beaches, the accomplishments of Biddeford students. — including the undefeated Biddeford Middle School math teams — and the perspective of a volunteer at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

We plan to be expanding this section in the coming weeks, including coverage of legislative issues that are being shaped in Augusta.

A unique approach to sharing news

There is also one thing we do that is pretty unique in the competitive world of gathering and sharing news.

We actually highlight stories about Biddeford from other media sites. We use our social media page to share stories about Biddeford from other journalists and publications, including Saco Bay News, the Portland Press Herald, Maine Biz, Spectrum News, WGME-TV and WMTW-TV.

We help direct more traffic directly to their websites or social media pages.

Why do we do this? We do it for you so that you can have all of the latest news and information about Biddeford, all gathered and easy to find in one place.

To the best of my knowledge, no other news site does this.

Lots happening in Biddeford

As I said near the top, we have some pretty exciting news stories on the horizon, including the fact that Biddeford is close to hiring a new city manager and my suspicion is that we have yet to hear the last from former City Manager James Bennett who was ousted from his office in February.

Over the past several days, we have been averaging one new – and often exclusive – news story per day.

For example, this week we continued our ongoing coverage of a massive sewer/road project that will be continuing until November. (Please try to support downtown merchants. Many of them are hurting because people are avoiding the area)

We also continue to lead in our comprehensive coverage about the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal. We also reported as the community paid a final farewell to a former city councilor and an iconic member of the city’s Irish community. Among our other exclusive stories, we reported on a lawsuit being filed against the city in Superior Court, a new program to give unhoused residents employment opportunities and the opening of an aquarium in downtown Biddeford.

I think that about covers it. As always, thank you for reading! And if you haven’t yet, please join hundreds of others and subscribe to our site. Also, please like and follow us on Facebook. Tell your friends and family, too!

Enjoy your weekend, and let’s all hope that we can enjoy a few sunny days this summer.

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

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

New twist in Sunday shooting incident

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Victim says community needs to do more in addressing crime, mental health needs and homelessness in the downtown area

Although his story has been shared in several other media outlets over the past 48 hours, Joshua Wolfe contacted the Biddeford Gazette in hopes of ending rumors and speculation about a shooting that happened in Biddeford on Mother’s Day.

Wolfe, 32, was shot in the leg by someone he did not know outside of his Elm Street office. He was treated and released from the hospital that same afternoon.

Police arrested Derick Dorais, 34, of Elm Street, Biddeford, shortly after the shooting, said Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne Fisk

Shooting victim Joshua Wolfe says the community needs to do more to address downtown crime, homelessness, substance abuse and mental health concerns. (Contributed photo)

Fisk said that Dorais has been charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, a Class C felony and punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Dorais was unable to make bail, said Fisk. He was taken to the York County Jail in Alfred, where he remains as of press time.

Because of the intense media coverage, Wolfe says that too many people are reacting without understanding what actually happened. He says that he been “bothered” by some of the commentary he has seen on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites.

Wolfe said people need to understand the “randomness” of the attack, and he wants the city to address the issues of rising crime, lack of mental health and substance abuse services and homelessness.

“If this happened to me in broad daylight it could happen to anyone,” Wolfe stressed during a Tuesday afternoon interview. “Imagine somebody leaving a downtown restaurant or attending the River Jam Festival and boom, you get shot. It’s not okay. People should not have to live in fear.”

A 2010 graduate of Thornton Academy, Wolf is a successful entrepreneur who works as a business consultant and stockbroker.

Now – just 51 hours after the incident — Wolfe is trying to figure out the best ways to build community awareness and advocacy for people suffering from addiction or mental health issues.

As he has done with other media outlets, Wolfe shared video footage of the incident that was recorded on security cameras near his Elm Street office, directly across from Rent-A-Center.

If this happened to me in broad daylight
it could happen to anyone

— Joshua Wolfe

In the video footage, Wolfe can be seen turning into the driveway near his office while Dorais and another man were walking along the sidewalk. According to Wolfe, Dorais became upset because he thought that Wolfe had somehow disrespected his friend.

The video shows that Dorais walked by and then returned to the driveway just a few minutes later.

Wolfe walked out of his of his office and asked Dorais to leave his property, pointing to security cameras. The video shows Dorais holding both a cellphone and small handgun. Allegedly, Dorais said he was going to shoot Wolfe and post it on social media.

“I didn’t know what he was going to do,” Wolfe said. “For all I know he was going to execute me inside my office.”

Wolfe was able to overcome Dorais in a scuffle, but Dorais allegedly refused to surrender his gun. During the scuffle, the gun was fired.

Wolfe says he is still “processing” the incident, but now wants to turn a bad event into “something good for the community.”

Wolfe says he is considering working with other downtown business owners and approaching the Biddeford City Council about growing “concerns in the downtown area.”

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he looks forward to meeting with Wolfe and helping him in his quest for increased public awareness about the city’s need to provide services.

“I really commend him,” Grohman said Tuesday afternoon. “He’s taking what could have been a much worse incident and turning it around to increase public awareness. That’s a really good thing, and I look forward to meeting with him if he wants.”

Editor’s Note: In a previous version of this story, Wolfe was identified as Jason Wolfe. His name is actually Joshua Wolfe. It was my error, and I apologize for the mistake.

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Mayor defends city review of UNE pier proposal

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

During a sometimes terse and heated meeting, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman defended the way the city has acted during the review of a controversial pier that the University of New England wants to construct on the Saco River.

The nearly hour-long meeting was held at the request of John Schafer, the former chair of the Biddeford Harbor Commission and a Hills Beach resident who has been outspoken about the need for transparency during the review process.

City Attorney Harry Center also took part in the late Monday morning meeting in Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall.

Center stressed that the meeting was strictly informal and not part of the review process. “The mayor has simply set aside some time to listen to the concerns of a constituent,” he said.

Hills Beach resident and former chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission John Schafer points to a diagram that shows inadequate depth where UNE is hoping to build a 177-foot pier to dock its research vessel near the mouth of the Saco River (Seaver photo)

No one from the university was at the meeting, and other media outlets declined invitations to attend, according to Schafer.

Schafer’s concerns center on three essential points: the impact and necessary removal of at least seven private moorings on the river if the project is approved; concerns about the water depth where the university wants to construct its pier; and the process that has been used to review the university’s proposal.

The permitting process for the proposed pier is complex and multi-layered, requiring the review and approval by several state, federal and local agencies.

Earlier this year, UNE cleared two major hurdles in the review process, winning approval from both the Saco River Corridor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

But a very critical part of the review process is expected to begin in just a few weeks when the Biddeford Planning Board begins its formal review of the proposal.

“I don’t have any say over what the Planning Board does or doesn’t do,” Grohman said during Monday’s meeting. “I simply appoint members, and those appointments are then confirmed by the council. I think we have a really good planning board, and I have full confidence in them.”

But Schafer said he is concerned about the lack of public input during the review process and how the city has approached the project thus far. He also criticized the university for its “lack of transparency” and for “bullying those who raise questions and concerns” about the proposed pier.

“I think [UNE’s] application is both incomplete and full of misinformation,” Schafer told the mayor. “Don’t you think it’s a bit presumptuous for a private entity to dictate how the city will review its application; to show no regard for those who have private moorings in that area just so they can construct a vanity pier?”

When contacted by the Biddeford Gazette, a university spokesperson declined an opportunity to address Schafer’s remarks.

“Since this was not an open meeting and a representative from UNE was not present, it would not be appropriate to comment on the conversation that took place,” wrote Sarah Delage in an email response. “UNE will continue to follow the public regulatory process, and we look forward to presenting our application to the Planning Board.”

Schafer said he and “a growing coalition of residents” have no problem with the university building a pier to dock its 60-foot research vessel. Instead, he says, all the concerns boil down to the exact location of the pier and the dismissal of public concerns about the project.

Survey says?

Schafer roundly criticized Grohman for allowing former City Manager James Bennett to “silence” the city’s harbormaster and assistant harbormaster last year, preventing them from participating in the city’s review of the proposal simply because they voiced concerns about the pier’s location.

But Grohman shot back and said Bennett was simply trying to avoid the appearance of bias. He also reminded Schafer that the harbormaster’s role – as outlined in city ordinances – is strictly an “advisory position,” a change that was first proposed by Schafer himself last year when he was chair of the harbor commission.

Schafer said a growing number of residents have serious concerns about a review process that seems to have a pre-ordained outcome, pointing to the results and comments found in a recent public survey about the project.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had a
“very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process,
while roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they
had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

The online survey was conducted over several days in late April on a Facebook page called “UNE Pier Review,” a group that Schafer has helped organize.

The survey asked respondents a wide range of questions about the proposed pier and the review process thus far. The survey allowed respondents to maintain their anonymity.

The multi-question survey included feedback from 156 respondents, showing an overwhelming lack of public confidence on the issues of transparency and the mayor’s handling of the issue.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very low” level of confidence in the city’s handling of the review process. And roughly 30 percent of respondents indicated that they had “moderately low” confidence in the city’s handling of the matter.

City Attorney Harry Center (left) and Mayor Marty Grohman listen as John Schafer details his concerns about UNE’s proposal

Fewer than 10 percent of respondents indicated that they had “very high” confidence in the process, while slightly less than 20 percent of respondents indicated that they are not sure.

Many respondents added comments saying the city has been “too secretive” while other questioned the motives of city officials, speculating that some members of the city seem to have a “cozy relationship” with the university.

Grohman described the survey as “interesting,” but also said it was not a professional survey conducted by a polling firm.

“An anonymous survey is not something that a public permitting process could use, as it does not include an opportunity for all parties involved to publicly comment,” Grohman wrote in a text message to the Gazette after the meeting.

Schafer told the mayor that several mooring owners have already written to regulatory authorities stating quite plainly that they have “no intentions of moving their moorings where UNE wants to build their pier.”

Schafer also said that UNE has threatened the city with litigation if its desired location for the pier is not approved, referencing a letter sent to the city by Ron Schneider, the university’s lead attorney, several months before the university had submitted its application for review.

Grohman described Schafer as a good friend, and said he was happy to hear the concerns that were raised.

In a moment of levity during the meeting, Grohman pointed out that the mayor does not vote on or control the regulatory review process. “I don’t have the authority to change what sodas are sold in the vending machines downstairs,” Grohman laughed.

After the meeting Schafer said he very much appreciated the opportunity to share his concerns with the mayor. “Nothing in the meeting surprised me,” he said. “It’s about what I expected.”

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Aquarium Science Center opens in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Tucked away in one of Biddeford’s former mill buildings on Pearl Street, there is a growing and thriving display of underwater life – from tropical coral reefs to freshwater rivers and lakes.

The Northeast Aquarium Science Center attracted hundreds of visitors Saturday during its grand-opening event that showcased several species of sea life and an opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems.

Emma Balboni is the president of the science center, and she says the aquarium’s mission is to help educate people about the environmental importance of marine life and also raise awareness about the challenges being faced by working waterfronts all over the globe.

“We’re really excited to offer the public access to a world that is often overlooked,” Balboni said. “We want the next generation to know and appreciate where seafood comes from.”

Hannah Bonaventura and her daughter, Maeve, take in the views of a freshwater ecosystem. (Seaver photo)

Balboni grew up in Cape Cod and spent summers in Maine. Her great grandfather is from the coastal, fishing town of Cutler, Maine. “These are issues that are near and dear to my heart,” she explains. “It’s basically in my blood.”

Balboni says it is critically important to protect both the fishing industry and the ecosystems that have fueled Maine’s economy for centuries.

According to the organization’s website, the aquarium is “currently home to a variety of different species of aquatic fauna, invertebrates, and fish, including an alien-like sea apple, a genetically distinct clownfish and even a mimic octopus.”

The overall goal, Balboni said is “to take these extraordinary exhibits with us through our growth and allow for many other exhibits to join them along the way.”

Once finished, the aquarium will feature exhibits from the Gulf of Maine, Maine’s lakes and rivers, the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, major rivers, and major lakes across the world.

But beyond the dazzling aquatic displays, there is also emerging educational opportunities, including microscopes that visitors can use to study microscopic seal life.

“We’re really excited to offer the public
access to a world that is often overlooked”

— Emma Balboni

Balboni says the center hopes to bring exhibits and information about Maine’s lobstering, aquaculture and ecotourism industries to Biddeford.

Rick Oellers of Saco heads up the education programs at the science center. A master aquarist, Oellers was a former adjunct professor at the University of New England.

“I have been keeping tropical fish for 62 years,” Oellers said. “I have been blessed because now I am living my dream. My hobby is now my business.”

Oellers says that science-based hobbies, such as astronomy and other subjects are quickly disappearing as a new generation connects primarily to their smart phones for both recreation and information.

“We want to get kids interested in marine life, starting at an early age including elementary schools and even daycares,” he said. “We want to give kids and others a chance to explore what is happening just below the surface.”

The non-profit aquarium is located at 22 Pearl Street and does not have a set admission price, asking visitors to donate whatever they can afford.

For more information about the North East Aquarium Science Center, you can visit their website: https://www.northeastaquariumsciencecenter.org/

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

City touts ‘major success’ in addressing homelessness

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

(From city personnel and previous stories by the Biddeford Gazette)

Biddeford city officials say that a new partnership between the city and the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center is delivering “real results” in addressing homelessness, with 43 individuals successfully housed since November through a “coordinated, compassionate approach.”

At the core of this success is what Mayor Marty Grohman describes as a “Weekly Homeless Huddle,” where city and Seeds of Hope staff come together with outreach workers and service providers to identify and assist those most in need. This focused, whole person-centered effort has led directly to dozens of people moving into stable, permanent housing, according to a press release distributed Monday

“This is what progress looks like,” said Grohman. “Thanks to the dedicated team at Seeds of Hope and strong coordination across agencies, we are actively finding solutions to homelessness, one person at a time. All Biddeford residents deserve the opportunity for a safe and healthy existence indoors, and our partnerships are allowing us to make that a reality.”

The partnership model was launched in July 2024 after the closure of a major encampment near Mechanics Park on Water Street. That encampent was highly visible and located across the river from a new, upscale housing development in Saco.

This is a photo of a homeless encampment that was destroyed by the city last year (Seaver photo)

The Biddeford City Council authorized the creation of a temporary overnight center at Seeds of Hope to offer safety and stability. Through a generous grant award, MaineHousing provided additional support to the overnight center throughout the winter months, enabling daytime services on weekends. Connections with key service providers such as The Opportunity Alliance’s PATH program help neighbors access critical resources such as mental health and substance use treatment services.

Although the city was planning to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to renovate the Seeds of Hope, that funding mechanism hit a snafu earlier this year.

This significant increase in services available at Seeds of Hope since July has enabled staff to develop relationships with neighbors, a key factor for building trust and paving the way for long-term housing placements, according to the mayor’s office.

As more individuals are housed, the organization anticipates a decrease in the number of people needing services, marking a hopeful turning point for the community.

“We are finally seeing the kind of change that comes from sustained, collaborative commitment,” said Vassie Fowler, Executive Director of Seeds of Hope. “When we meet people with dignity and consistent support, housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

As spring arrives, we expect to serve fewer people—not because needs are going unmet, but because more and more people are into permanent housing.”

When we meet people with dignity and consistent support,
housing becomes not just possible, but permanent.”

__ Vassie Fowler, executive director, Seeds of Hope

Spokespersons for the city and Seeds of Hope say that they remain committed to this partnership and to expanding opportunities for every resident to live with dignity and stability.

In late April, financial support from MaineHousing for extended weekend hours will conclude, though the City-supported overnight program will continue to operate. Seeds of Hope will build on the strong foundation of success already achieved by providing more focused and intensive coordination of services, and guiding individuals through housing, substance use disorder treatment and mental health resources. There is also on-the-street outreach planned to connect with unhoused neighbors who are not already seeking services.

But there are still funding challenges to provide these services for unhoused residents.

RELATED: Budget tensions included funding for unhoused programs

“The work we’ve done so far is just the beginning,” Grohman said. “We’re proving that when we work together with compassion and dedication, real change is possible. Biddeford is building a future where no one is left behind, and we’re going to keep pushing forward until everyone has a place to call home.”

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!

Support for library, and a new bathhouse

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Scores of Biddeford residents turned out Tuesday for the first of two public hearings on the city’s proposed budget.

Only one resident — former City Councilor Michael Swanton — suggested a budget cut, calling on the council to close and sell the city’s public access television station on Pool Road.

“Technology has zoomed by cable television,” Swanton told the council. “That’s $300,000 each year for something that only a handful of people use.”

Nearly 40 other people approached the podium one-by-one to voice support for various social service agencies, including the McArthur Library, Biddeford Community Gardens and the Heart of Biddeford.

Although there are more than 30 social service agencies requesting funding from the city, only three of them were mentioned during the public comment period — and once again — public support for the library dominated the 45-minute public hearing.

In a repeat of last year, the majority of comments came from people asking to fully fund the library’s budget request, which is just over $1 million this year, mainly to support ongoing renovations at the 160-year-old building. According to documents filed with the city, the library’s board of directors indicated that only 25 percent of their funding request would be used for salaries.

The McArthur Library is once again seeking roughly $1 million from the city.

“How we fund these things should reflect our values,” one man told the council.

More than 30 people spoke in support of the library, but 12 people expressed support for Biddeford’s Community Gardens; and one person spoke in favor of the funding request from the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

New Bathhouse Should be Ready on Memorial Day

Although the iconic Biddeford Pool Bathhouse in the Gilbert Boucher Park was destroyed during a January 2024 coastal storm, a new bathhouse is expected to be ready by Memorial Day.

After reviewing several bids from private contractors, the city council was poised to spend roughly $222,000 to build a 24 x 24-square foot replacement facility. Councilor Marc Lessard, however, suggested having the city’s Public Works Department submit their own proposal for the project.

Public Works Director Jeff Demers said his department could complete the task and construct a larger facility for roughly $135,000., a savings of roughly $87,000.

According to Recreation Director Lisa Thompson, the new bathhouse will be a 28 x 32-square foot structure that will include two regular bathrooms, a family bathroom, an accessible bathroom for persons with disabilities and outdoor showers.

Never miss another installment! Subscribe for free today!

Joint budget workshop: ‘A Tough Pill to Swallow’

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

With a “challenging” budget hanging over their heads, members of the Biddeford City Council and the Biddeford School Committee participated in a joint workshop meeting Monday to examine the proposed budget.

Monday’s joint meeting was a rare occurrence that has happened only once before over the past 10 years.

“This is an unusual opportunity,” said Mayor Marty Grohman during his opening remarks. “We all share the same goals.”

School Superintendent Jeremy Ray said both the council and the committee are all in a “difficult situation, but we are being very conservative.”

In its current form, the proposed budget for next year shows an increase of 0.53 percent for the city; a 5.10 percent increase in school funding and an 0.08 percent increase in county taxes.

According to Acting City Manager Brian Phinney, every $100,000 of spending requires 2.3 cents on the tax rate.

As it stands now, the proposed budget would require an increase in the mil rate, from $14.22 last year to $15.03 this year.

Members of the Biddeford City Council and Biddeford School Committee discuss the proposed budget for next year. (Seaver photo)

Grohman said Monday’s evening was designed to bring both groups together under one roof so that they could each share their concerns and collaborate with one another about ways to soften the impact on taxpayers.

School Committee member Marie Potvin is a retired teacher who spent many years working in Biddeford schools.

“I was born and raised here,” Potvin said. “Our demographics have been changing significantly, and I am feeling somewhat anxious about all the things happening outside of the city that is creating so much uncertainty.”

School Committee member Megan Desjardins is a social worker. “Every single decision we make is in the best interest of our students,” she said. “Every day, we are being asked to do more for less.”

John McCurry, a former city councilor and current school committee member, described the budget as “quite high” McCurry said the city’s schools are always seeking ways to drive down costs, but he is worried about public perception.

“How do we get citizens involved?” McCurry asked, recalling previous budget debates when members of the public filled the council chamber, spilling out into the hallway.

Almost everyone at Monday’s meeting agreed that an 11.5 percent increase in the overall school budget is going to be a hard sell to voters.

“People just react to the numbers,” said School Committee member Chad Barrs. “There’s often a stark difference between perception and reality. It is much more complicated than it looks on paper.”

“Every day, we are being asked
to do more for less.”

— Megan Desjardins, School Committee member

City Councilor Marc Lessard said the council needs to make some “painful decisions,” reminding the group that Biddeford taxpayers have seen a 20 percent increase over the last three years.

“If everyone here is okay with a 5.7 percent increase, then let’s just go home,” Lessard said. “Our work is done,” adding that he will not support a 5.7 percent increase.

“Do we take money away from kids who need funding or do we take it from McArthur Library and the Heart of Biddeford?” Lessard asked rhetorically, suggesting that the city could slash all of its funding for social services requests.

Councilor Doris Ortiz rebuked Lessard. “A lot of those social service agencies help our kids,” she said.

Councilor Norman Belanger said the council should avoid creating an “us versus them mentality.”

What’s driving the school budget?

School Supt. Jeremy Ray pointed to what he described as a “seriously flawed” school funding formula that is used for determining state subsidy amounts.

During his presentation, Ray walked through several charts and spreadsheets that demonstrate how increasing valuations hurts the city’s schools.

One of those spreadsheets shows Biddeford being well behind many other communities when it comes to per pupil cost for education.

Biddeford’s per pupil cost last year was $9,904.76, compared to $16,085.68 in the town of Falmouth or $15, 936.72 in South Portland.

“Our focus is always about what our students deserve,” Ray said. “A child in Biddeford doesn’t deserve less than a kid in Cape Elizabeth. We have a tough population, but people still want excellence.”

Ray also provided an 11-year comparison for Biddeford’s school budget, which shows an average expenditure increase of 3.82 percent.

Last year, the school budget came in with a 6.1 percent increase in expenditures. This year’s requested increase is 5.39 percent.

City Council President Liam LaFountain said there is still a long road ahead in what the final budget will look like, including public hearings and additional council review.

“Some of this feels premature,” LaFountain said. “I want to make sure that we’re not just thinking about the short term, but are also considering a lot of long-term impacts.”

Councilor Dylan Doughty said “everyone is being asked to do more with less” on both the city and school side of the budget.

Barrs said the proposed budget is going to be a “tough pill to swallow” for taxpayers and voters who will ultimately decide on whether to approve the school budget in June.

Click on the link below to view/download a copy of the Biddeford School Budget Presentation

School budgetDownload

Randy Seaver is the editor of the Biddeford Gazette. He can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

Never miss another update! Subscribe for free today!