A former city councilor and a political newcomer are both hoping to represent Ward Six on the Biddeford City Council.

Ward Six encompasses most of the city’s western area, extending along South Street to include relatively new neighborhoods such as Thacher Brook Lane, Cathedral Oaks and Indian Ridge — and the ward is bordered by the town of Dayton.

The mostly residential ward is comprised of relatively newer single-family homes and quiet neighborhoods, featuring pastoral landscapes that include farmland pastures.

Ward Six has been represented by Councilor Norman Belanger since 2018. Belanger is giving up the seat in order to run for mayor on this year’s ballot.

Roger Hurtubise, 80, served on the city council in the late 1990s during the Donna Dion administration.

He returned to the council for one term in 2013, upsetting incumbent Rick Laverriere, 331-236. He currently serves on the Biddeford Housing Authority’s board of directors.

Jake Pierson, 42, is making his first bid for elected office, but has been actively involved in city government, serving on the Policy Committee for three years; the Police Advisory Committee for two years; and the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee for two years.

Hurtubise, now retired, is well-known for his volunteer work with La Kermesse and the area’s Franco-American community, including a weekly radio show that he hosts about southern Maine’s Franco culture. In 2019, he was inducted into the state of Maine’s Franco-American Hall of Fame.

Hurtubise also served on the city’s 2012 Charter Review Commission and has been an active member of the city’s Cable Television Committee.

Pierson is a nursery professional, joining the family-owned Pierson Nurseries, Inc. in 2004.

Pierson told the Gazette that affordable housing is one of his top concerns.

“We need to address the need for more cost-effective housing in our city,” Pierson said. “I think the incentives that the city has attempted to put into place are a start but I believe [that we need to take] a more direct role in creating that housing, using city property and resources.”

Hurtubise said rising property taxes are putting a significant strain on many homeowners, especially seniors and those living on fixed incomes.

“If elected, I will work to be a strong advocate for accountability and transparency,” Hurtubise said. “I want to make sure citizens know about how the city’s mil rate is being impacted by the council’s decision making.”

I will work to be a strong advocate
for accountability and transparency,”

— Roger Hurtubise

Pierson said he will advocate for continued “intelligent” development in the city’s downtown area.

“Downtown is a cornerstone of our community,” Pierson said. “It led directly to our rebirth as a destination city. We need to keep working towards smart and balanced development downtown to keep it vibrant and attractive.

“By being engaged as a council with the downtown development commission, we can allow development to continue to happen with an eye toward increasing diversity and options in the downtown district.”

Hurtubise said he is concerned about the city’s “aging infrastructure,” including roads, drainage systems and hydrants. “I also want to keep an eye on the city’s telecommunications systems, broadband connectivity, our electrical grid and street lighting,” he said.

Pierson said the city need to improve its transparency regarding operations.

“Recently, the public’s faith in our city government has been tested by poor performance of some staff and a lack of communication by staff, elected officials and volunteer members of our boards, commissions and committees,” Pierson said.  

“We need to do a better job of keeping
the business of governing transparent
and continue to improve the communications
coming from the city.”

–– Jake Pierson

Hurtubise said creating a “fiscally responsible” budget will be one of his priorities if he is returned to the council.

“Our city is facing some serious headwinds,” Hurtubise said. “If elected, I vow to work tirelessly for all citizens and will demand accountability from all city departments.”

Pierson said he believes strongly in civic duty.

“If you can — and have the willingness to serve the public good — you should do it,” he said. “I enjoy dialogue and problem solving. As a business owner, I feel that I have the requisite skill set to be an effective leader and collaborator at the city level.

“Being a part of the governing process is one of the most important things that an American citizen can do,” Pierson continued. “I want to be part of solving today’s problems, not just complaining about them. Progress is only made when folks get involved and roll up their sleeves to work towards it.”

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

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