Political rivalry could play role in filling vacancies on the Biddeford City Council

By RANDY SEAVER

BIDDEFORD — Dominic Deschambault, a former school committee member and current board member of the Biddeford Housing Authority, has reportedly expressed interest in being appointed to fill the city council seat that was vacated last week by former Councilor Julian Schlaver.

Mayor Marty Grohman declined an opportunity to confirm that he has heard from Deschambault. Grohman also declined to say whether he has heard from any other citizens interested in joining the council.

The Ward Five seat represents the downtown area. Deschambault lives in one of the many restored mill buildings near the core of the city. Schalver announced his resignation on Wednesday, April 17.

When contacted by Saco Bay News this morning, Deschambault said he contacted the mayor two days ago to express his interest. Deschambault said the mayor has not yet acknowledged his request for consideration.

Deschambault is the son of former state senator Susan Deschambault. Susan Deschambault was Grohman’s opponent in the Nov. 2023 mayoral election.

Grohman sent a curt, two-sentence e-mail response to Saco Bay News this afternoon.

“The Council President [Liam LaFountain] and I plan to interview everybody who expresses interest, and we hope to hear from Ward 5 residents who are interested in contributing to their community by being part of the Biddeford City Council,” Grohman wrote.

“It is hoped that we will have a proposed appointee for the full council to consider by May 7, but that may depend on availability during a very busy budget season.”

When contacted by Saco Bay News this morning, Dominic Deschambault said he is fully committed to further serving his community.

Deschambault, 39, is currently employed as a customer service manager. He says he is hoping to bring a measure of stability to the city.

“I want to be a level-headed voice on the council,” Deschambault said. “I don’t have an agenda. I personally know many members of the council, and I believe that I can contribute positively to our really great team of councilors.”

Deschambault, who served two terms on the Biddeford School Committee, said he does have concerns about a “high rate of employee turnover at City Hall.”

“I want to make sure that local government remains both transparent and responsive to the public,” Deschambault said. “I’m really hoping that the mayor will consider my interest in serving on the council.”

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