The veteran Biddeford City Councilor reminds voters that he has a proven and ‘unambiguous’ record of being a fiscal conservative

By MARC LESSARD | District 133 Candidate

As we reach the home stretch in this election, I would like to thank all the voters I have spoken to as I respectfully ask you to elect me to the Maine House of Representatives.

I am extremely humbled by the support I have been given over the past 33 years of representing Biddeford taxpayers.

So, what have I learned during the campaign? 

First – I would recommend not having two knee replacements during that time. Campaigning is hard enough without recovering from surgery.

Second – I think I made a great decision not to pollute your mailbox with even more campaign flyers. I’m spending only my own money as I ask for your vote. And boy have you folks told me how much you hate those mailers! I can’t stand the thought of wasting taxpayer money like that. It’s shameful.

Third – Yes, taxes/affordability are of the utmost concern to voters. Ironically, that hasn’t really changed over the past 33 years. All the other topics are important, but bottom line the ability to put food on the table always rises to the top. I know this well.

When my children were six and eight years old, I didn’t have an extra quarter to buy them a small fry at McDonald’s. I’ll never forget that. This is why I have fought so passionately about the costs that are passed along in taxes.

Since 1993, I have demonstrated that I will always fight to ensure that your money is spent correctly. That hasn’t always helped me. It’s hard to say no during budget season and you tend to make more friends by saying yes.

But government bodies like a city council or the Maine Legislature aren’t spending their own money, they’re spending yours.

‘Government bodies aren’t
spending their own money,
they’re spending yours.’

And unfortunately, the complete lack of fiscal restraint is on a much larger scale in Augusta and inflicting serious pain on Maine families.

Fourth – During my 23 years on the Biddeford City Council and nine years of the York County Budget Committee, my record is absolutely unambiguous. It has been scrutinized repeatedly.

I’m attacked, criticized, complimented and appreciated for my work, and I can tell you about something in my public service that always amuses me. When I go to the grocery store, it is very common for an older citizen to walk right up to me, look both ways to make sure nobody’s watching, and then whisper something like, “Please don’t give up the fight, you’re the only one standing up for us.” Then off they go, hoping they weren’t caught associating with me.

That doesn’t offend me in the least! In fact, I take it as a badge of honor.

Biddeford people know my voting record, and my passion for fighting unneeded, wasteful spending. I will do the same in Augusta.

Given a very clear choice, the decision now falls to you, the voter.

God bless.

Marc Lessard | Biddeford

ABOUT THE AUTHOR |Marc Lessard is an at-large member of the Biddeford City Council and is now seeking to represent Biddeford District 133 in the Maine House of Representatives as an unenrolled candidate.

NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette has offered each local legislative candidate the opportunity to submit two columns prior to Election Day, Nov. 3. These are published in the order they are received. Mr. Lessard’s first column was published on Sept. 18.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Biddeford Gazette, its staff, affiliates or sponsors. We encourage robust and diverse community conversations on topics related to the city of Biddeford. To submit your own letter or column, please CONTACT US