Author: Randy Seaver

Randy Seaver is a veteran journalist who has been covering news and politics in the city of Biddeford, Maine for nearly three decades. He may be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

City commits to paying contractor in-full

~ Randy Seaver ~ 5 Comments

The Biddeford City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to find funds in its current budget to fully repay a contractor who led the effort to renovate the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

Jim Godbout, a well-known community volunteer and philanthropist, appeared before the council Tuesday to provide an update about the project and its funding.

Earlier this year, city officials “cleaned out” an encampment of unhoused residents that was located adjacent to Mechanic’s Park on Water Street.

Part of the city’s plan to address issues related to the unhoused included funding a renovation project that would allow overnight respite at the Seeds of Hope building on South Street by renovating and improving the building’s second floor.

The Seeds of Hope building is a former Episcopalian church, built more than 100 years ago that takes up an entire city block.

On Tuesday, Godbout was asked to provide the council with a timeline of events that led to confusion about how the renovation work would be funded.

Jim Godbout, owner of Godbout Plumbing & Heating

“City officials asked me in mid-June if I could help with the project that would provide expanded resources for unhoused people,” Godbout said. “I was happy to help because these projects are an important element for our community.”

Godbout told the council that he immediately knew that the renovation would be “a good-sized project” that would require the help of other contractors. The city, he said, provided a budget of $800,000 to complete the task.

In June, City Manager James Bennett told the council that the $800,000 project would be funded with federal funds the city receives for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

With the funding source seemingly secured, Godbout said he and others jumped in feet first, even though he was still involved in another massive project to convert the St. Andre Church building into a teen center, a $3.5 million project that took almost two years to complete.

Despite being stretched thin, Godbout told the council that he was confident he and others could finish the job at Seeds of Hope before winter weather arrives.

“Before we could even start work, we had to remove more than eight 30-yard dumpsters worth of debris from the second floor,” Godbout explained, telling councilors that the building’s roof repairs were the first priority for his team.

But both Godbout and the city were soon presented with a glitch.

Because the building is on the historic register, the renovation project required additional approvals and permits.

Godbout said he was about two-thirds into the project when he received a call in mid-August from city officials telling him that there were problems securing the CDBG funds and applying for the necessary historic renovation approvals.

“I couldn’t just walk away at that point,” Godbout said. “I decided to keep moving forward because the community needed this project done.”

Godbout praised the help and in-kind donations he received from several other contractors, pointing out that his team was able to complete the project well under its initial $800,000 budget, for a total of roughly $655,000.

Although Godbout made sure that the other contractors were paid, the city was unable to pay him for the full balance of his work. Godbout said he was thankful that the city was able to pay him $400,000; with a plan for him to raise an additional $250,000 in private donations to cover the project’s total cost.

“I couldn’t just walk away at that point. I decided to keep moving forward because the community needed this project done.”

— Jim Godbout

“I have been doing projects in Biddeford for more than 40 years,” Godbout said. “I am happy to help, but the cost comes back to me.”

Following Godbout’s presentation, Mayor Marty Grohman expressed gratitude for the work done by Godbout and others, including volunteers.

“Thanks for getting this project over the finish line,” Grohman said. “The key is that this project is done. It was a team effort and a significant achievement.”

Council President Liam LaFountain then made a motion to direct the city manager to find possible funding sources in the current budget in order to pay Godbout the balance he is owed.

“We now have an opportunity to make good on our obligation,” LaFountain said.

Councilor Marc Lessard said he was in “complete agreement” that Godbout and his team should be “made whole.”

“We all have to pay our personal bills on time,” Lessard said. “It’s no different for the city. We need to be more efficient, and we need to show appreciation for the help we received.”

Bennett is expected to provide the council with suggestions about potential funding sources in January.

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Meet The New Boss – – Same as the old boss: Fecteau returns as Maine House Speaker

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Once again, State Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford will serve as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives.

During a recent interview, Fecteau said there was “stiff competition and a crowded field” this year from other Democratic lawmakers for the speakership of the 132nd Legislature.

Fecteau, 32, who was “termed out” of office two years ago, is returning to Augusta representing a different district in Biddeford.

Former State Rep. Erin Sheehan, also a Democrat, decided earlier this year to not seek reelection for a possible third term representing House District 132.

Speaker Ryan Fecteau

“When I left the Legislature two years ago, I had no plans to return,” Fecteau said. “I could have run for the senate because Senator [Susan] Deschambault and I were termed out at the same time, but I felt like my time was over. I had no political aspirations at the time. I even threw away all my old lawn signs.” (Laughs)

From a historical perspective, Fecteau’s return as Speaker — following a two-year hiatus — last happened nearly 60 years ago when Speaker David Kennedy, a Republican from Milbridge, returned to the seat in 1966 when his party regained the majority.

Fecteau said a confluence of events led him to reconsider a return to the Legislature.

“In the two years after I left, we ended up buying a home that is located in another district, and then I found out that Erin [Sheehan] had decided to not run again,” Fecteau said. “I felt like I had more to give, and there’s a lot that needs to be done, but I’m not envisioning another eight years of being in the Legislature.”

Asked how he was able to once again clinch the seat as Speaker, Fecteau said many factors played a role.

“I think folks were hungry for experience.” Fecteau said. “I think I was sort of a known commodity. And I also put in a lot of work of helping others in their campaigns. I put a lot of miles on my car, and I’m almost sure that I hit every county in Maine — even some Republicans put in a good word for me.”

Fecteau is employed as a senior officer of policy and planning for Avesta Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer that operates throughout New England.

“I think folks were hungry for experience. I think I was sort of a known commodity.

— Ryan Fecteau

Before joining Avesta, Fecteau was tapped by Gov. Janet Mills as a senior advisor in her Office of Policy Innovation & the Future just days after he was termed out of office in 2022.

Fecteau says he doesn’t see any conflict of interest between his day job and his role as Speaker of the House.

“There’s certainly always the possibility of having legislation coming before the House that could pose a conflict of interest with any member,” Fecteau said, pointing out that Maine’s citizen legislature is made up of 151 House members and 35 state senators, most of whom have day jobs.

“My employment role is independent from anything that would involve any pending or future legislation,” Fecteau said.

Asked about his top priorities for the 132nd Legislature, Fecteau said he hopes the House and Senate can find a path to address both affordable housing and childcare assistance.

Fecteau says the Legislature will need to “look hard” at possible revenue sources to provide a more sustainable approach in helping people get into affordable housing – especially since federal funds from the American Rescue Plan are no longer available.

“So many families across the state are struggling because the cost of childcare is skyrocketing,” Fecteau said. “You have many families who are deciding to either have mom or dad stay home because their wages cannot keep pace with the cost. On the flip side, wages for childcare workers have remained stagnant and are not competitive.

“It’s a huge problem, and there is no easy fix,” he said.

Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, I named Fecteau as the Number One most politically influential people in the Biddeford – Saco area.

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This is where it ends

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Former Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion had a favorite saying that she often repeated throughout her political career, including during her unsuccessful bids to become Maine’s governor.

“You can’t have community without unity,” Dion would often say, pointing out that we all have a stake in the game, a moral obligation to work together for the common good.

The restored, historic City Hall Clocktower in Biddeford (Seaver photo)

Over this past week, I have come to better understand what Dion meant when she repeated that phrase over and over again. “You can’t have community without unity.”

Three events in Biddeford this week reminded me that we are a community, and that we are stronger when we are united in purpose; when we are connected by common threads —  a sense of community.

In the span of just six days, our community experienced a full range of emotions – from pure holiday joy, to a poignant reminder of our shared past and then –, sadly — the tragic news that we lost a young and much beloved member of our police department.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek was killed in a traffic accident on his way home at the end of his shift on Thursday morning. He was only 41-years old and leaves behind a wife and three young children just days before Christmas.

Let’s back up a bit, and think about last Friday night.

From joy to sorrow

I have the privilege of being one of four administrators on a Community Facebook page dedicated to the Biddeford-Saco region. It’s a volunteer gig that is sometimes frustrating – – watching adults bickering with each other over petty matters — but it is also rewarding to see just how quickly the entire community bands together in a time of need, a time of loss.

It was a cold night, and Laura was away for the weekend. It was also the night when Santa Claus makes an official stop downtown to greet all the good boys and girls.

The Merry and Bright Night event is coordinated by the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization that takes the lead in organizing community events in the downtown area.

I really didn’t want to leave the warmth and comfort of my home, but something made me want to go and check out the festivities.

As soon as I parked my truck on South Street, my mood improved dramatically. It was bitterly cold, but there were several fire pits, where I found dozens of residents teaching their kids how to make S’mores.

There were hundreds of people milling about, almost everyone was smiling. Holiday lights were strung everywhere and holiday music was being played over a loudspeaker.

Hundreds celebrate the kickoff for the holiday season in downtown Biddeford (Seaver photo)

Before Santa Claus arrived to greet the children, before the city’s Christmas tree was lighted – I realized that it took a lot of work to make this happen. It took scores of volunteers – but it also required loads of help from city employees, including public works, the police department and even the fire department.

A lot of people pitched in to help make that night magical for families and dozens of onlookers

It was a great night to be part of our community.

Pride in the name of love

Every community – whether it’s Bedford Falls or Biddeford, Maine – has its own curmudgeons. But even Ebeneezer Scrooge, Henry Potter or the Grinch himself offer us lessons about the power and benefits of community.

A few years ago, Biddeford voters overwhelmingly approved a renovation project at City Hall. The project included life-safety improvements, energy efficiency and the outside appearance of the building and its landmark clock tower.

Yes, a handful of our local curmudgeons took to Facebook to complain about spending taxpayer money to restore and repair the clock tower.

That clock tower is a focal point for our community. It is a symbol of community pride. Something that is apparently lost on the curmudgeons.

Mayor Marty Grohman was offering residents tours up into the tower during the downtown holiday celebration.

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and I strike a pose near the mechanical gears of the clocktower (Daniel Boucher photo)

After climbing nine flights of stairs, our group finally reached our destination. The walls surrounding the clock’s 150-year-old mechanisms seemed to be dripping with history.

The mayor offered each of us the opportunity to leave our name on the walls where dozens of others over the years have left their own names.

It wasn’t that long ago when Biddeford had two clock towers. One was perched atop City Hall, the other atop the then vacant and crumbling Lincoln Mill Building across the street.

A few of us tried to rally the community in an effort to preserve the Lincoln Clocktower, but we failed. That tower was eventually removed and destroyed because of structural concerns.

I think that was a lesson for all of us, a reminder that we have to show effort to preserve our history, which brings me to this week’s second lesson in the power of community.

Take me to the river

The former St. Andre Catholic Church in Biddeford was closed nearly 15 years ago after being an integral part of the community for more than 100 years.

The church remained vacant and somewhat neglected until a team of people decided that the magnificent structure could be brought back to life as a place to provide nurturing, learning and social activities for young people.

The community celebrates the grand opening of the My Place Teen Center in the former St. Andre Church building (Seaver photo)

On Monday evening the community gathered in the building once again, not as a church – but as admirers of a renovation project that required millions in monetary donations and lots and lots and lots of heavy lifting by volunteers and others, including state and local officials.

Scores of people attended the grand opening of the new My Place Teen Center.

Renee O’Neil of Biddeford was one of those people who attended Monday’s event. O’Neil shared memories of attending church at St. Andre’s when she was a little girl.

“I used to stare at those murals,” she said, pointing to two historic murals near the altar of the former church. “It’s just incredible that they were able to preserve so much history. It really warms my heart to know that this building will continue to be a place for community support.”

Jim Godbout, a well-known community volunteer and the owner of Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, once again stepped forward and offered his help as the lead contractor. He was able to rally many others to pitch in to the complex and daunting renovation task.

The transformation of the long-since neglected building was nothing short of amazing.

The St. Andre building served the community for so many years, a vital part of its working-class neighborhood. Today – thanks to a community effort – it will once again serve the community.

“This is a story of resurrection and new life,” Tim Higgins, chair of the My Place Teen Center’s board of directors, told reporter Tammy Wells a York County media specialist. “Lives will not only be changed here, they will be saved here,” Higgins said.

A devastating loss

Unfortunately, a  community that celebrates together also grieves together.

On Thursday morning, we learned that we had lost a much-admired member of our community.

Within moments of sharing the awful news on our community Facebook page, the shock and sorrow spread throughout our community — and beyond.

Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek receives his Seargeant badge from Police Chief JoAnne Fisk (Photo courtesy of Biddeford Police Department

It became quickly apparent that Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek had a profound impact on our community. Within two hours more than 400 people reacted to the awful news, expressing sympathy and support for Wolterbeek’s family, friends and co-workers.

But one particular Facebook comment really struck a chord with me. It came from a young man who had met Wolterbeek under not such great circumstances:

“That police officer changed my life,” the young man wrote. “I was into some bad stuff as a teenager. He arrested me. Gave me a talk about the road I was going down and what it would lead to.

“For the next two years — anytime he saw me walking — he’d stop to check in; to make sure I was alright, to ask if I was having trouble; as a boy with no present father.

“For a stranger to do that. It changed my thinking. I went to college and I became a nurse. [He] used to protect us breakers. Always telling us “I see the good you do in the neighborhood”

That, my friends, is community. The good times, the shared connections and the bad times.

Today, I am feeling blessed to be a small part of such an extraordinary community.

Donna Dion was right. We are stronger and better when we realize that unity is a fundamental part of community.

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Saco commission abruptly cancels presentation regarding UNE’s controversial pier proposal

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Following a sometimes-awkward conversation, members of Saco’s Coastal Waters Commission abruptly voted 5-1 Tuesday to remove an item from the top of their December 10 meeting agenda.

The citizen commission was poised to hear a presentation regarding how the University of New England’s controversial pier proposal might impact the city of Saco.

According to James Katz — the commission’s chairperson – he decided Tuesday afternoon – only a few hours before the scheduled meeting — that it would be “inappropriate” for the commission to hear the presentation since no one from the university was invited to the meeting.

Ron Schneider, the university’s lead attorney, however, was also present at Tuesday’s meeting with a pen and notebook in hand.

A view from the Camp Ellis pier overlooking the proposed location of a controversial pier for the University of New England. (Seaver photo)

When one of the commissioners suggested that Schneider should be given an opportunity to speak about the issue, the attorney politely refused. “I’m just here to listen,” Schneider told the commission.

According to Katz, he had previously invited John Schafer to speak to the commission about the university’s proposed pier.

Earlier this year, Schafer resigned as chair of Biddeford’s Harbor Commission. For several months Schafer has been pushing Biddeford city officials to be more transparent about their relationship with the university and how the proposal was being handled at the local level

“Obviously, I am disappointed,” Schafer said during a telephone interview Tuesday evening. “This appears to be a coordinated effort to keep the public in the dark about this project.”

Schafer said Katz was very apologetic when he called to cancel the presentation only a few hours before the meeting.

“I made a mistake,” Katz told his fellow commissioners Tuesday evening. “This presentation was never sanctioned by the city council, but now I guess the bell has been rung, and I would like to have us vote on removing the item from the presentation.”

Schafer said he was stunned by the last-minute notice, but understood that Katz was in a difficult position.

 I’m not sure why city leaders in Saco are reluctant to talk about this issue, Schafer said. “The university’s proposal will impact anyone who uses the Saco River, including people from Saco.”

— John Schafer

“They were eager to hear from me, but somebody shut them down,” Schafer said. “They have been left in the dark about this proposal and how it could impact Saco and residents who use the river for recreation and fishing.”

Saco City Councilor Michael Burman serves as the city council’s liaison to the Coastal Waters Commission. Burman is also a professor at the University of New England. Burman did not attend Tuesday’s meeting.

“Jim [Katz] kept tripping over himself to apologize, but he repeatedly declined to say who exactly asked him to remove the presentation,” Schafer said. “I asked was it the mayor? Was it the council? Was it the city manager?

“He just kept saying ‘the people of Saco’ were opposed to having the presentation take place,” Schafer said.

Schafer said he has been trying to connect with Saco officials about the pier proposal for several weeks, but no one from the city has returned his inquiries.

 “I’m not sure why city leaders in Saco are reluctant to talk about this issue, Schafer said. “The university’s proposal will impact anyone who uses the Saco River, including people from Saco.”

According to the city’s website, the Coastal Waters Commission exists for studying and evaluating public usage of and boating access to coastal waters under the jurisdiction of the city of Saco; planning for its future use, advising the city council on policy matters and proposing regulations concerning the Saco River and coastal waters.”

Schafer said he wrote to Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail four times between October 15 and November 26, about meeting with “her and her team to compare notes” on the UNE proposal. Schafer said MacPhail never replied to any of the emails.

When contacted Tuesday evening, MacPhail declined to say why she and other  city officials have been ignoring emails sent by Schafer.

“I feel very badly for Jim Katz,” Schafer said. “Somebody put him in a very bad spot. I could viscerally feel his discomfort as he told me over the phone that I could not come to the meeting tonight. I know that he honorably extended the original invitation to me in the spirit of openness and transparency, but he got his knuckles rapped, obviously.”

Editor’s Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail is the writer’s stepsister.

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Malon returns to Augusta for Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

By RANDY SEAVER

State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) will soon begin his second term representing a portion of Biddeford in the Maine State House of Representatives.

Malon is one of three lawmakers – all Democrats — who make up the city’s legislative delegation. State Rep. Traci Gere is also returning to Augusta and represents Biddeford’s coastal area and the town of Kennebunkport.

State Rep. Ryan Fecteau was chosen by his peers to reprise his role as Speaker of the House following a two-year hiatus after being termed out of office.

State Rep, Marc Malon

Malon, 42, said he is eager to begin his work in Augusta. He was unchallenged for his seat in both the primary and general elections.

During his first term in office, Malon served as a member of the Labor & Housing Committee, and the Veterans & Legal Affairs Committee.

Although committee assignments have yet to be announced, Malon said he is ready to serve wherever needed.

The 132nd Legislature is creating a new Joint Standing Committee this year. The new Housing and Economic Development Committee is a hybrid from a special committee that was formed four years ago to tackle issues surrounding housing.

“Housing is one of the biggest issues facing Maine right now,” Malon said. “I would love to serve on that committee, but I’ll be happy to serve wherever – whether it’s back to the Labor Committee or Veterans & Legal Affairs.”

Because of his day job as director of party affairs for the Maine Democratic Party, some have question whether Malon can effectively avoid an obvious conflict of interest.

I think our delegation did an outstanding job during the last term, and I’m confident that we are going to hit the ground running.

State Rep. Marc Malon

Malon does not shy away from those conversations, and points to his previous service when he worked closely – and effectively — with several Republican lawmakers.

“I certainly understand why my work for the party may give some people a moment of pause,” Malon said. “But I also think it’s important to note that the bulk of the work we do is very bipartisan.”

In a previous interview, Malon explained the sometimes-subtle differences of what actually happens in the Legislature versus the rather partisan headlines that dominate political discussions on the national level.

“Before I decided to even put my name out there as a candidate, I went to the State Ethics Commission for an opinion,” Malon said last year. “Their opinion was that I could do both. To a certain extent, almost everyone in a citizen legislature faces the same concerns. For example, can farmers objectively serve on the Agriculture Committee and so forth?

“I think my professional experience and time working in the State House as a private citizen actually benefits my constituents. When I got elected, I already knew my way around and understood the procedures.

“My employer does not lobby me on any issue that comes before us. I think they know, and I hope my constituents know, that if it ever came down to it, I would choose my constituents over my job.”

Today, Malon says the Legislature is facing several important issues, most notably what has been described as a housing crisis and the struggles with sharply rising property taxes.

“We certainly have our work cut out for us,” Malon said. “I think our delegation did an outstanding job during the last term, and I’m confident that we are going to hit the ground running.”

Malon says that his close friendship with Speaker Fecteau will be a benefit to his constituents.

“Ryan and I have known each other for a while,” Malon said. “But I don’t expect any special treatment. We’re both going to be keeping in close touch with Mayor [Marty] Grohman and the city council.”

“Once again, I firmly believe that Biddeford will be well represented in Augusta,” Malon said.

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of the Biddeford Gazette’s Local Legislative Preview. Further installments will be focused on State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, State Rep. Traci Gere and Speaker Ryan Fecteau.

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Moving In Stereo

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

I make my living by stringing words together, but I have always thought that they were just words — tools to build a story or make a point.

Some people, however, get all bent out of shape and very self-righteous if you have the temerity to use a word not sanctioned by the guardians of political correctness.

State Sen. Donna Bailey of Saco is one of those people, always ready to correct you with her vastly superior intellect and unquestionable moral fiber; a proud member of the Semantics Police Department, serving northern York County.

Allow me to back up a bit for context.

Gimme three steps, mister

It was the summer of 1987 when I almost died because of the words I used.

Okay, so that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the rest of the story is painfully true.

I was 23 years old and found myself working on the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

Me and some of my students on the res in 1987

I was one of five young men contemplating becoming a Catholic priest. We were sent to the reservation to help with mission work. I was assigned to teach summer school in a one-room schoolhouse on the far edge of the reservation.

It was rewarding work, but I quickly discovered that becoming a priest was not going to be a viable option for me.

You see, there was this smoking hot blond girl from Marquette University who was also working on the reservation that summer. That is a story for another day.

Why I didn’t become a priest

One evening I strolled into a tavern that was located not far from the rectory. I got a few strange looks but no one seemed to mind me being the only white person in the building.

Yes, I instantly felt awkward and out of place. A big part of me wanted to turn and head for the door. That would not be polite, I reasoned. So, I strolled to the bar and took an empty seat.

I ordered a Coors beer and tried to relax. There was a very big man sitting next to me. He was alone at the bar, so I decided to strike up a conversation.

“It must be really hard to be a Native American living on the reservation,” I said.

He slowly turned his toward me and said, “What did you just say?”

For reasons still unknown, I decided to double-down and still felt quite proud of my sensitive, caring nature. So, I repeated myself: “It must be really hard being a Native American on the reservation.”

His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward on his stool, gritting his teeth.

“I am a fucking Indian,” he snarled.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to run. I wanted the 82nd Airborne to come rescue me.

He continued, his eyes locked on mine. “Don’t you ever use those words again,” he sneered. “Maybe it makes you feel better about yourself or the fact that it was your people who raped our women and stole our land, but it’s an insult if you think using pretty words is going to help anyone.

“I am a fucking Indian and don’t you ever forget it.”

I tried to absorb his words, nodding politely. I sat in my seat for a few more minutes.

A few painful seconds of awkward silence passed, and the man to my right let out a sigh and turned toward me once again. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I know that you’re here to help, but it’s just frustrating. As if a couple of words are going to change anything.”

What are words for?

For better or worse, we live in a world where we are now required to walk on eggshells, a never-ending requirement to sugar coat reality and inflate our chests about our moral superiority simply because we no longer use the “N-word,” the “R-word,” or even the “C-word.”

It’s really rather silly how quickly we trip over ourselves without thinking about how perfunctory our conversations have become.

No, I am not advocating for bringing back use of the N-word or any other long since abandoned — or intentionally offensive phrase.

I simply believe that what you do is far more important than what you say.

I simply believe that what you do is far more important than what you say

I think too many of us pat ourselves on the back for using the “right” words, the appropriate pronouns and phrases without doing much else other than pontificating with smug moral superiority about our vernacular.

Earlier this year, I got called to task for using the word “homeless” in my three-part news series about a growing problem in my community. It was a comprehensive series that attempted to dig deeper into a complex societal issue.

None of these “unhoused” advocates thanked me for taking on the issue, for actually interviewing people who are living on the streets. They simply felt the aching need to criticize me for using the “wrong” word.

What did I do? I went back to speak with some of those people I interviewed and asked them their thoughts about my word choice.

They laughed at me. “Who really cares?” one man asked. “I don’t care. I just want to live inside.”

Back to Donna Bailey

Bailey recently won her reelection bid as the state senator representing Saco, Buxton and Old Orchard Beach. She is an attorney and charter member of a political clique that includes former state senator Justin Chenette of Saco and State Rep. Lori Gramlich from Old Orchard Beach.

State Sen. Donna Bailey

These guys work like velociraptors. They hunt in packs.

Earlier this year, when I was working on a story for Saco Bay News, I had a really hard time getting a hold of Bailey. She was reluctant to return my calls, and then told me she had been “really busy.” Hmmm. “Really busy” for nine days?

On election night, while greeting voters headed into the Thornton Academy gymnasium, Bailey could barely bring herself to look at me when I greeted her and wished her luck.

I was not at all surprised by Bailey’s behavior. She keeps an enemies list, and my name is on that list.

One of my closest friends – Craig Pendleton — had decided once again to run against her this year.

Craig got smoked in that election. Bailey won by a large margin, a repeat of an earlier contest four years prior. But she will never forgive me for supporting my friend

Earlier this week, members of the 132nd Legislature went sworn into office. The ceremony is a big deal in Augusta. Lots of media coverage. Everyone is smiling as they prepare to begin another two years of pomp and circumstance.

State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) posted a comment on his personal Facebook page, telling us he was honored to represent his district again. Malon also decided to again express his ire about a fellow lawmaker, a Republican from Sanford who is accused of domestic violence.

Malon is also somewhat pissed that the Portland Press Herald repeatedly used the words “choking” and “choke” instead of strangle and strangling in their ongoing stories about this dirtbag.

Marc and I get along pretty well, even though we often disagree about politics. Regardless, I once again had one of his campaign signs on my lawn. I responded to his post saying that I understood his frustration about the scumbag from Sanford, but I also cautioned him against railing a fight on semantics with the state’s largest media outlet.

Within minutes, Donna Bailey decided to also jump into the conversation. Funny – – on this busy day – Bailey had enough free time to chide me about the issue of choking versus strangling.

Being the sometimes-insufferable prick that I am, I basically told Bailey to please take a long walk on a short pier.

Malon – being the only one of good character in this story – ended the conversation by taking down his Facebook post.

Tomato or tomato?

If my wife were to tell you that I intentionally choked her, would you shrug your shoulders and say, “wrong word. Call us back if he strangles you?”

Unhoused versus homeless?

Strangled instead of choked?

Native American or indigenous person?

Woman or menstruating person?

How far down this silly-ass slope are we going to slide until we finally recognize how lucky we are if words are the things we are most upset about?

Words are harmless, it’s how we use them that matters.

P.S. As predicted; Bailey has “unfriended” me on Facebook.

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Song of Toledo

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

[An open letter to my hyper-partisan Democrat friends]

Apparently, not everyone got the memo, so please allow me to share some rather difficult news.

Before reading any further, be sure to find an appropriate safe place, clutch your emotional support animal and take a comforting sip of your venti-mocha, cinnamon swirl, iced whatever the fuck it is — the cup of coffee that costs more than replacement vinyl siding — and try to get your fragile heads wrapped around this difficult news.

It’s been more than a month. It’s time for you to accept reality:

Image via Shutterstock

You lost the election. Trump won, and he is going to be the next president of the United States.

Now, I don’t necessarily blame you for being upset about this news.

I didn’t vote for the son-of-a-bitch either, but you should know that the reality fairy carries a two by four, and sometimes the truth hurts – but it is still the truth, and the truth often includes difficult consequences that are sometimes hard to swallow.

It’s been 30 days. Your grieving period is over. It is now time for the adults to stand up, brush themselves off and come up with a new game plan for the next battle.

According to my always anecdotal observations, many people would apparently like to be mummified and put away in a self-storage space for the next four years.

For the more affluent among you, another option is just to abandon the burning ship.  Apparently, some of you purchased your first-class tickets for one of the limited number of lifeboats that will carry you to the relative safety of distant shores, where you can safely watch the third-class passengers as they cling for life.

This chicken-shit option really showcases both the hypocrisy and arrogance of the Hollywood elite: Robert DeNiro, Tom Hanks, George Clooney  and Ellen DeGeneres are able to pick up and simply begin new lives in Portugal, Demark, Iceland or some other perfect country where most everyone is entitled to a mid-day nap while relying on the U.S. military for protection from the bad guys.

But what we really need right now is some people who are actually going to step up their game. These are the times when leaders are born. When character matters most.

When the shit hits the fan, who among us is going to step up? Who is going to lead us beyond self-pity and blaming our neighbors?

For a party that so often squawks about words like “diversity” and “inclusion,” it is stunning to see just how fast the fingers get pointed in an outward fashion.

I have some tough news for you: People living in Philadelphia are Americans. So are the people who live in Topeka, Kansas.

We’re all in this together, and we’re all gonna need to roll up our sleeves and commit ourselves to the prospect of working together, the Democrats, the Republicans and those millions of Americans who shun political labels.

Unfortunately, I’m not optimistic that we will be able to rally, to work across the aisle for the common ground.

But in the meantime, the hard left simply cannot avoid some difficult and very painful questions. Instead of just blaming Trump or his supporters for this situation, it is now time for some painful introspection.

The first question for my liberal friends should be this: how the fuck did we lose to Trump?

It’s sort of like running a marathon and then finishing the race behind a 325-pound, 73-year-old man who eats a dozen donuts every day.

What the hell went wrong?

Some of you describe Trump as the devil-incarnate. I’m not so sure that you’re wrong with the assessment, but for Cripe’s sake, could the bar have been set any lower for you?

The future is never set in stone – and we need (bear with me here) to be open to the idea – the remote possibility — that Trump may actually do something good for the country in the next four years.

Okay. The game season is over now. The other team is walking off the field with the gold ball. What do we do now?

Cry? Throw a tantrum? Abandon ship? Spend the next four years pointing fingers?

Or do we acknowledge that we have some work to do, whether you live in Topeka or Philadelphia.

It is time for Americans to be Americans.

P.S. If you’re going to respond, surprise me and don’t mention Trump.

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A Fork in the Road: Sympathy for the Devil

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

As Chaucer once said, all good things must come to an end.

And that’s where I find myself today: another fork in the road, another pivot point in my career.

Over the past few days, several people have asked me why I started the Biddeford Gazette, and why I am no longer writing for Saco Bay News.

Some have speculated that I had a “falling out” with Liz Gotthelf, the publisher of Saco Bay News. Nothing could be further from the truth – at least from my perspective.

In fact, I consider Liz to be a good friend, and I very much respect and admire what she has built from the ashes of the Journal Tribune, once this area’s daily newspaper.

With grit, determination and maybe a prayer, Liz launched Saco Bay News only weeks after the Tribune closed its doors forever in 2019. Since then, she has almost single-handedly built her business into an active and respected local news source.

A couple of years ago, Liz approached me and asked if I would be interested in being a contributing writer for her publication. Although I had given up professional journalism many years prior, I thought that the idea would be a good side hustle.

I was already writing a blog about Biddeford politics, and I missed the dynamic ebb and flow of the news business. I would only need to avoid writing about my PR clients.

Liz could not afford to pay me very much, but that was okay. One of the benefits was that she would publish my All Along The Watchtower satire column once a month.

Over the next two years, I wrote more than 140 stories for Saco Bay News, including breaking crime stories, political coverage, feature stories and 12 of my opinion columns.

I gave Liz her money’s worth in coverage, often breaking news stories well ahead of the Portland Press Herald, the Biddeford-Saco Courier and Portland’s television stations.

Liz gave me a lot of latitude, and I like to think that I helped her solidify the reputation of Saco Bay News as a serious and respected news outlet that left no stone unturned.

I was especially proud of an in-depth, three-part series I wrote about the region’s growing problem regarding our unhoused population.

I also received many accolades from colleagues across the state for another three-part series I wrote earlier this year regarding the University of New England’s controversial proposal to build a new, massive pier on the Saco River.

I am an old-fashioned reporter. I ask hard questions and do not shy from controversy, but not everyone likes a reporter with lots of questions, especially those who had become comfortable in an environment of comfortable journalism.

This is where it ends

Things seemed to be going well. Summer was quickly approaching and news stories were popping all over the place.

Writer George Orwell reportedly once said that “journalism is printing something that someone does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.”

That distinction was apparently lost on those who control the campuses of the University of New England and Thornton Academy, a public-private high school in Saco.

The PR folks at both institutions were less than impressed with my reporting of their activities. They didn’t complain to me. They went straight to Liz and suggested that it would be best if I don’t publish any more stories about them.

They didn’t offer any corrections or additional perspective. They just didn’t like the idea of me shaking the bushes. Liz — who had only days before lost her husband to a sudden illness — quickly agreed to their requests. I was not part of the meeting. I was not asked for input or clarification.

I was pissed with the intimidation tactics deployed by both UNE and Thornton Academy, but I also understood that Liz is running a media outlet on a shoe-string budget. She is alone at the helm of the ship. She decided it wasn’t a battle worth fighting.

Fine. Let’s just move on. There’s plenty of other stuff to cover. At the same time, more and more people were reaching out to me, telling me stories of dysfunction at Biddeford City Hall.

For better or worse, I have a reputation for digging up news in places that would rather remain darkened.

Former city councilors, current city employees, former city employees, business people, civic groups and municipal leaders from other communities were all calling and texting me, complaining with one central theme: Biddeford City Manager James Bennett was acting like Nucky Thompson in Boardwalk Empire.

The complaints kept coming. I had people meeting me in my backyard, breaking down in tears as they described what it’s like to work in City Hall, afraid that Bennett would find out they were talking to me.

I never liked Bennett anyway. I had nothing to lose. No one else was willing to step up, so I decided to take on the task, even though by doing so I had to relinquish what I loved: covering Biddeford City Hall.

Liz and I met at Garside’s Ice Cream. I told her that I would begin an organized effort to oust the city manager. Further complicating things, my stepsister had become Saco’s new mayor. I was up to my eyeballs in conflicts of interest. I told Liz that I would still write feature stories for her.

She agreed. I then turned my attention on ousting Bennett. It took me less than eleven weeks before he finally announced his resignation.

But now, with Bennett finally put in place, how am I supposed to be an unbiased reporter again? I can’t, and that’s why I decided to launch the Biddeford Gazette, especially since it was becoming increasingly clear that Liz was pulling further away, wanting to avoid ruffling feathers and steering clear of any controversy.

Liz and I are friends, but we have very different styles in pursuing news stories. Both styles are necessary and equally valid, which is why Woodward and Bernstein made such a good pair at the Washington Post. Liz is more like Woodward, curious but cautious. I’m more like Bernstein, brash and impatient.

A few weeks ago, I pitched a story idea about a high-profile real estate developer filing bankruptcy. She said she was not sure she wanted the story. A couple of days later, she asked if I had any related files. She was giving the story to someone else.

I politely forwarded the files, and Saco Bay News published the story with absolutely no mention of my contributing work. It was now crystal clear to me. It was time for me to move on.

A man of wealth and taste

A few months ago, I started re-reading Outlaw Journalist, a biography of one of my favorite writers, Hunter S. Thompson.

Thompson worked as a reporter for Rolling Stone magazine and several other publications across the country, and he is the one who coined the phrase “Gonzo Journalism.”

Wikipedia describes Gonzo-style journalism as “an approach to news reporting that represents a notable departure from traditional media protocols. Gonzo journalism offers readers a ‘more personal approach’ to news reporting. This style of reporting is not limited by the standards of objectivity and often includes the reporter providing a first-person narrative of the story.”

Common trademarks of Gonzo Journalism include sarcasm, humor and profanity.

I suddenly had what alcoholics describe as a “moment of clarity.”

I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and how I wanted to do it. I am now semi-retired, and I have more years behind me than I have in front of me.

If I’m going to be broke, frustrated and full of discontent, why not move forward on my own terms? Why not write and publish whatever I want, whenever I want?

The Biddeford Gazette is NOT intended to compete with Saco Bay News, the Courier or the Press Herald. I’ll be leaving traditional coverage to them..

In my mind, the Biddeford Gazette will serve three primary functions.

  • We will use social media tools to collect and share news about Biddeford from other media outlets. We will only publish their headlines and provide our readers a direct link to their news site. This gives people in Biddeford, a convenient one-stop destination to find out what’s happening in their community. It also helps other media outlets by driving more traffic to their sites.
  • We will fill some notable gaps in local news coverage by publishing limited, original content in a non-traditional manner, Gonzo Journalism. Unlike other media outlets, we will focus solely on the city of Biddeford.
  • Finally, the Biddeford Gazette will track and monitor the actions and maneuvers of our city’s legislative delegation, something that is not being regularly reported on by existing media outlets.
State Rep. Ryan Fecteau

For example, this week I am working on a story that will provide a preview of the upcoming legislative session and what our Biddeford delegation is planning. We will interview each of them and ask hard questions.

State Rep. Ryan Fecteau has once again been named as Speaker of the Maine House. That’s great news. But is Fecteau skirting at least the spirit of Maine’s term limits law? He already served four terms in the House before moving to a new district a few blocks away from his former home.? As Speaker, can he give his full attention to his Biddeford constituents?

State Rep. Marc Malon

State Rep. Marc Malon is returning for a second term. Congratulations! I put one of his campaign signs on my lawn, but how does he plan to separate his full-time job with the Maine Democratic Party from his service to constituents who might not be Democrats?

Hang on, things are going to be fun. We’re dusting off our keyboards and putting fresh batteries in our flashlights. We’re working for you. If you have a news tip, question or concern, please let me know. biddefordgazette@gmail.com

Cheers!

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Saco’s finance director returning to Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

As Biddeford’s municipal finance department continues to face internal challenges, Geraldine Matherne, the city of Saco’s finance director, is poised to become Biddeford’s next finance director.

Matherne previously served as the Biddeford’s deputy finance director for nearly 10 years, between 2013 and 2022 before leaving to take the finance director job in Saco.

If approved by the Biddeford City Council, Matherne will become Biddeford’s seventh finance director in just the last five years.

Sasha Pavlak, the city’s current finance director, was hired several months ago but announced her resignation on November 19. Pavlak indicated that she would remain in her current job until December 31, if necessary.

In her email to members of the Biddeford City Council, Pavlak said the job was not a “good fit” for her.

Although most city operations are running smoothly, the Finance Department has been plagued by high employee turnover and controversies, including delayed tax and sewer bills, delayed vendor payments and other challenges.

The city council is expected to vote Tuesday (Dec. 3) to confirm Matherne’s employment.

According to her resume, Matherne holds a Graduate Certificate in Accounting from the University of Southern Maine and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Endicott College.

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Free Fallin’

~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

I have never been so ashamed to be a resident of Biddeford, Maine as I am tonight.

What I witnessed during this evening’s city council meeting was a complete and utter failure of leadership, morality and principles.

Tonight, the city council and Mayor Marty Grohman found a way to screw over a local businessman who, ironically, was just trying to help the city help our unhoused neighbors.

Tonight, the city sent a signal to every resident, business owner and potential resident: Welcome to Biddeford! We don’t pay our bills!

Gotta hand it to our courageous leaders. They finally found a way to save taxpayers some money. We just won’t pay our bills.

Sure, Biddeford was recently  featured in Good Housekeeping magazine for its Christmas “vibe.” Even a Boston news station plugged the city as a top destination.

Well laddi, laddi da! Isn’t that precious?

Sip your fucking cocoa, marvel at the white lights strung along Main Street, and poop unicorn dust in the Lincoln lobby, but never forget that this is also a city being run by an incompetent, self-absorbed moron.

Why am I pissed?

If you don’t know him, Jim Godbout is the owner of Godbout Plumbing and Heating, one of the most respected local companies in southern Maine.

Jim Godbout/ File Photo

Jim is, perhaps, one of the most decent, kind, generous and hardworking guys you could ever hope to meet. Earlier this year, I listed him as one of the 20 most influential people in the Biddeford-Saco area.

Godbout is always ready to help the community, and he is damn good at rallying other business leaders to pitch in and make seemingly impossible dreams possible.

For example, Godbout led the effort to save and restore Waterhouse Field. As a recognition for his civic leadership there is a street named in his honor next to the field.

Jim has also been leading the renovations at the former St. Andre Church into a community teen center. He is involved in working with students at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

And recently, he again agreed to help the city by providing bare-bones pricing for necessary renovation work at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center.

That renovation project was spearheaded and rushed through by Mayor Marty Grohman and City Manager Jim Bennett.

After all, the city needed some good PR after demolishing a homeless encampment on Water Street near Mechanic’s Park earlier this year.

The city wanted to make sure some homeless advocacy group didn’t sue us for removing homeless folks without providing an option for somewhere better where they could safely spend the night.

The city manager assured the council earlier this year that the cost of upgrading the Seeds of Hope Building would be covered by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Yippee! Free money from the federal government, Bennett assured us. Taxpayers will not feel a pinch.

Oopsie! Something went wrong.

Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy

Apparently, the renovation work at Seeds of Hope proved to be more intense than what the city thought it would be. There were problems with the roof and even bigger problems with windows that were literally falling out of the building.

No worries, the city and its contractors pushed forward. They did a truly awesome job. The Seeds of Hope is now able to serve more people although the demand for their service is exploding.

Once the work was finished, Godbout, following an agreed upon budget cost, sent an invoice for his crew’s work, a total of about $655,000.

But the city found out that they could not use CDBG funds for the project.

And then there was silence.

A few days ago, on Nov. 4, Godbout sent a note and a copy of his invoice to Vassie Fowler, executive director of the Seeds of Hope.

“Vassie, please forward [this invoice] to the city as they had promised the funding for this project and have not come through with anything. I am carrying a lot for them making them look good having a warming center open in time for bad weather. Thanks, Jim.”

Godbout was unavailable for comment at press time, but here’s another glimpse at what kind of man Godbout is.

Godbout told the city that he would settle for $400,000 and go out to the community and run a fundraising campaign to cover the remaining $255,000 balance.

Let me say that again slowly. Godbout – a man who is getting screwed by the city – said he will settle for about 60 percent what was owed to him and would raise the remaining balance by coordinating a community fundraising drive.

So, taxpayers have to come up with $400,000 and then likely be called upon to donate to a fundraising campaign for the project.

Kids, you can’t make this shit up.

And the council bought it. Hook. Line and Sinker.

Although Council President Liam LaFountain made a motion to pay Godbout the full amount, only Councilor Marc Lessard voted in favor of paying Godbout every penny of what he is owed.

In the end, the council voted unanimously for the less painful option, even knowing that Godbout is paying interest on a loan he used to finance the work.

Godbout will get $400,000. He will have to raise the rest from the community.

Imagine when you get your next tax bill. Just tell the city to fuck off. Tell ‘em you’ll pay 60 percent of their debt and have Mayor Grohman open a lemonade stand to make up the difference.

If you don’t pay your taxes, the city will take your property. But if the city owes you money . . . sorry, Charlie.

What kind of message does this send to the larger world? What contractor will ever want to do work for Biddeford? Will this impact our bond rating?

Sure, come to Biddeford, visit the glorious Lincoln Hotel and fart hot cocoa from your ass. But when it gets right down to it. When our backs are against the wall. When there are no more shell games to play, this is a city that doesn’t pay its bills.

No wonder we just lost another finance director after only seven months on the job.

I have been covering Biddeford City Hall for nearly 30 years. This is an all-time low.

Lessard summed up his frustration with yet another of his famous pithy quotes. “I expected the city manager to be driving the car on this issue. Apparently, that car doesn’t have a steering wheel.”

And where was our illustrious lame-duck city manager? Reportedly he was home, still recovering from shoulder surgery.

I am ashamed to be from Biddeford tonight.

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