Democrats say the narrowly approved budget reflects Maine values and will help working-class families; Republicans say the spending package is irresponsible and not sustainable By RANDY SEAVER | Editor Maine lawmakers last week approved a supplemental budget of more than $500 million for the next fiscal year. Gov. Janet Mills signed the spending package -- … Continue reading NEWS | Local perspective on state budget
Tag: Ryan Fecteau
OPINION | Why History Matters
By RANDY SEAVER | Editor One of the coolest things about doing something for more than 30 years is the memories you make along the way. As a political junkie – especially in regards to the city of Biddeford – it is extremely rewarding for me to have an archive of local political news that … Continue reading OPINION | Why History Matters
NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
It’s been an interesting, busy and somewhat exhausting week here at the Biddeford Gazette. In fact, I was moving in some many directions that I forgot to send out this newsletter on Saturday. My former boss David Flood always used to say there’s a lot more to running a newspaper than just writing and publishing … Continue reading NEWSLETTER | Paradise City
Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Guy Gagnon has been excited about this particular project for several years. The project is Adams Point, a 39-unit affordable family housing project on the upper end of Adams Street in Biddeford. Following more than three years of planning and construction, Adams Point is expected to finally open in April. The … Continue reading Adams Point housing | ‘An exciting project’
Council splits on supporting state bill for emergency shelters
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Despite some misinformation floating about on social media, the Biddeford City Council did not vote Tuesday against funding for emergency shelters to assist unhoused residents. Instead, the council took up a resolution introduced by Mayor Liam LaFountain to express support for a bill now being considered by the Maine Legislature. The … Continue reading Council splits on supporting state bill for emergency shelters
NEWSLETTER: Can’t touch this
Wow! What a week it’s been. Let’s get right to it. Things have been pretty much non-stop here at the Gazette since the beginning of February. We set some new records, broke some big stories and had some fun along the way. More about all that in just a moment. Our promise to you: A … Continue reading NEWSLETTER: Can’t touch this
OPINION | Speaker Fecteau: ICE activities in Maine do not match our state’s values
By RYAN FECTEAU, Special to the Gazette A new legislative session is now underway, and there are many pressing matters in front of us that impact Biddeford residents and Mainers from all over. Whether addressing Maine’s housing crisis to overcoming federal funding cuts to important programs like SNAP and healthcare, we have a lot of … Continue reading OPINION | Speaker Fecteau: ICE activities in Maine do not match our state’s values
It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids
UNE dental students again provided free care to local students; Rep. Ryan Fecteau introduced a bill to expand dental coverage for Maine children. Contributed stories Students from the University of New England’s College of Dental Medicine and Department of Dental Hygiene welcomed 85 elementary students from Old Orchard Beach to the university’s Oral Health Center … Continue reading It’s all about the smiles: UNE and Rep. Fecteau both focus on Maine kids
OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
Age has – apparently -- become a factor in Biddeford’s upcoming municipal election. Today, the Biddeford Gazette published an update to its ongoing updates of potential candidates, pointing out that two more former councilors are hoping for a political comeback: Patricia Boston in Ward One and at-large candidate Clem Fleurent. Former city councilor Clement Fleurent … Continue reading OPINION | Should age matter in Biddeford elections?
What is ‘affordable’ housing?
You see it all the time. Whenever elected officials or media outlets use the words “affordable housing,” there is often an almost immediate pushback from people who say those housing units are not really “affordable.” This is especially true in the city of Biddeford, the latest community to join southern Maine’s so-called “gold coast.” Until … Continue reading What is ‘affordable’ housing?
Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
According to a press release, both the Maine House of Representatives and Senate voted unanimously last week to approve a housing bill that was introduced by Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford). The bill, LD 1829, is intended to make it easier to build new housing units by amending zoning requirements and providing clarity for municipalities, developers … Continue reading Fecteau’s housing bill gets bipartisan approval
Court puts Fecteau in national spotlight
Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford is gaining some national attention after the United States Supreme Court ruled yesterday in favor of Republican lawmaker Laurel Libby who said he violated her Constitutional rights. The case began in February after Libby (R-Auburn) posted a photo of a transgender athlete from Greely High School who won … Continue reading Court puts Fecteau in national spotlight
Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
Editor's Note: This is the first installment of a three-part series that examines Biddeford's housing crisis. A large conference table takes up the center of Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman’s second-floor office at City Hall. On that table is a large aerial photo of the city’s downtown area, where several new housing projects are either under … Continue reading Biddeford’s Housing Crisis: Part One
Housing, budget: top priorities for Biddeford lawmakers
As Maine lawmakers gear up for what is expected to be a grueling session, there are two topics that both Democrats and Republicans agree should be a top priority. The 132nd Legislature will consider several bills aimed at tackling the state’s housing crisis while also addressing a projected $450 million budget shortfall and a new … Continue reading Housing, budget: top priorities for Biddeford lawmakers
BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 