By MARTY GROHMAN, Special to the Gazette Our municipal employees are the backbone of our communities. They plow our streets at three in the morning during snowstorms. They respond to service requests, maintain our infrastructure, and keep our cities running smoothly day after day. These dedicated public servants often work […]
OPINION
Letters to the Editor, Guest Columns, Editorials and more . . .
OPINION: Helping parents afford childcare
I’d like to highlight my bill, LD 1859, “An Act to Improve Access to Child Care and Early Childhood Education by Establishing Regional Resource Hubs.” It seeks to address Maine’s childcare crisis by creating a network of regional hubs to connect families, childcare providers and employers with much-needed information and support
OPINION: Credit Enhance Agreements aren’t the problem
By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette A January 13 City Council workshop meeting included an in-depth presentation by Philip Saucier of Bernstein Shur on TIFs (tax increment financing) and CEAs (credit enhancement agreements). These terms get thrown around like they’re the same thing. They’re not. They’re separate tools, each […]
OPINION: Biddeford’s pain can be treated
By SAM PECOR, Special to the Gazette Let me ask you something: what do you do when you feel pain? That’s a loaded question. So, let’s stick to the responsible move: see a doctor and establish the cause. The answer is no different when it comes to a business, a […]
Stop the Grinch! Protect your real estate
By State Sen. HENRY INGWERSEN, Special to the Gazette This time of year, we’re all familiar with the Grinch who, seeking to ruin the holidays, sneaks around and tries to steal Christmas from the good people of Whoville. However, on December 3, I gaveled in the final meeting of a […]
Your blood is desperately needed during holidays
In his letter to the editor, this Red Cross volunteer offers a stark reality about the need for blood donations during this time of year. Editor: A few hours into the blood drive, Nancy walked out of the Biddeford Eagles Facility in tears. I hurried to meet her and asked […]
OPINION: Are we ‘here’ or are we ‘present’?
I am going to miss the councilor from Ward Five It’s going to be weird on Tuesday. Weird, happy and a tinge of sadness. The first regular meeting of the new Biddeford Council — along with a new mayor — should give us a good preview and set the tone […]
School daze for new Biddeford city councilors?
By RANDY SEAVER, Editor Tomorrow night – Dec. 9 – the new members of the Biddeford City Council will be getting some required “training” for their new roles in city government. The city council workshop –– ostensibly open to the public, but why? — will feature four breakout sessions, including […]
OPINION | A change will do us good?
On Tuesday, I sat in my usual seat in the Biddeford City Council Chamber — back row and closest to the door. With my back against the wall, I can see and monitor almost everything happening in the room. That perch also provides a quick exit in the event that […]
Mayor will issue ‘formal apology’
Just hours after losing the mayor’s seat, Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman said he will issue a formal apology to Mayor-Elect Liam LaFountain during Thursday’s city council meeting. LaFountain narrowly won the three-way race with 42 percent of the vote (2,623). Grohman received 2,413 votes (38.3 percent). After the polls closed […]
