Tag: Biddeford

World Leader Pretend

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

The city of Biddeford is now seeking public input about the hiring of a new city manager. You can take a quick, anonymous online survey by clicking this link to share your thoughts about the hiring process.

Our current city manager, Jim Bennett, announced his resignation in October. His last day on the job will be April 26, 2025. Roughly 1-1/2 years before the expiration of his current contract.

Few people – if any — have been as publicly outspoken in their criticism about Bennett’s performance as yours truly.

Biddeford City Manager James Bennett

But as I reflect on Bennett’s time in Biddeford, I realized that I was missing the real story – – the most important part of the controversy surrounding Bennett and his impact on the city.

Let’s back up a bit.

The Deadbeat Club

Jim Bennett came to Biddeford nine years ago. On paper, he was an ideal candidate to replace John Bubier who had announced his retirement.

Sure, there were lots of stories and rumors about Bennett and his performance in seven other Maine communities. There seemed to be a lingering dark cloud of controversy that followed Bennett wherever he went – from Presque Isle to Lewiston and everywhere in between.

In fact, Bennett only averaged five years in any one community over the last 40 years. Biddeford became his longest gig.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: Bennett is a smart and a well-qualified city manager – on paper.

But he also had a reputation for being arrogant, brash and condescending toward his subordinates and other members of the community, including business people and municipal officials in other communities.

Bennett also had a reputation for having a quick temper and for dodging responsibility when something went wrong.

Over the last few years, Bennett became increasingly arrogant, even when addressing the city council during public meetings. He demanded absolute loyalty from his subordinates and has a penchant for referring to himself in the third person. “Staff recommends . . . staff realized too late about the problem . . .staff thinks this . . .”

But he also had a reputation for being arrogant, brash and condescending toward his subordinates and other members of the community, including business people and municipal officials in other communities.

It was a perfect way for Bennett to deflect responsibility and accountability.  It was always “staff,” never him.

Bennett is very skilled in developing convenient narratives to explain away any problems. He excels at playing victim, being defensive and wearing his heart on his sleeve.

When announcing his resignation in October, Bennett said he was announcing his “retirement.” Mayor Marty Grohman and the city council supported that narrative, a much gentler version of events.

But it was all bullshit.

You don’t “retire” halfway through your contract. You don’t suddenly “retire,” and leave a $15,000 retention bonus on the table.

Bennett didn’t “retire,” he finally resigned — unless you believe that Richard Nixon actually decided to “retire” from the presidency.

Why did Bennett resign? Because the jig was up. Bennett’s back was against the wall. There was growing dissatisfaction about his job performance from the public. City Hall was in chaos. He had no other choice other than await the council’s vote of no confidence.

Bennett also used the announcement to pat himself of the back several times, once again avoiding responsibility and taking credit for work done by others without the slightest hint of gratitude.

He brazenly took much of the credit for the revitalization of the city’s downtown area.

He also defied reality, declaring that he was leaving the city in better financial shape than it’s ever been, conveniently ignoring the fact the city was not paying vendors on time, that property tax and sewer bills were delayed; that the city had failed to seek state reimbursements for general assistance for nearly a year.

He cherry picked a few examples of improvements and never shared credit for the successes.

I was so happy to hear that Bennett was finally leaving Biddeford that I forgot – or glossed over – a very important point. My criticism was focused on Bennett, but there are others who bear responsibility for the “toxic work environment” that was created inside City Hall.

Bennett was just being Bennett.

I don’t know why I love you

From the outside looking in, it appeared that Bennett was able to run amok because there was no one willing to stand up and call him out.

But you can’t lay all the blame on Mayor Grohman or the current city council. Bennett started leading the mayor and city council by the nose almost immediately after being hired in 2015, when Alan Casavant was in the middle of his 12-year run as mayor.

The city council then was different than it is today.

Biddeford was facing some big challenges when Bennett was hired. It became easier to just let Bennett run the ship. Casavant, especially, wanted to change the city’s reputation.

When Bennett was hired, the Teamster’s union was vocally protesting contract negotiations and the city was somewhat under siege regarding multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by a former police officer.

Council meetings were raucous, full of anger and controversial allegations. From a PR perspective, it was not a good look for the city. The escalating controversy was overshadowing efforts to change and improve the public perception of Biddeford.

It was all a bit overwhelming for the city’s elected leaders, and the council was more than happy to turn over the reins to Bennett.

Of course, things eventually calmed down. But Bennett had been given carte blanche by the city’s elected leaders. Over the next few years – even in the face of growing controversy – the mayor and council were either too intimidated or otherwise reluctant to rein in Bennett’s attempts to build his own empire within City Hall.

Yes, Bennett had a contract, and who knows what the council and mayor thought or said about Bennett’s performance during behind-closed-doors meetings regarding his contract extensions.

Again — from the outside looking in —  it would appear that over the last nine years, Casavant, Grohman and multiple city councilors were unwilling or unable to leash the barking dog that routinely intimidated anyone who dared crossed its path.

So, my advice to the current mayor and city council about a new city manager is this: hire the best applicant but be clear that you are seeking a professional manager, not a policy maker.

Hire a candidate who is strong enough to lead, but not a tyrant.

And finally, be willing to dig deep into the candidate’s past performance in other communities.

The city manager is supposed to report to the city council and mayor.

The city council and mayor are supposed to report to the citizens of Biddeford.

Remember that during the upcoming interviews.

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Is Santa Claus real? Just ask him

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

He’s known by many names. Some call him Father Christmas; others call him St. Nicholas or Kris Kringle. But here in North America, he is best known as Santa Claus.

Just two days before Christmas, Santa made time to sit down with me for an exclusive one-on-one interview.

Although well known for his “jolly” disposition, Santa was a tad grumpy during our meeting. It’s understandable. He has a lot of pressure this time of year. Billions of boys and girls all over the world are waiting anxiously for his delivery of toys and treats.

I decided to let other people come up with the questions for this interview.

The legend of Santa Claus goes back hundreds of years. Kelley B. wants to know what you view as major changes to your mission, specifically your annual stop at the Island of Misfit toys that started in 1964?

“Well, let’s get real. In my view, that was a very recent change, and I really owe a debt of gratitude to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for tipping me off about that place. Honestly, we are all misfits – every one of us, even me. We are all different. None of us is perfect. We are not defined by our flaws. We are defined by our capacity to love one another.”

A rare photo of Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Run of the Mill in Saco

Mark J. wants to know if Hermey the Elf is still practicing dentistry.

“Oh sure. His practice is thriving. In fact, he offers an advanced dental graduate program here at the North Pole. He’s always up my butt about the importance of flossing; as if I need another thing to worry about. (Laughs).

Celeste T. wants to know why she didn’t get an Easy Bake oven when she was a little girl.

“I get that question a lot.”

About Easy Bake ovens?

“No, silly. Lots of people wake up disappointed by something on Christmas morning. I remember when Celeste asked for that toy oven. It sort of broke my heart to see her disappointed that morning. That was a tough year for Easy Bake ovens. There was a huge demand, and unfortunately my elves just could not keep pace.

“But you know what? Today, Celeste has a wonderful oven that she uses to cook her meals and to make treats for her family and friends.

“Many people all around the world do not have an oven. In fact, many people don’t even have a home. I’m just super pleased that Celeste is still willing to be nice to other people, even though she didn’t get exactly what she wanted on one particular Christmas morning.”

 Deborah P. wants to know what kind of cookies are your favorite. She also wants to know whether she should leave carrots or sugar out for the reindeer.

“Well, she’s a very thoughtful young lady. I like all kinds of cookies. Dude, look at me. I didn’t get to be this size by licking icicles. There’s no such thing as a bad cookie, in my humble opinion.

“As for the reindeer, they prefer carrots. Carrots are rich in both calcium and Vitamin K. They promote good bone density and help with your vision, something that is very important if you’re flying all over the world at night.”

Suzanne C. wants to know more about Mrs. Claus and whether she helps you?

“There is no way I could do what I do without lots of love, help and support. Mrs. Claus and I have been married a long time. A very long time. I mean like centuries . . . you get my gist?

“Like most wives, Mrs. Claus is always willing to give advice. Over the years, I have learned that it’s best to listen to your partner. Sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is to listen when they or anyone else is speaking to you.”

Jeff R. wants to know your favorite Christmas movie.

“I like all of them, but let’s get real. Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. I suppose, my favorite Christmas movie is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That movie really underscores the true meaning of this holiday.

“Mrs. Claus likes all those Hallmark Christmas movies. Let’s just say I’m quite grateful that we have two televisions and a Netflix subscription.”

Larry M. wants to know how you leave presents at homes without a chimney or fireplace.

“It’s magic.”

Magic? What do you mean magic?

“Listen, Jimmy Olsen. There’s a lot you don’t know about magic. Magic is real as the nose on your face. Magic is simply the proper combination of love, faith and hope.

“Imagine a world without magic. A world where every single thing has to be analyzed, studied and proven? What a sad world that would be. Childhood is often described as ‘magical’ because children are willing to believe in things they don’t necessarily understand.

“Whenever you get on a plane or whenever you get in your car, you have faith. At least enough faith that you are going to arrive at your destination. You don’t have to understand aeronautics or how an engine works. You just need faith and a bit of hope. Magic is all around us if we focus on love. If we open our hearts and our eyes, each of us can see unlimited potential in each other and in ourselves.”

Who am I? Take a look in the mirror, sonny. I am you; if you choose to be me. I am your neighbor. I am your co-worker, your classmate, your friend and your enemy.

— Santa Claus

So, I suppose you’re going to say that magic makes the reindeer able to fly or that you can visit every country in the world in just one night?

“Absolutely. Magic is a wonderful gift. Every time you smile at a stranger, you are spreading love. Every time you pet a dog or hold the door for an elderly person, you are acting out your love. Everyone – – and I mean every one of us – has the power to love. Love does not require anything. It costs nothing but is the most valuable thing in the world.”

Some people say you’re not real.

“Those people are right, but they are also wrong. I am as real as you want me to be. I don’t care if you’re four years old or 40, you can believe in me if you choose. Again, love is a choice. That’s the whole meaning of presents, a practice of showing love. You can’t buy love at the store; it lies within each of us.

“Look; I gotta run. The elves are working overtime, and I need to get ready for a very, very busy night.”

But I have so many more questions. Who are you? And why do you do this?

“Who am I? Take a look in the mirror, sonny. I am you; if you choose to be me. I am your neighbor. I am your co-worker, your classmate, your friend and your enemy.

“I am the guy you are argue with on Facebook. I am your grandfather, your favorite aunt. I am a man, and I am a woman. I am very young and very old. I am simply the personification of love. That’s why I exist.

“Why do I do this? Because I can. Because I choose to love. Because this day – no matter what you call it – no matter your religion, culture or education – – it’s all about hope. About the possibility of a new start, about the potential of unconditional love. Today is a call for us to love one another.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I need to put some fresh batteries in Rudolph’s nose. Ho, ho, ho . . . I’m almost ready to go.”

A Legacy of Service Deserves Nothing Less

~ Randy Seaver ~ 3 Comments

Gen. Wallace Nutting was the walking, talking definition of being a local bad ass, but he was also one of the most humble and sincere people I have ever met: a man who led by persuasion — a man always in search of the potential good in others.

Therefore, I think it’s the very least we can do to rename a bridge in honor of a man who gave so much back to his community during a lifetime of service to others.

I clearly remember the first time I interviewed Wallace Nutting, a four-star U.S. Army general who grew up in Saco and later decided to run for mayor in Biddeford.

Nutting was nothing short of daunting. He was tall, well-built and leaned into his words with a gravelly voice and a demeanor that reeked of honor and respect.

But he was also a bit mischievous and his blue eyes would often twinkle while his mouth formed a sly grin.

In this 2004 photo, Nutting chats with Erin Donovan, a Main Street business owner, during a walking tour of downtown Biddeford

I started off that interview by implying that he was off his rocker with the idea of becoming Biddeford’s mayor. He was, after all, a Saco native who graduated from Thornton Academy. Worse yet, he was a registered Republican in a city dominated by Democrats.

He just smiled at me. I was playing checkers. He was playing chess.

At the height of his career, Nutting was Commander-in-Chief, United States Southern Command. He was the one who executed the plan to extract Manuel Noreiga from Panama in 1990.

While working at the Pentagon, Nutting was a senior advisor to President Ronald Reagan. Despite all this, I predicted that he would get creamed in a three-way race for mayor against Daniel Boucher and City Councilor Marc Lessard.

It wasn’t even close. Nutting won that 2003 election with 3,184 votes compared to 2,339 for Boucher and 2,244 for Lessard.

Two years later, when Nutting decided to seek reelection, no one even dared run against him.

During his four years at the helm of Biddeford, Nutting was faced with several daunting challenges, not the least of which was the city’s relationship with the owners of the Maine Energy Recovery Company, the downtown trash-to-energy incinerator.

Despite the often prevalent odors of trash being burned in the center of the city, Nutting had nothing but optimism for Biddeford’s nearly hollowed out downtown area.

Nutting was a true believer of Biddeford’s downtown, a visionary who consistently extolled a message of optimism, predicting a rebirth – a revitalization of a downtown, then almost ignored by City Hall.

But there was nothing Nutting loved more than his wife, Jane and their four children.

Nutting didn’t like the invisible division between the cities of Biddeford and Saco. He pushed for regional planning, for shared resources and ideas. To him, the two cities were one community, much stronger when they worked together.

One of my favorite quotes from Nutting was this, when asked how he won his first election as mayor of Biddeford:

“People have told me that they feel as if I speak with sincerity, truth . . . I articulated my message positively, Nutting told me. “You have to radiate integrity. You don’t lead soldiers into battle in a half-assed manner.”

Sadly, General Nutting died last year at the age of 95.

“You have to radiate integrity. You don’t lead soldiers into battle in a half-assed manner.”

— Gen. Wallace Nutting

If all goes as planned, the bridge connecting Biddeford and Saco at the bottom of York Hill will soon be named in honor of a man who was one of the community’s most distinguished and accomplished citizens.

City officials in both Biddeford and Saco have jointly petitioned the Maine Legislature to officially name the bridge in honor of Gen. Wallace Nutting, a man who was literally dedicated to bridge building between the two cities.

He was a Thornton Academy graduate from Saco, but loved Biddeford dearly.

“You know, I’m a local boy, too,” Nutting told me. “I went sledding in Clifford Park and jumped into the river with the kids from Biddeford, and flew model airplanes off the runway at the Biddeford Airport.”

As I said at the top, naming a bridge in Nutting’s honor is the least we can do.

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Parking garage woes continue in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 8 Comments

More than four years after it was opened, several Biddeford officials remain frustrated about how the city’s parking garage is being operated, saying the garage operators still have no incentive to increase efficiency and lower the city’s financial obligations.

Over the past year, the city has paid the garage owners nearly $570,000 in stabilization payments in order to guarantee a profit from the garage.

On Tuesday, the city council heard a presentation from Premium Parking, a New Orleans-based company that operates parking facilities all over the country.

Councilors said they were hoping to hear and see more “hard data” about how the garage is used and what can be done to lower the city’s ongoing financial commitment.

“We got a lot of icing, but I was looking for cake,” said Councilor Marc Lessard during an interview after the meeting. “There was no substance. They [Premium Parking] have no incentive to increase efficiency and lower costs.”

Under a contractual agreement with the garage developers, every six months the city is required to make a “stabilization payment” to the developers in order to guarantee a profit for the private company, regardless of customer usage.

In June of this year, the city paid $208,227 as a stabilization payment. Previously, in December 2023, the city paid $169, 695; and in June 2023 the city paid $191,246 to the developers.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Charlie Grab, a “market president” from Premium Parking made a brief and rather perfunctory presentation to the council.

Grab, who has handled his company’s New England operations for roughly six months, was scheduled to appear in person but said he was ill and conducted his presentation via ZOOM.

Grab told the council that almost half of customers use smart phone cameras to pay for parking over the last three months. Use of the company’s mobile app has increased 47 percent Grab said while direct cash or credit card payments at a kiosk have decreased by 41 percent.

Grab also said that most customers use either the garage or surface lots for a duration of two hours, making up 56 percent of all transactions.

Earlier this year, parking at the Washington Street parking lot was reconfigured converting to more short-term parking versus day-long parking. Grab described that change as a “nice success story” by doubling revenue at that lot.

But once again, Grab was somewhat vague when asked for recommendations about how to improve efficiency and usage at the garage.

Grab said many other communities with an open-roof garage use the space for things such as “beer festivals” and “pickle-ball tournaments.”

Grab also said his company is working on “an outreach effort” in order to form partnerships with downtown business owners and possibly creating a “newsletter” to explain how the garage operates as well as “fine tuning” signage.

Councilor Roger Beaupre said he was less than impressed after the presentation.

“It’s just the same old story,” Beaupre said. “It seems to be a constant problem. They have no incentive to do anything because they are guaranteed a profit.”

During his campaign to become the city’s mayor, then city councilor Marty Grohman had strong words for Premium Parking, promising to “get tough” with the garage operators and have them appear before the council on a regular basis.

“It seems to be a constant problem. They have no incentive to do anything because they are guaranteed a profit.”

— City Councilor Roger Beaupre

On Tuesday, the mayor’s tone about the garage and surface lots was markedly different, saying the company has been “very responsive” and saying that he liked their ideas for increasing usage.

Council President Liam LaFountain also said he was hoping to drill further down in the data and hear more concrete solutions on Tuesday.

LaFountain pointed out that the council – in August 2023 — asked City Manager Jim Bennett to provide the council with some ideas about parking companies that could be used in Biddeford.

Bennet said “things were going well” and that he basically forgot about the council’s request.

Betsy Martin, a senior citizen advocate and chair of Age Friendly Biddeford, said she has received a lot of negative feedback about the garage.

She suggested that the city should implement a shuttle service between the garage and downtown because “it’s not an easy walk” for seniors.

Grab said that he would personally attend the council’s next meeting in January.

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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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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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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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