Top-20 local, political movers and shakers

April 15, 2024February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 4 Comments

After more than 12 years, I have finally gotten around to publishing an update about who I consider to be the most influential politicians, policy makers and staffers in the Biddeford-Saco area. The Top-20.

This list is a bit different from my original 2012 list. Most notably, I have shortened the list from 25 names in 2012 to our current list of the top-20 movers and shakers.

Several people on this list are not elected officials or perennial candidates. Some of these folks work behind the scenes, but they all have a noticeable impact on public policy.

With just one notable exception, this list does NOT include any candidates who are hoping to be on the November ballot. Not including those folks does alter the rankings, but I was striving for fairness.

Speaking of fairness, let’s get something clear right now before we proceed any further. The criteria I used did NOT include gender, age, sexual orientation or race considerations, in any way, shape or form.

Some of the names on this list may surprise you. You may not like everyone on this list. In fact, I don’t like everyone on this list. This LIST is NOT about who are the coolest and most likable people in northern York County.

20.) Dominic “Alliteration is Cool” Deschambault

Dom Deschambault leads off this year’s list, but probably not for the reasons you might imagine. Sure, his mother, Susan, is a former state senator, city councilor and a one-time mayoral candidate, but Dom is making a name for himself beyond his family heritage.

Deschambault is one of the few people on the list who is able to seamlessly align with both the old and new Biddeford. A former BHS football player, Dom is a vicious defender of Tiger Pride, but he’s also just as comfortable hanging around a growing demographic of downtown hipsters. He lives in a converted downtown mill building and enjoys hanging out at places like Sacred Profane.

Dominic is a relatively young guy, but he’s already served on the Biddeford School Committee and on the Biddeford Housing Authority. The only thing really holding him back is the fact that he tends to wear his heart on his sleeve. He can be a bit thin-skinned and sometimes reacts just a bit too quickly. But if he can grow a thicker skin (likely) then there will be little stopping him from having even more influence in his hometown in the very near future. Basically, he’s someone to watch.

19.) James “I need to hire more assistants” Bennett

I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that you didn’t see this one coming. Although I have several concerns about his management style, there is little doubt that Biddeford City Manager Jim Bennett has a big influence on local public policy, at least on this side of the Saco River where he runs city hall with an iron fist. His reputation and condescending attitude have not helped Biddeford form a stronger alliance with our neighbors in Saco, but few people in Maine better understand municipal budgets or tax-increment financing than Bennett.

In fact, just a few weeks ago I was speaking with someone who lived in Old Orchard Beach a few decades ago when Bennett was then the town manager in that community. “Jim Bennett literally saved our town,” this person told me. “We were on the brink of receivership, and Jim Bennett was the main factor in putting us back on course and getting us back into good financial standing.”

Jim Bennett is smart. He’s also cunning and a bit arrogant, but undeniably smart. That’s why Jim Bennett is on this year’s list. If you disagree with him, he’ll just tell you that you don’t understand the situation. Remember, I told you that this is not a popularity contest.

18.) Jeanne “Ticket To Ride” Saunders

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeanne Saunders last year during an interview I was writing for Saco Bay News. Saunders lives in Saco, and although she is retired, she still spends an average of 40 hours weekly in advocating for senior citizens in the Biddeford-Saco region.

Saunders is leveraging her career in nursing and public health policy to successfully fight for seniors. In addition to being the Program Coordinator of Age Friendly Saco, Saunders also serves on the board of directors for the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Transit system.

In 2018, Saunders was awarded the Midge Vreeland Public Service Award by the Maine Public Relations Council for her work in assisting seniors in Saco. More recently, in 2022, she was named as the recipient of AARP’s Andrus Award, which recognizes and honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of others.

Jeanne Saunders is not afraid to bend the ears of local politicians. She is a tireless advocate, but is also widely respected as a person who is reasonable and knows how to get things done.

17.) Jim “I’ve Got Some Time on My Hands” Godbout

Who doesn’t like Jim Godbout? Anyone? [Crickets]. As I said previously, this is not a popularity contest, but being well-liked, well-known, much-admired and almost universally respected sure doesn’t hurt when it comes to pushing levers in the sphere of local policy and politics.

A hometown boy who graduated from Thornton Academy in 1981, Godbout has built a successful plumbing and heating business on the bedrock principles of hard work and customer service. But what makes him somewhat extraordinary is his seemingly never-ending willingness to help his community.

If something needs to get done, whether revitalizing Waterhouse Field or leading the way in the renovation of the former St. Andre church for a planned teen center, Godbout is always raising his hand and the first to volunteer. He also excels in knowing how to get other people involved in community projects.

They literally named a street in Biddeford after this guy. The one and only thing I don’t like about Godbout is that his constant smile, tremendous work ethic and willingness to volunteer makes the rest of us look lazy and selfish.

And in the unlikely event you need another reason to admire Godbout, he is one of the most unassuming people you will ever meet. Unlike so many others on this list, he never frets about publicity. He expects nothing in return. He is not about self-promotion. Instead, he’s just a good guy doing good things. If you’re running for office, an endorsement from Godbout is as good as gold in your pocket.

16.) Mark “Let Me Make You a Sandwich” Johnston

Mark is one of the few people who remain from those listed more than a decade ago. In 2012, I dubbed him as the Number One political/policy person in the Biddeford-Saco area. Although he has slipped quite a bit in his rankings, he is still someone who can influence and shape public policy.

In 2012, I wrote this about the former mayor of Saco:

He can play nice or he can play mean. He’s polite. He’ll let you decide how you want to proceed before he tells you what you are actually going to do.

“Mark Johnston is the consummate politician . . . He’s Bugsy Seigel, Charlie Luciano and Meyer Lansky all rolled into one affable, near-sighted man with an uncanny resemblance to Sir Elton John.”

Local and state politicians still seek Johnston’s counsel, and that’s why he remains on this list.

Truth be known, Mark reached out to me a few weeks ago and suggested that the real influencers, movers and shakers in the area’s political realm are the dozens and dozens of men and women who sacrifice their time and energy by serving on local boards, commissions and committees, such as the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Harbor Commission or the Planning Board. Those people, Johnston explained, are the ones who make it possible for our communities to operate.

I agree with him.

15.) Roger “I Used to Have a Badge” Beaupre

Yet again, we have another holdover from the 2012 list. Beaupre has actually moved up a few notches from his Number 19 ranking in 2012. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he is no longer the Biddeford Police Chief and is now serving in a seat he has long wanted to hold, a member of the Biddeford City Council.

During the November 2023 campaign, I had serious doubts about whether Beaupre could cash in decades of service to the community for political support.

Beaupre won the Ward Three council seat in a close contest against a rather savvy and energetic politician. The Ward Three seat was the only contested ward seat on the council. (Three people, however, did vie for the two at-large seats on the council. The two incumbents easily won.)

But back to Beaupre. He has been on the council for fewer than six months, but he is already making a name for himself and watching the budget process like a hawk watching a field mouse.

But what makes Beaupre more influential than many other members of the council? Simply because Beaupre is pretty much all that remains from a once very powerful and influential block of voters: Older White Guys with a Franco-American ancestry that can be traced back 14 generations to whatever old country they came from.

Yes, Councilor Marc Lessard could certainly beat that same drum, but Beaupre is a bit less predictable than someone like Lessard. He is stealth, measured. Lessard is certainly smart, but he has almost resigned himself to the lonely place of being a fiscal conservative on the council. I’m curious, and I’m watching Beaupre closely. I think he has yet to show us his true potential as a politician.

14.) Roxi “May I see Your Tickets” Suger

This is a tough one because I don’t really know much about Roxi beyond what I have heard from other people in the community or read on her website. Her partner, Julian Schlaver, serves on the Biddeford City Council, but word on the street says that Roxi wears the proverbial pants in that relationship.

While Schlaver is often quiet, calculating and demure, Roxi is somewhat the polar opposite: outgoing, ambitious and tenacious, especially when it comes to helping less fortunate members of our community.

Roxi is sort of a fundraising genius. Perhaps best known for being the lead organizer of the annual Biddeford Ball, a charity fashion event that raises money for the creation of new city parks and other worthwhile goals.

She is a fashion designer and the owner of Suger, a sustainable clothing manufacturer.

On her website, Roxi describes herself as: (Her words) “Open-hearted and gentle, clever and curious, a beautiful and powerful mix of passion, humility, and originality.”

Humility? Really? Her website continues: “Roxi Suger is the soul and spirit behind the brand of Angelrox. Dedicated to making a difference in both life and business, to spreading the joy and peace that so organically flows from her to the sweet angels she encounters, she delights in connecting with others to care, share, hope, and give.”

Who the hell is writing her website content? But hey, she is doing some pretty cool stuff for her community; and that’s more than a lot of people can say about themselves, including yours truly.

13.) Linda “Let me check with Justin” Valentino

Former State Senator Linda Valentino of Saco may no longer be serving in elected office, but she is still very much connected to her hometown’s political infrastructure.

In 2012, I described Valentino as follows: “Linda is a thinker who doesn’t threaten those who don’t think much. Translated: she is very good at making people feel good about themselves. She also has a knack for knowing when it’s time to take the gloves off. If you don’t believe me, just ask [former mayor] Don Pilon.

She has slipped just a tad from her Number 8 ranking in 2012, but she is still a political force to be reckoned with, strategically connected to everyone who matters in Saco (It’s a short list).

12.) Alan “It’s Time for A Nap” Casavant

Alan has been involved in local politics longer than anyone else on this year’s list. First elected to the Biddeford City Council in the mid-1970s, Casavant also served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives.

Casavant also became the second-longest serving mayor of Biddeford. Casavant held the mayor’s seat by winning six consecutive elections over a 12-year period. Only Louis “Papa” Lausier served longer, a total of 14 years between 1941 and 1955.

Alan and I have known each other for a while. I was his campaign manager when he first decided to run for the mayor’s seat in 2011. He could have easily won without me. He was well-liked and respected, and the city was more than ready for a change.

Casavant made good on his campaign promise of restoring dignity and professionalism in City Hall. He steered the city through a period of turmoil, when a collection of malcontents decided to exploit the tragic and awful issue of alleged sexual abuse by two former police officers for their own political gain.

Casavant proved time after time that he was much tougher and resilient than he appeared. When most voters wanted to approve a racino, Casavant said he would not support the idea. He still won by a huge margin over the incumbent who supported the idea of a racino in Biddeford.

Casavant gladly and enthusiastically took over the torch of revitalizing downtown Biddeford. While he faced strong opposition for his support of a paid-parking garage on Peal Street, he recently said he that he stands “110 percent” behind the development and construction of that garage.

In fact, Casavant says the city could use a second parking garage, located a bit closer to the city’s core. Alan left office on a high note. But it was time for a fresh voice and a new set of eyes. You could literally see the relief in Casavant’s eyes during his last city council meeting.

Now Casavant gets to finally enjoy his well-deserved retirement, but he still offers his guidance and counsel to Mayor Marty Grohman and many others who want to be involved in local politics. In 2012, I ranked him as Number 4. The only reason he slipped a few notches, is because he no longer has to tolerate outrageous Facebook inquiries and criticisms.

Does he still have influence? Well, does Jim Bennett (No. 19) still have a job? Yes, and that’s primarily because Alan Casavant is one the very few people in his corner.

11.) Vassie “Let’s Get it Done” Fowler

If you listen to my wife, she will tell you that I waited to publish this list until Vassie was out of the country and unable to beat the crap out of me for putting her name on this list.

Vassie is the executive director of the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center in Biddeford. She is a powerful (and effective) advocate for the region’s unhoused population.

Truth be known, Fowler is also a powerful (and effective) voice for just about anything she decides to tackle. Sure, she doesn’t hold public office now, but she is super connected behind the scenes.

For many years, she and her husband Jack were featured as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for Biddeford’s Downtown Holiday celebration. She also served on several boards and commissions, including the Joyful Harvest Neighborhood Center, Toys for Tots in Northern York County and she was elected to serve on the Biddeford School Committee.

A few years ago, she and her husband were given a key to the city in recognition for their long and countless contributions to the community. Sure, Vassie is sassy, but she also knows the players and how to get things done.

And now, for the Top-10 political movers and shakers in Biddeford and Saco . . .

10.) Tim “I Have a Plan” Harrington

If there’s one name often associated with the city of Biddeford’s ongoing renaissance, real estate developer Tim Harrington would be near the top of that list.

Harrington is a true visionary and willing to take some serious risks to make a plan work. In fact, one of his recent projects has become the focal point for Biddeford’s rebounding brand as a destination: a downtown luxury resort hotel that features a roof-top swimming pool on what was not long ago a crumbling, neglected and vacant former mill building.

Now finished with that stunning project, Harrington today is knee-deep in redeveloping a languishing and mostly vacant shopping center into a family-oriented, indoor-recreation complex.

Harrington is more than just a visionary with good luck. He is always considerate of the community that surrounds him. He does not seek the limelight, and places immense value on collaboration.

In summary, Harrington is not much different than another well-known real estate developer, Mike Eon. Like Harrington, Eon prefers the background, not the limelight; and both men sincerely care about community input and perception. So why is Harrington on this list and Eon is not?

To put it simply, I have a gut feeling that we will be seeing much more coming from Harrinton over the next few years. While Eon still has loads of potential, I think he might be enjoying a slower pace these days. Who knows? Just my gut,

9.) Delilah “Can You Help Us” Poupore

In case you have been sleeping under a rock for the last 15 years, Delilah Poupore is the executive director of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization with a mission to stimulate the downtown economy and improve community activity and connections within the city’s core.

Delilah is another one of those people who seems to be (strangely) always smiling. She has developed a proven track record of working closely with city officials to make things happen. She is also very keen on collaboration, working quite closely with the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the Heat of Biddeford’s sister organization across the river, Saco Spirit.

Delilah avoids the spotlight, but she does not hesitate to step up to the podium when seeking assistance or approval for a community event.

She is a well-respected member of the business community and accordingly is often approached by political candidates seeking her advice. She has more than earned her spot in the Top-10.

8.) Michael “Aww shucks” Cantara

Former judge, district attorney and mayor Michael Cantara remains as the only person on this list to remain in the Top-10 of our rankings. In 2012, I ranked him at Number Five. He has moved only a few spots down the list and that’s just because he decided to retire from the bench.

When mayoral candidate Susan Deschambault’s team was looking for key endorsements, they naturally called on Cantara. The former judge was one of many leaders in the state Democratic Party who openly endorsed Deschambault’s campaign in an advertisement that included state senators and people like Justin Alfond.

That ad was literally, the bat signal for Democrats in a supposedly non-partisan election. If you vote blue, you better vote for Sue. (No, those were not the words used in the ad, but they should have been.) That’s what they get for not having me run that campaign. You see, I actually have a winning track record.

All that aside, Mr. Cantara, unlike me, is a true gentleman. He is kind, thoughtful and extraordinarily intelligent.

Despite Deschambault’s loss, Cantara’s name is still very much respected all over the state. For good reason.

7.) Justin “Do You Like This Picture of Me?” Chenette

When it comes to shameless self-promotion and spotlight grabbing, no one in southern Maine does it better than former State Senator Justin Chenette of Saco.

Chenette is currently serving as a member of the York County Commissioners. Until he was elected, almost nobody in York County knew that there was such a thing as the York County Commissioners.

If Chenette ever stubs his toe on his way to the Hannaford supermarket, you can be assured that he will submit a press release about it, along with a complimentary photo of his smiling face.

Today, Chenette serves as the public relations point person for Sweetser, one of Maine’s oldest and largest providers of mental health services. For reasons I cannot explain, every press release about Sweetser seems to include a photo of Chenette.

As much as this kid grates on my nerves, you simply cannot deny that he is very skilled at political gamesmanship. I don’t have to worry if Justin will no longer return my calls just because I publicly criticized him. Justin likes reporters more than I like pineapple on my pizza. Delicious!

6.) Jodi “Can I Put a Sign on Yor Lawn?” MacPhail

Well, here’s something new and something I would have never imagined 12 years ago: One of my relatives is on this list.

Truth be known, the new mayor of Saco and I are only related through her mother’s marriage to my father several years ago. We didn’t grow up together or anything, but I can tell you stories about her when she was 12 years-old that would curl your toes. Just kidding. Not Kidding. Whatever.

A few months ago, Jodi made history by becoming the first female mayor in Saco. In fact, she was unopposed for the seat.

A few years ago, when she first told me that she was thinking about running for the city council, my response was immediate and definite: “Don’t do it,” I advised. “You’d be walking into certain death.”

Secretly, I had my doubts about whether Jodi was up for the task. I didn’t take her seriously. I was wrong. Very wrong.

Jodi has already delivered on one of her key campaign platforms: to provide a better connection between Saco City Hall and residents. She holds open office hours, an idea that Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman described as “intriguing.”

It’s only been a few months since she won her election, but I think she’s doing a pretty good job, and I think it’s because she genuinely loves doing it.

Besides, it gets me off the hook of ever having to cover a city council meeting in Saco. Sweet!

5.) Kevin “Please Don’t Take My Picture” Roche

Kevin Roche recently won an election to the Saco School Board, but he is perhaps best known for his work as president of the “S.O.S: Save Our Shores organization in the Camp Ellis neighborhood.

I don’t really know much about Kevin. But I can tell you that he is not tall, he loves hockey and knows the pulse of his community. What he lacks in height, he compensates with intelligence and wit.

He is a quiet, thoughtful guy, which leads me to think his political future will be somewhat limited.

Roche knows how to maneuver, whether its dealing with a behemoth bureaucracy like the U.S. Army Corps or Engineers or how to get the best seat on the Green Line at the Kenmore Square station.

He is pretty much the opposite of Justin Chenette (No. 7). It’s hard to find a photo of Roche in any of the usual places. He is a bit cagey, and I like that.

4.) Marty “I’m in Your Corner” Grohman

Marty Grohman seems to still be settling into his new role as the mayor of Biddeford. It’s understandable. It feels like the city of Biddeford is still trying to get comfortable with the fact that Alan Casavant (No. 12) is no longer the mayor.

Sort of like a second date. Should I make my move?

Grohman is a nice enough guy, maybe just a little too nice. He runs city council meetings like he’s in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. At any given moment, I’m half expecting King Friday, Henerietta Pussycat or Daniel Tiger to jump up from behind the council dais.

Grohman is a bit over the top and reliably effusive with his praise and compliments. You found a seat? Good for you! Nice job! We certainly appreciate you being here tonight! We can hardly wait to see if you have something to share! Gracias! Merci! We’re a super diverse bunch of folks, and we’re mighty excited about sustainability here in the Land of Make Believe.

Grohman has been criticized by many folks who see him as not much more than a political opportunist, invariably in search of another campaign or photo-op. Despite all that, Marty is actually the real deal.

While many politicians bloviate about climate change and sustainability for political points, Marty actually rides a bike to work. Even when it’s raining. Basically, he puts his money where his mouth is.

But why is the mayor of Biddeford ranked higher on this list than the new mayor of Saco? Is it sexism? No.

It’s because Marty also has statewide connections, having served in the Maine House of Representatives. On the flip side of that coin, Marty is the walking, talking definition of “when smart people do dumb things,” like taking on entrenched Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. Marty has potential and a good Rolodex. Keep your eyes on him.

3.) Liam “Does this tie match?” LaFountain

Speaking of keeping an eye on someone, I advised Saco Bay News readers earlier this year to keep a close eye on this rising political star.

Liam LaFountain is the youngest member of the Biddeford City Council and is just beginning his second term. Despite his age and limited tenure on the council, his council peers voted overwhelmingly in support of his plan to become the next council president.

When asked my thoughts before making his move, I advised the young and eager city councilor to tread lightly and not make waves. I wrongly predicted he would get no more than two votes for his quest to oust long-time councilor Norman Belanger from the post.

Belanger never saw it coming. The move caught him by surprise. The vote was 6-3 among the nine councilors. Belanger was stunned. I was stunned. LaFountain just quietly picked up his laptop and moved to his new seat next to the mayor.

There is a back-story to that chain of events, but I’m not going to share that. At least not now.

LaFountain is from good family stock. His father Lloyd, an attorney, previously served on the council and also served as a member of the Maine State Senate for four terms. His grandfather, Lloyd, Sr., is also held in high regard throughout the city.

Liam, however, strikes me as a walking contradiction. He is young, a proverbial millennial. But he is careful, deliberate and respectful of his elders. Sure, he cares a lot about what people think about him, but he’s also confident and comfortable in his own skin.

Watching that council president vote was riveting, like watching a wolf chase and ultimately take down a fleeing doe. Circle of life, baby. Circle of life.

LaFountain is super committed to the job, going well out of his way to keep his constituents informed about almost everything happening at City Hall. When the city received complaints about dangerous traffic on May Street, LaFountain spent the better part of a week, knocking on neighbor’s doors to get their input and advice.

I expect big things from LaFountain; and I will never underestimate him again.

2.) Jeremy “Just Hear Me Out” Ray

Of course, Jeremy Ray is high up on this list. His political influence straddles both sides of the Saco River.

In a brilliant move to both improve efficiency and save taxpayer dollars, Ray was appointed to be the superintendent of schools for both Biddeford and Saco.

Last year, Ray was named as Maine’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year. In their nomination of Ray, members of the Biddeford School Committee described Ray as a transparent, engaged, and highly visible leader. They went on to list several of his accomplishments, including hiring a Development Director to focus on private fundraising and grants to help bolster the taxpayer-infused bottom line; a 17 percent increase in the music and theater programs opportunities; and helping to establish a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy, “which has fueled the imagination and interests of many students.”

School superintendents across the state heap praise on Ray and his ability to get complex projects moving in the right direction.

Last year, Ray urged Biddeford voters to support a plan that would close the crumbling but much beloved JFK Memorial School by consolidating those students into an extended facility at the Biddeford Primary School.

The voters listened to Ray, and overwhelmingly approved his $9.5 million bond request. Jeremy Ray knows each and every elected official within 200 square miles of his office. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but you get the point. He has influence.

And now, drum roll please:

The Number One Position. Numero Uno on the list of the most influential politicians and policy wonks in the Biddeford Saco area . . .

If you’re a political junkie, you probably saw this coming from 10 miles away. Ladies and Gentlemen; boys and girls, I present to you, Ryan Fecteau.

*Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford/Courtesy photo from Maine House of Representatives*

There is absolutely no doubt about why Fecteau should be on this list. Twelve years ago, he was little more than a recent high school graduate with political ambition.

Today, he is once again running for office, building on an already impressive political legacy.

Ryan Fecteau served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives and was chosen by his peers to become Speaker of the House. He is the youngest person to ever serve in that position and the first openly-gay person to hold that office.

Because of Maine’s term limit laws, Ryan briefly left politics (wink, wink) to take a job within the Governor Mills Administration’s Office of Housing Policy.

That gig led him to become a senior vice president with Avesta Housing, one of New England’s largest housing providers.

A few months ago, Ryan and his partner Dylan purchased a new home, which is located in a different legislative district, but still in Biddeford.

When Democrat State Rep. Erin Sheehan announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down at the end of this term, the press release distributed to the media was more of an announcement that Fecteau would be seeking the seat, hoping for a triumphant return to Augusta.

You don’t get to become Speaker of the House by not knowing how to carefully break eggs and make deals across the aisle. Ryan accomplished all this before he was even old enough to serve as president of the United States . . . but I wouldn’t rule that out either.

A few weeks ago, the Biddeford City Council quietly approved Mayor Grohman’s appointment of Dylan Doughty (Fecteau’s partner) as an alternate member of the Biddeford Planning Board.

I’m sure that (wink, wink) Ryan had nothing to do with that appointment.

There is little doubt that Ryan will win his next election in November. He meets all the guidelines: he’s a registered Democrat with a pulse. The last time a Republican won that district was when Fred Flintstone was still working at the quarry.

That’s it, folks! More than 5,300 words. I look forward to your feedback; the good, the bad and the ugly. Have a great night!

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Turn You Inside Out

March 12, 2024February 27, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

When Biddeford City Manager James Bennett first unveiled his proposed FY 2025 municipal budget last week, he made a point of reminding the city council and the public that the city is not operated like a business.

Bennett’s remarks were likely intended to get ahead of a frequent refrain often heard from beleaguered and stressed taxpayers. Almost like clockwork, municipal officials hear the same mantra: that the city should be run like a business.

Bennett says comparing the city to a privately operated business is not comparing apples to apples.

*Biddeford City Manager James Bennett; photo from the city’s website.*

For the most part, I agree with him.

A business is incorporated to make profit and provide a steady revenue stream to its shareholders.

In the private sector, businesses do not face several restrictions and other obligations that must be endured by public sector operations such as local and state governments.

For example, if an annoying reporter like me wants a printed copy of some internal inter-office memo within city government, then the government must accommodate my request for that information. I do not, however, have the same access to inter-office memos generated by companies such as Boeing, General Dynamics or even Pizza by Alex.

Those businesses are allowed to keep and defend trade secrets, whether it’s the design of a new landing gear or a new recipe for making calzones. They are not accountable to the media.

If the city chooses to build a new piece of infrastructure, such as a new road, bridge or sewer connection, it must jump through several hoops in order to ensure transparency and strict adherence to state and local laws. Every member of the public (property taxpayers and non-property taxpayers) gets to have a say in the plan. There must be ample public input and advertised public hearings.

Although the private sector cannot simply do whatever it wants, they can make things happen more efficiently because they are not hamstrung by all sorts of obligations in the public sector.

During his presentation, Bennett also pointed out that city is facing the very same inflationary pressures that are being faced by you, me and every other consumer.

I am paying more for heating oil. I am paying more for water, electricity and even internet service. My grocery bills have exploded even though our household consumption remains somewhat flat (unlike my stomach)

I understand that we are in an election year, but the economy is still a concern for many people, especially when it comes to soaring housing costs and people on fixed incomes, lying awake at night, wondering if they are going to lose their homes.

Well guess what? If you’re paying more to fill your gas tank, the city is paying more to fill its tank. If you’re paying more for electricity, the city is paying more for its electricity. If you’re paying more for toilet paper, ink cartridges or lightbulbs, the city is also paying more for those things.

Now I know some of you are saying the economy is not that bad. In fact, unemployment numbers are near record lows. While that’s mostly a good economic sign, it’s not very good news for the city.

Private employers throughout southern Maine are scrambling for workers. Help wanted signs are all over the place, forcing employers to add more incentives and higher pay scales for their employees.

The city is not immune from this problem. We have to be creative in figuring out strategies to attract and retain qualified employees.

Lack of affordable housing also presents a challenge for the city. If a young teacher right out of college is looking for a new job – or a new police officer right out of the academy is looking for a job, they have to consider how much it’s going to cost to either live in or commute to the city.

The city cannot magically drop housing costs. The same problem is affecting communities throughout the southern Maine area. It’s not just a Biddeford problem.

Running to Stand Still

So how do we get a handle on ever increasing property taxes?

In the private sector, we can reduce services. For example, Laura and I had a wonderful lunch at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant in Yarmouth on Monday. That restaurant is now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Many other businesses are following suit. The private sector is also looking to technology to reduce overhead. Self-checkout cashier options, automated payment services and much longer wait times for customer service are becoming the norm.

Taxpayers want and demand municipal services. You want a qualified team of EMTs or paramedics to be available 24/7. You want your road plowed. You want that pothole to be fixed. You want police and a fire department that can respond within just a few minutes.

There’s nothing wrong with taxpayers demanding services to be provided by the city they support.

So where does that leave us?

Frankly, between a rock and a hard place.

But there is a flipside to this coin. If the Seaver Family Pizzeria decides to raise its prices by 20 percent, you can choose to either go someplace else or make your own pizza for a fraction of the cost.

In the private sector, you – – as a consumer – – have a choice. In the private sector, Seaver’s Pizzeria must be competitive with other businesses, such as Pizza By Alex. We can’t just arbitrarily jack our prices without probably losing customers (revenue).

Now where does the city get its revenue? Every dollar the city uses comes from your back pocket. The city does not produce a product. The city relies solely on taxpayer revenues, whether it’s state funding or revenue sharing, a federal grant, excise taxes, permit fees, etc., etc.

All the money comes from you and me. Period.

And guess what? We really can’t take our business anywhere else. I can refuse to shop at Walmart if I don’t like how they operate their store.

But when it comes to the city, you either pay your taxes or the city takes your home. Sure, there are a lot of legal steps that the city must follow in taking your property, but they will do it.

If you don’t believe me, just ask Dorothy LaFortune. (Read This).

As Jon Hamm’s character, Special Agent Frawley, said in the movie The Town, “this is the not the fucking around crew.”

Sure, you can fight City Hall, but ultimately, it’s quite likely that you will lose everything you own.

Bennett is pretty much right. The city is not a business.

The city does not have to be competitive for its consumers, like a private business. The city does not have to worry about losing its customers like a private business. The city, unlike a business, has a guaranteed revenue stream regardless of what happens with the economy.

So, is there any good news? Any shimmer of light on the horizon?

Yup. It’s you and your neighbors.

The city is ultimately controlled by its residents who choose to vote and participate in their government.

If you just sit back and bitch and whine on Facebook, don’t expect much of a change. It’s easy to find out who represents you on the council. Go to a council meeting or participate online.

Raise your voice. Do your part. Get involved. Reach out to your specific city councilor and the at-large representatives on the council. You can find their contact info here.

Don’t expect your neighbors to pick up your slack. Don’t expect me to keep you informed. You are a shareholder in this organization. It’s your responsibility to question how the city is operated.

The first public hearing on the city’s proposed FY 2025 budget takes place on March 26 at City Hall. If you can’t make it, reach out to your councilor in advance.

What Jim Bennett is recommending is another six percent budget increase, which includes a nine percent increase in municipal spending. If you’re good with that, just sit back, relax and enjoy a bowl of popcorn.

Otherwise, make your voice heard.

Note: If you’re having a hard time finding contact information or details about the city’s proposed budget, you can contact me for assistance.

_________

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Alan Casavant: Interview

January 23, 2024February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

If you ask Alan Casavant to describe his time as Biddeford’s mayor, he’ll tell you he used the same basic approach that he used as a high school teacher for more than 35 years.

Casavant, 71, is now completely retired as both a teacher and politician. He served 12 years (six consecutive terms) as the city’s mayor, first elected to that position in 2011. He also served four terms in the Maine Legislature as a state representative and served on the Biddeford City Council for 18 years, first elected in 1975.

He was born and raised in Biddeford and graduated from Biddeford High School in 1970. Initially, he majored in psychology during his first two years of college at the University of Southern Maine, but during his junior year, he transferred to the University of Maine Orono and decided to study teaching.

As fate would have it, he was assigned to Biddeford High School in order to complete his student teaching requirement. He was then hired as a permanent substitute teacher and then became a full-time social studies teacher at his alma mater.

He also coached the Biddeford High School hockey team, leading the Tigers to a state championship and is remembered by many people as a formidable broom ball player.

Casavant became the city’s second-longest serving mayor. Only Louis “Papa” Lauzier served longer than Casavant, from 1941 to 1955 – a total of 14 years.

You didn’t want to break Mayor Lausier’s record? Just one more term?

(Laughs) “No. I never set out with the idea of serving as long as I did. In fact, I had pretty much decided that I was going to step down two years ago, but I had a friend who convinced me to serve just one more term, and it appealed to me because I felt like there was still some unfinished business to take care of.

“I’m 71 years old, and I had done it for 12 years. I don’t think anyone intended to have any one mayor serve that long, but the real trump card was losing the hearing in my left ear.”

You first ran for city council when you were just 23 years old, which means the bulk of your life has been serving the city of Biddeford as an elected leader. What drew you into local politics?

“I really enjoyed politics. The process and the players intrigued me. The psychology of it (Laughs). I enjoyed being part of the decision-making process, and having input. I used to tell my students – and it’s not to be taken egotistically – but I trusted me making the decisions more than I trusted anybody else. (Laughs)

“I felt, if I was on the outside looking in, I could give my view but that didn’t mean my viewpoint would resonate with the person I was talking to, whereas – actually being there I could listen but I could also be an active, very-active participant. I really enjoyed that.”

How has Biddeford’s political world changed over the last 50 years, going back to when you first ran for the council in the 1970s?

“It’s changed so much. I think people were more in tune with the political process back then; with what was happening at City Hall back in the ‘70s. You had little organizations all over the city, where politics were discussed, such as the Green Lantern Club on Green Street.

“There was more public input because people were more aware of what was going on back then. We had a daily paper covering everything happening in the city. The mayor was a much stronger position, but it was also more familiar. You didn’t have the nastiness, and I say that because I was always in the minority back then. There were three of us on the council in our 20s. It was always the majority against me, Dick Lambert and Billy Zuke. So many of the council votes were 8-3. It was more friendly. We would all go out together after the meetings for a bull session at Bull’s Café.”

What motivated you to run for mayor against an incumbent (Joanne Twomey) who was widely considered as basically unbeatable?

“The casino proposal that she was supporting concerned me, but it was much more about a philosophical and process difference. During that time period, too many people were watching council meetings as entertainment. The meetings were often bombastic and confrontational.

“I just thought that I could do a better job. I had retired from teaching, so I had the time. I just believed that a lot of people were ready for a change.”

Besides wanting to change the tone of how business was conducted during council meetings, what were your other priorities?

“Well certainly, the issues surrounding the Maine Energy [Recovery Company] plant loomed very large on my screen. I thought that had to be resolved because of what I had learned and come to believe. Not only was it an economic issue and an environmental issue, it was also a psychological issue. It was as if the city had given up on itself. We had become known as “Trash Town, U.S.A.” I knew that had to change.”

Why do you think public participation in local government has declined so much?

“I’m convinced that it’s a lack of knowledge. If you look back at the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, everybody read the Journal Tribune and/or the Courier. Reporters back then would pursue the stories until the end. When David [Flood] sold the Courier and the Journal closed, there became a vacuum of legitimate news. I also think some people may feel jaded by the process because of the misinformation that abounds on social media like Facebook.”

What do you think was your greatest accomplishment as mayor?

“Recreating pride in Biddeford. It’s nothing really physical. It’s just people in Biddeford actually believe in themselves as a community again. It was as if the community had lost its mojo; the recession, the Maine Energy plant, downtown business closings – – the glass was always half empty.

“People now openly brag about living in Biddeford. I recently saw an ad from a Kennebunk hotel that pointed out they were located only five minutes from Biddeford.”

What was your biggest disappointment during your 12 years as mayor?

[Pauses] “Probably dealing with the housing issue. Trying to figure that out and recognizing that there is no easy answer. There’s no instant answer, especially since it’s a regional, statewide and even national issue.

“We really need a regional approach. There has to be a concerted effort, driven by the state.”

Do you miss being the mayor?

(Laughs) Yes and no. I can’t even watch the meetings right now. I miss the adrenaline rush of being right in the middle of everything. I don’t want to meddle, which is really difficult for me to do. (Laughs) It’s really hard to do something for 12 years and then just stop, suddenly being out of the loop and not knowing exactly what’s going on – – just stopping cold turkey. It’s a little strange.

“There is also relief. When I was mayor, I’d spend almost an hour every morning and every night responding to e-mails. Now I maybe get four e-mails a day.” (Laughs)

As a politician, do you see social media as helpful?

“I call it anti-social media. Most of it is very disparaging and accusatory. It took me about a week or two as mayor to decide that I wasn’t going to read most of it. Otherwise, I’d see things that I didn’t say or do, and it got so frustrating. It’s so often just a rumor mill.”

What do you see as challenges on Biddeford’s horizon?

“Well, obviously the housing issue is going to dominate our conversations for a long time, and we’ll need to tackle that situation; but we also are looking at lots of other major budgetary issues, including staffing. How do we retain and attract professional employees? People want services, but that cost money. You can’t have it all.

“I also worry that our economy is slowing a bit in the downtown. The downtown really defines who we are as a community, and it’s important for our overall economy.”

Your political adversaries blame you for pushing so hard for a municipal parking garage.

“The reality is that we actually need at least two parking garages. The next one needs to be near the corner of Main and Alfred streets. It’s interesting to me that in so many other cities, whether it’s Westbrook or Portland or Auburn, there is virtually no resistance to parking garages.”

You describe your role as mayor as simply an extension of your time as a high school teacher.

“It’s the same skill set and the same techniques. It was about repeating, repeating and repeating information so that the kids could get it; it was about connecting the dots so that they could understand it; and it was also about forming relationships and helping them feel good about themselves.

“It’s never just one person leading the city. You really need a team approach, it’s like a quilt with several different patches. It’s rewarding, sometimes frustrating but if you have the right people around you — if you can build a team with lots of different perspectives — then you can do almost anything.”

Originally published in Saco Bay News

Exile in Guyville, Part II

January 12, 2024February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Loyal readers of this column may recall that last year I basically eviscerated the Biddeford City Council and City Manager James Bennett for spending $20,000 of taxpayer money to hire a private consulting firm in the hopes of finding a solution to the growing problem of homelessness in our community.

I’ve got good news and bad news for Biddeford taxpayers.

First, the good news. The City of Saco was stupid enough to split the cost with us.

The bad news? I told you so. The problem is just getting worse, and the much-anticipated report from the consultants was about as useless as the comb I still carry in my back pocket.

In case you missed it, the Biddeford City Council recently held a near three-hour-long workshop meeting to once again “discuss this very important topic,” in the words of Mayor Marty Grohman.

Before we proceed, I’d like to set the record straight. Every single member of the Biddeford City Council cares very much about the plight of homeless people in our community. City Manager James Bennett also cares about this issue and wants to find a solution.

Former mayor Alan Casavant still cares very much about this issue. Many of you readers also care very much about this issue. I care very much about this issue. So, why do we still have a problem?

To paraphrase James Carville, “It’s about the money, stupid!”

During last week’s workshop meeting, Timothy Boston read aloud a portion of my recent interview with former mayor and retired judge Michael Cantara. In that interview, Cantara hit the nail on the head.

“Without question, we must address the issue of homelessness,” Cantara told me. “Yes, it is a financially expensive and complicated issue, but we have an ethical obligation; a moral obligation to do more than just talk about the issue.”

But “just talk” seems to be what we do best. We talk. We write white papers and convene focus groups. We talk some more. We spend money on consultants and form more committees. We pontificate and bloviate in newspaper editorials and at the podium in the City Council Chambers.

We are full of righteous indignation, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. At least that’s how it feels if you’re in a tent with freezing temperatures and wind gusts of more than 25 miles per hour. It all seems like a lot of bullshit.

Why? Because we all conveniently skip over some hard truths.

In the consulting world, there’s an old mantra: If you’re not part of the solution, there’s good money to be had at prolonging the problem. I know this. I make my living as a consultant. The newspaper gig is just a side hustle.

The report from WestEast Design Group was exactly what I expected: several pages of fluff with four pages of references and another four pages of appendices.

I give them some credit, however. They were able to successfully use the word ‘leverage’ as both a verb and a noun at least a dozen times in the 24-page report.

There are basically four key take-aways from the rather lackluster report:

There is a lack of physical space for services (including housing and treatment) in the Biddeford-Saco area;
The Biddeford-Saco area has a growing homeless problem;
People in Biddeford and Saco seem to be very compassionate and kind toward homeless individuals;
The cities should “leverage” their existing resources and relationships and consider forming a ‘coordinating committee” to further study and understand this issue.

Well, thank you, Captain Obvious!

I kid you not. You can download the report and read it for yourself; I mean if you occasionally enjoy sticking a lit cigarette up your ass.

Basically, the consultants interviewed area stakeholders, including non-profit agencies, the Biddeford Housing Authority, the Police Department, the hospital and even yours truly. Yup, they interviewed me. They then wrote several pages, explaining how they conducted the interviews and what questions were asked.

At this point, they summarized the results of those interviews and told the council what the council had already heard from those same stakeholders over a period of more than two years. Remember, it was almost three years ago when Casavant first created the city’s Affordable Housing Task Force.

Last year, I publicly chided the then mayor and council for even considering hiring a consultant. I stood at the podium and told them: you only have five options. That’s it. Just five options and they each come with consequences.

First option: You can do absolutely nothing and ignore the problem until it goes away. (It going to cost you a ton of money because of impacts to schools, businesses and city services, but those costs will be somewhat hidden and therefore politically expedient.)

Secondly, you can take steps to immediately increase housing supply and soften demand by creative changes to zoning and other ordinances. (To their credit, the council is already doing this.)

Third option: you could implement rent control, despite the fact that it often creates more problems than it solves (Reference the city of Portland, Maine).

Fourth, you could collaborate with regional communities and build (and staff) a treatment facility that would include mental health services and a temporary housing shelter. Or finally, you could do what the city of Portland did: You can build and staff your own shelter.

That’s it. There are no other options.

See, it took me only 142 words to compile my report as opposed to nearly 30 pages from the hired consultants.

Let’s use Portland, Maine as an example. Last year, Portland unveiled a new state-of-the-art shelter that includes staffing for acute psychiatric care and substance abuse services.

The price tag? Roughly $25 million. A little more than $6 million was provided by the state with federal COVID relief funds. The remaining $18 million came from a private developer.

The result? Portland has a growing homeless problem. On many nights, there are literally several empty beds at the shelter because many people don’t want to stay at a shelter.

Think about that for a moment. The city built a $25 million shelter and yet the problem is growing. For comparison purposes, the city of Biddeford’s total city budget (excluding schools) is roughly $24.8 million, a 5.8 percent increase over last year.

Translation? We would literally have to double our municipal budget to build a shelter like the one in Portland.

Now let’s pretend we all live in Never-Never Land and a magic unicorn comes by and drops $25 million in our laps. How long do we continue funding? Where would it be located? Rotary Park could be an ideal location. How about the former Trull Hospital on May Street? How about your neighborhood?

You get the point. This problem requires money, but it also requires a commitment from ALL stakeholders, including the homeless themselves.

Any solution is going to require at least some cooperation from those who are most directly impacted by the problem. They are our neighbors. They deserve dignity. They deserve our empathy, support and compassion, but they also must be willing to sit at the table and help solve the problem.

In the movie Jaws, it becomes quickly apparent that the town of Amity has a serious problem on its hands. The town’s elected leaders are hesitant to spend the money required to solve the problem. We all know what happens next. The problem literally jumps up and bites them in the ass.

Our problem is not going to go away. It’s just going to get worse.

It’s time to end the paralysis of analysis. No more task forces. No more white papers. No more window dressing solutions. Bottom line: Ask yourself one simple question: How much are you willing to pay in additional taxes (or additional rent) to help cover these costs? One percent? Five percent? 10 percent? 50 percent? More?

Just imagine what we could have done with the $20,000 that we gave to a Texas-based consulting firm? I wonder how Vassie Fowler at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Resource Center could have ‘leveraged’ those funds.

Folks, you’re going to need a bigger boat. And a bigger boat is going to cost a lot of money. I know this is true because I asked a consultant.

Originally published in Saco Bay News/ January 2024

A Conversation with Santa Claus

December 25, 2023February 17, 2025 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

The ‘Jolly Old Elf’ offers some sage advice about unconditional love, magic and the true meaning of Christmas

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 the Christmas holiday this year, Santa made time to sit down for an exclusive interview with Saco Bay News. He declined to give his age. In fact, he artfully dodged many of the questions our readers have asked.

*Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for a photo during a recent trip to Saco.*

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

We decided to let our Saco Bay News readers come up with the questions for this interview.

The legend of Santa Claus transcends cultural bounds and goes back hundreds and 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.”

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

“Oh sure. His practice is thriving. In fact, he just opened another franchise location 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. But 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.”

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.”

Editor’s Note: On behalf of all of us at Saco Bay News, we hope you have a safe, warm and happy holiday season!

Originally published in Saco Bay News

Interview: Michael Cantara

December 19, 2023February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

A retired judge, district attorney, state commissioner and former mayor from Biddeford reflects on his career and the changes in his community.

Hollywood movies often rely on stereotypes. Lawyers are frequently depicted as corrupt and self-serving. The district attorneys in those movies are not much better, using their power as glorified crime fighters for political gain. Mayors are routinely portrayed as bumbling, narcissistic egomaniacs; and judges wield their power with a rigid temperament and periodic fits of rage.

Michael Cantara of Biddeford has served in all four of those roles, but he is the exact opposite of those Hollywood stereotypes. Instead, Cantara is well-known throughout southern Maine as a man of principle, restraint, intellect and compassion.

Among many other awards and accomplishments, Cantara was inducted into the Maine Franco-American Hall of Fame and also inducted into the Biddeford Hall of Fame in 2022.

Cantara, 70, was adopted as an infant from the St. Andre Home in Biddeford by Jean Paul and Laurette Cantara. He and his two sisters were raised in a very modest home on Granite Street Extension. His father worked at the Saco Lowell machine shops. His mother worked at the Pepperell textile mill and later as a waitress at the Nutshell Restaurant in Biddeford.

He attended parochial schools, including St. Andre’s and later St. Louis High School, which closed just before his senior year. Thus, he graduated from Biddeford High School in 1971 before attending Colby College with the idea of becoming a pediatrician.

You planned on becoming a doctor but ended up retiring as a judge. A lot of things must have happened between those two bookends.

“Oh yes, they certainly did.” (Laughs) “I wasn’t exactly a clear career thinker when I went to school. I majored in French with a minor in biology. But my dream of being a pediatrician floundered on the shoals of organic chemistry. (Laughs) So, I reset the dial and decided to become a teacher.

“In my senior year of college, I was nominated for a Fulbright Teaching Scholarship. So, I got this wonderful gift of teaching in a French high school in Normandy, near the small town of Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

“I taught American culture, history and language at a vocational school. My students were adolescent French boys from the local neighborhood. They were so receptive to the ideas I was teaching because at that time all things American were considered pretty cool.”

You returned to the United States and ended up going to law school.

“I had wanted to teach French on the college level, but was intrigued by political science and chose the mayoral election in Paris as the topic for my doctoral thesis. At that time, there was quite a bit of upheaval on the city’s political landscape.

“There was so much happening in the early 1970s. In general terms, it was a time of upheaval when young people were being encouraged to stand up for what they believed; to be a part of the social change that was happening all over the world.

“I wanted to go back to Maine, and the options for teaching French were practically non-existent, and I was exploring opportunities for public service. So, I enrolled at the University of Maine Law School.”

You were paying close attention to politics on the national, state and even local level, at a time when Maine’s own Senator Edmund Muskie was derailed from his presidential campaign because he allegedly teared up during a press conference.

“Yes, men – – especially back then — were not supposed to cry. I was very inspired by Senator Muskie and his dedication to public service. As you know he was the architect of the Clean Water Act. Without that federal legislation, which was vitally important for Maine, we wouldn’t be talking about the Riverwalk in Biddeford today had it not been for Ed Muskie’s leadership.”

“In fact, Senator Muskie gave the commencement address at my high school graduation, which was held at Thornton Academy because Biddeford did not have enough space.”

You were drawn to the Democrat Party and today remain as a party stalwart.

“I was very much influenced by my parents. Both my mother and father read the paper every day, and they were both Democrats who understood the importance of voting and paying attention to what was happening. Democrats were very pro-union.

“My uncle Henry, however, was anti-union. He worked at S.D Warren and was very much a company man. Regardless, my father was always very calm when talking to my uncle about the importance of labor unions.

“My father would listen patiently and spoke in a measured way, but always remained committed to his beliefs. I learned a lot from my father.”

You hung out your law practice shingle on a Crescent Street office without much money in your hand.

(Laughs) “Actually no money. My law partner Jim Boone and I were able to secure the lease by offering sweat equity. We would paint the building and sand the floors in exchange for the first few months’ rent.”

And then you decided to get into politics.

“What was I thinking? (Laughs) I decided to run for the Legislature in the early 1980s. At that time, I was living on State Street. And the occupant of that House seat in the Legislature was Lucien (Babe) Dutremble.

“I don’t know what possessed me, but I had the crazy idea of challenging Mr. Dutremble – one of the most respected and adored men in the city – in the Democratic primary. And, of course, throughout the campaign he couldn’t have been any kinder to me.

“What was so strange and incredible to me is that I lost only by 16 or 18 votes. I can’t remember exactly, but it was slim enough to invoke the city charter’s requirement for a recount, which was presided over by Luc Angers, the city clerk at the time. They were all paper ballots back then and the recount took place at the police department. The result didn’t change, but I thought that was probably the end on my political career.

“But then a couple years later, I was asked by Mayor [Robert] Farley to serve on the planning board, even though I was previously on the [William] Pombriant ticket who ran against Mr. Farley in the primary. I ended up serving almost four years on the planning board, and so I had a ringside seat to some of the issues affecting Biddeford: Affordable Housing, Land Use and Habitat Protection.

“Not much later, Gene Libby, who was the district attorney, asked me if I would join his office as an assistant district attorney. I enjoyed that work and was covering all three district courts, which were then located in Springvale, Biddeford and Kittery.”

And then you decided to run for mayor.

“Yes, and that was back when local elections were partisan, so there were primaries and a longer campaign season. There was no city manager. The mayor ran the city’s day-to-day operations, much different than it is today.”

Why did you only serve for one term?

“Because the seat for the district attorney was opening up. It was an open seat, and I was looking forward to the challenge.”

Bonnie (Belanger) Pothier told me that you practically hounded her to run for the mayor’s seat to replace you. She jokes that she just finally caved to your pressure.

(Laughs) “I knew that she was going to be a great mayor, and she proved me right. I didn’t always agree with her, but I had tremendous respect for her. She had a lot of uphill battles to fight, but she was a remarkable leader.”

While you were serving as district attorney, Governor John Baldacci appointed you as Maine Public Safety Commissioner for four years, and then during his second term, he nominated you to serve as a district court judge in York County.

“Yes. I was among five people nominated to fill new positions created in order to address significant backlogs of cases and to free up more judges throughout Maine to serve the newly-created business docket.”

You served as a judge for 12 years and retired in 2019. Do you miss it?

“I very much miss the people I worked with. I had the privilege of working with exceptional people; the clerks, the magistrates and the marshals. But the weight of some of the decisions a judge has to make – I don’t miss that particular kind of stress.

“It can be very challenging. You can provide a legal answer to a problem, but you’re not providing a life solution. There’s so much poverty – – financial poverty, health poverty, educational deficits and mental health issues, not to mention chronic unemployment.

“As a judge, you are witness to all of it and sometimes feel so powerless to change any of it.”

You are a true son of Biddeford. What challenges do you see facing the city today?

“I have been a citizen of Biddeford for most of my 70 years. Without question, we must address the issue of homelessness. Yes, it is a financially expensive and complicated issue, but we have an ethical obligation; a moral obligation to do more than just talk about the issue.

“I was taught that we are all children of God. I don’t want to let my brother or sister freeze to death tonight. We are living in 21^st Century America, and I don’t think that’s too much to ask.

“It is an issue of dignity, and it is not insurmountable. We just need the political will to make it happen.”

From the humblest of beginnings, you went on to become a teacher, an attorney, a mayor, a district attorney, a state commissioner and then a judge. If they were alive, do you think your parents would believe how much you have been able to accomplish?

“I don’t know, but I do know that I learned life’s most important lessons from my parents, including the importance of service to your community; to volunteer for your school, your church.

“I certainly hope that I lived up to their expectations. I hope that I have lived a good life. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Originally published in Saco Bay News

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

November 9, 2023February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Two rather interesting events happened this week, each painting a troubling picture for loyal, solid Democrats at both the national and local level: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced he would not seek reelection, and City Councilor Marty Grohman was elected to become Biddeford’s next mayor.

What do Manchin and Grohman have in common?

Bear with me, because I think these two stories serve as a bellwether of a changing political landscape that has long alienated people in the so-called political “middle,” the centrists who are weary of extremists on both the left and the right of the political spectrum.

Currently, Democrats have a razor-thin majority in the United States Senate, including the so-called “Independent” senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and our own Angus King, both of whom caucus with the Democrats and consistently follow the marching orders of both Chuck Schumer and President Joe Biden.

It’s really nothing short of a miracle that any Democrat could win an election in a state like West Virginia, which is more red than Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard’s campaign signs. Manchin’s decision spells very bad news for the Democrats and will no doubt reshape the battle for senate control in 2024.

“Manchin’s moderate positions have at times been a thorn in the side of his increasingly left-leaning party,” according to ABC News political analysts.

So how does this connect to the rather mundane and much less dramatic world of Biddeford politics?

Theoretically, Biddeford’s municipal elections are supposed to be a “non-partisan” affair. Biddeford voters approved a change to the city’s charter in the late 1980s to dump the partisan labels of Democrat and Republican.

But if you really believe our local elections are non-partisan, I’ve got an ocean-front home to sell you in Ohio.

Make no mistake, despite all the pontificating, hand-wringing and lack of primaries, local elections are still very much influenced by each candidate’s political label. Not by his or her merits, but by his or her political allegiance.

Local Democrat leaders like State Rep. Marc Malon will tell you that’s not true.

It should be noted here that on top of his elected office, Malon is also professionally employed by the Maine Democrat Party. He currently serves as Party Affairs Director for the party.

Malon is a good guy. He’s very smart, and he is passionate about his politics. He works hard, and has a unique perspective on Maine’s political landscape. It’s his job to make sure that Democrat candidates get elected in Maine, even in places like Biddeford that are supposedly “non-partisan.”

So why do I keep saying “supposedly?”

Because partisan politics still plays a big role in Biddeford’s political circles and games, despite what the city’s charter says about municipal elections.

That said, state and local Democrat leaders, including Malon, did absolutely nothing wrong. Let me repeat that in order to be perfectly clear: No one on the ballot (nor their supporters) did anything wrong during Biddeford’s most recent election cycle.

So why am I taking the time to write about an election with zero incidents of impropriety by any of the candidates or their supporters? First, I am a local political junkie. Secondly, because I see a major shift starting to happen in both local and national elections.

In a story I wrote for Saco Bay News just a few hours after the results were announced, I listed those who supported and endorsed each of the mayoral candidates: Susan Deschambault and Marty Grohman. I posted that story on my personal Facebook page with a teaser, asserting that the Democrat Party closed ranks on a local level and clearly lined up behind Deschambault over Grohman.

It’s understandable (and quite predictable) that Democrat leaders would line up behind a Democrat over an “independent” or a Republican candidate in a general election, even though party affiliation isn’t supposed to matter in a non-partisan election.

Overall, the city of Biddeford – like many other mill towns — has a long history of leaning to the political left. Today, however, it seems that it’s becoming a matter of how far left a candidate needs to be in order to win elected office in the city.

I have a theory about why notable Democrat leaders were so enthusiastic about supporting Deschambault over Grohman. In a nutshell, it was political pay-back. Allow me to explain.

Both Deschambault and Grohman served on the city council. Both candidates served in the Maine Legislature. They had very similar platforms. In fact, during an October head-to-head debate, the only real difference that was clear to the audience was that Grohman likes to ride a bicycle and Deschambault says she likes to avoid both bicycles and walking.

Just days before the election, Mayor Alan Casavant repeated his support for Marty Grohman to take over the big chair at City Hall. On that same day, the Deschambault campaign ran an advertisement in the Biddeford-Saco Courier, listing local politicians who were endorsing Deschambault.

Deschambault’s list of supporters was impressive: State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, the highest state official serving Biddeford, was on that list. The rest of Biddeford’s delegation, including Malon and Rep. Erin Sheehan, were on that list. Former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives Ryan Fecteau was on that list.

Previous state representatives Megan Rochelo and Victoria Foley (who lost her own bid for mayor against Casavant two years ago) was on that list. Previous mayors Mike Cantara and Bonita (Belanger) Pothier were on that list. Weeks before, Malon and Fecteau both used their personal Facebook pages to endorse Deschambault.

Pretty impressive, huh? What do they all have in common? They are all active, strident and loyal Democrats. On a local level, these folks are all political heavy-hitters. If you want something done, these are the people who can make it happen.

But it wasn’t just local Democrats who were offering assistance for Deschambault.

According to campaign finance reports, Deschambault’s campaign also got the support of many individuals well outside of Biddeford, including Democrat Party activist and former legislator Justin Alfond and State Senator Joe Baldacci, younger brother of former governor John Baldacci, both of whom wrote checks for Deschambault.

I saw that ad and thought to myself, it’s all over for Grohman. I publicly predicted that Deschambault would win the race. Despite what some people like Alan Casavant say, Biddeford is pretty much a blue community. Or is it?

But then something strange happened. Deschambault lost. Wait. What?

Despite such an impressive list of Democrat supporters and the fact that Biddeford most often votes blue, the party wasn’t powerful enough to knock off Grohman, the more centrist candidate.

Deschambault’s track record in the State Senate was basically flawless. She did whatever the party leaders told her to do. She always voted the way they wanted. She played nice. She toed the party’s line.

Good for her. She’s a Democrat. She voted the party line. Yawn.

During his stint in the Legislature, Grohman sometimes had the temerity to look at issues from a more centrist position. Furthermore, he had the audacity to run as an “independent” candidate against Democrat Chellie Pingree for the First Congressional District race. That was enough, right there.

The Republicans may have the symbol of an elephant, but the Democrats are the ones who “never forget.” Deschambault was being rewarded for her party loyalty, Grohman was being punished for thinking for himself.

Shortly after I posted my story on Facebook, Malon went on the defense.

“As a staffer for the Maine Democratic party and one of the electeds (sic) who endorsed Susan, I am pretty confident offering this analysis: there is little to no impact on the political landscape in Biddeford for state/federal races,” he wrote. “This is based on previous municipal and state/federal results and my analysis of this particular race . . .”

I responded toMalon, “ . . . but there is no denying that party stalwarts lined up solidly behind Deschambault: Baldacci, Alfond, the entire legislative delegation (current and former).”

Malon came back: “because they all knew her and liked her. Honestly that’s about the extent of it.”

Again, I like Marc. We have plans to get together for some good whiskey soon. We’re both political animals, but I’m not buying what he’s selling. Because they knew and liked her?? Are you freakin’ kidding me??

They all know Marty Grohman, too. What, exactly, did they not like about him? Because he rides a bicycle to work? Because he is a successful businessman? Because he has blue eyes? Because he volunteers at the skating rink and helps veterans? Spare me.

Biddeford is changing, including its political machinations, and that started more than 20 years ago, when MERC was still burning trash downtown. A Republican, Saco native (Gen. Wallace Nutting), beat two well-known, lifelong residents for the mayor’s seat. Ever since, the Democrats’ iron grip on the city has been slowly eroding.

I agree with musician Sheryl Crow, “a change will do you good.”

My advice to the Democrats? You’re gonna need a bigger boat.

Originally published in Saco Bay News

Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate

October 27, 2023February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Several people were less than pleased about something I posted yesterday on Facebook regarding Biddeford mayoral candidate Susan Deschambault.

Several of Deschambault’s supporters questioned my take-away observations of Monday’s mayoral debate, in which I wrote that candidate Susan Deschambault tripped over herself and made a big “gaffe.”

Some folks speculated that I was supporting the other candidate (Martin Grohman) and just looking for a gotcha moment. They accused me of “taking things out of context” and playing “loose with the facts.”

Well, I have some bad news for Deschambault and her supporters: The video record of that debate paints a rather unflattering picture, much worse than anything I posted on my Facebook page.

*Former State Sen. Susan Deschambault (Facebook photo)*

To those of you who demanded Deschambault’s “exact” words about the closure of the Maine Energy Recovery Company’s solid waste incinerator (MERC), here they are:

“I served under Joanne Twomey, and I served under General Nutting. I could mention to you that General Nutting and the council at that time bought MERC. How did they buy that? “

“We put out a referendum, we will buy it for 10 million dollars. You guys were smart, you said no. We went back to the drawing board, by that time we got MERC all upset, and they wanted to leave, we knew that. We brought it down to six million dollars and you, the taxpayer, paid for that. You wanted that and look what happened. Magic.”

Let’s examine the facts:

1.) Mayor Wallace Nutting and his council did NOT buy MERC. That facility was still operating many years later, long after Nutting left office. In fact, MERC was still there during Mayor Twomey’s two terms in office.

2.) There was only one municipal referendum, which was rejected by a margin of 2-1 by the city’s voters. There was never a second referendum.

3.) Magic??? Are you kidding me?? MERC’s closure took a Herculean effort by many individuals. It was most certainly not “magic.”

4.) The city finally found a way to end the nightmare in the summer of 2012, during Mayor Alan Casavant’s first term in office, The ensuing development was not instantaneous, and it took solid leadership and a new positive and professional approach from City Hall.

The transcript of this debate shows that both candidates were not really well-prepared for some rather softball questions, but if you watch the video, you will see Deschambault had a hard time staying on topic.

Those are the facts. Period.

I Am The Walrus

October 4, 2023February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

I have been covering Biddeford City Hall for nearly a quarter century, and I don’t recall seeing anything so silly and inane as what I witnessed during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

If you are a resident of Biddeford, you can let out a deep sigh of relief because City Manager James Bennett and his crack staff uncovered a little-known flaw in the city’s municipal ordinances.

Apparently, up until Tuesday, there was nothing in the city’s code of ordinances regarding improper or unauthorized usage of the city’s official seal.

Members of the city council, almost without question, dutifully voted unanimously to approve this important and vital change to our code of ordinances.

Phew! We narrowly dodged a bullet there.

But here’s the deal. It was already illegal. State law already prohibits any persons or entity from using a municipal seal in any inappropriate manner.

In fact, Bennett and his staff knew – before bringing this gem before the council— that it was already a violation of state law to use the city’s official seal in an unauthorized manner. But that didn’t stop them from drafting both a memo and new ordinance language in order to ensure that bad people clearly know that our city will not tolerate violations of state law within the city limits.

Wait. What?

In the classic 1978 comedy Animal House, Dean Wormer is vexed about a notorious fraternity on the campus of Faber College. In one memorable scene, the dean tells some close allies that he will place the Delta fraternity on probation.

“But the Deltas are already on probation,” says the chair of the student council.

“Well then,” the dean says with a smirk. “Now they are on double-secret probation.”

Our city manager earns a handsome six-figure salary plus a suite of lucrative employment benefits. Under his watch over the last few years, City Hall staff has ballooned. The argument always being “we are very busy and need more people.” At the same time, we seem to be doing a piss-poor job of retaining department heads and other senior staff.

In fact, I was surprised that Bennett didn’t recommend hiring a consultant to study the issue of inappropriate use of the city seal. Then we could send those recommendations from the consultant to the Policy Committee, where it would be dutifully reviewed and sent back to the council.

At this point, based on actual recent events, the council could then ask for “more information” and suggest that the Policy Committee should host a joint meeting with the city’s Conservation Committee in order to develop a joint resolution and appropriate guidance for the city council.

Meanwhile, residents are opening eye-popping property tax bills. Meanwhile, more and more of our neighbors are sleeping in doorways. Meanwhile, we can’t figure out how to paint the city’s clock tower. Meanwhile, we have a downtown parking debacle that borders on the absurd.

What’s next?

Is Bennett going to recommend to the council that we should amend our ordinances “to affirm” that murder is not allowed in the city of Biddeford?

I mean, right now all we have is the Ten Commandments and some rather explicit language at both the state and federal level that spells out murder is against the law. Sure, let’s update our municipal ordinances.

I don’t care if Bennett and his staff spent less than two hours on this issue. It was an epic waste of time and resources. Is the city manager just trying to justify his salary? Or does he and his staff have lots of free time to generate this sort of stuff?

Make no mistake. As usual, no one from the public spoke. No one from the public attended the meeting. Left to their own devices, this is the kind of stuff that happens in government when no one is watching.

This is your tax dollars at work. Happy?

Just remember: “Hooper drives the boat, Chief”

Originally posted in Saco Bay News

Promises In The Dark

September 7, 2023February 8, 2026 ~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

This is a story about the Saco Transportation Center, also known as the place where green-energy dreams go to die.

Now before some of you have a stroke, I do believe our climate is changing. I also believe humans have an impact on their environment — but sometimes it seems we get just a wee bit silly – running around like Chicken Little, screaming that the sky is falling.

You’ll have to forgive me, but I’m just not a big fan of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

While the pursuit of cleaner energy is certainly a noble cause, it seems that we are too often willing to abandon common sense, and instead blindly follow a mantra that is born from fear, rhetoric and half-truths.

And if you have the temerity to question anything about the green agenda, you are immediately branded as a mouth-breathing “denier” with limited cognitive functioning. You better toe the line.

My biggest problem with the “green energy/zero-carbon” agenda is all the self-righteous virtue signaling that goes hand-in-hand with this issue. So often, the paradigm of “Green Energy” is built upon a solid foundation of hypocrisy.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the Saco Transportation Center. When the facility was formally opened in 2009, press releases were sent out. VIPs were in attendance and local, state and even federal politicians were tripping over themselves in order to pat themselves on the back about how “green” the new facility would be — a virtual “role model for other communities across the country.”

Breathlessly, city leaders in Saco extolled the virtues of the new facility, congratulating themselves for being such good stewards of the environment. The facility was hailed as state-of-the-art, dedicated to be a giant leap forward in the pursuit of a better world, where every boy and girl has a pet unicorn and we all actually enjoy eating kale.

From the press release: “The station is notable for being the first green design train station in the United States, featuring a wind turbine for electricity, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and a roof made from recycled soda bottles.”

But almost as soon as the dust from the grand opening settled, the illusion of green virtue became harder to justify. Saco taxpayers had spent roughly $200,000 for construction of the wind turbine that sat majestically atop the hill of Saco Island.

The magnificent wind turbine, however, did not produce the expected amount of electricity, and it became a “safety concern.” It was quietly removed and taken down a few years later. There was no press release. No senators. No platters of kale and tofu. No pontification from local politicians or environmental lobbyists. The taxpayers took care of the demolition expenses. We can only pray that the turbine was properly recycled.

Undaunted, the politicians, environmental lobbyists and members of the green energy brigade pressed on, and they soon sent out another press release. Oh Happy Day! Biddeford-Saco-OOB Transit (Transit) was going to take ownership of two electric buses. Another ribbon cutting. More speeches. We’re saving the world one bus trip at a time. The local politicians cheered. Abandoned puppies were all adopted and the planet heaved a heavy sigh of relief.

Those new electric busses cost approximately $1.5 million each, nearly three times the cost of a traditional diesel bus.

Don’t worry, the local politicians said. Taxpayers are off the hook . . . the buses were “free,” purchased under a federal grant that was coordinated by U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Ummm, where does federal money come from? Oh yeah, that’s right — from federal taxes, paid by you and me.

Chad Heid, executive director of Transit, told reporters that his organization will be applying for more federal aid so that additional electric buses can be purchased in the future. Heid added that there will be a charging station in Biddeford, and “on-route charging stations at the Saco Transportation Center will be installed later this year.”

Maine Governor Janet Mills and Senator Angus King, Jr. participate in the celebration of new electric busses. (Photo: WGME TV)

Flash forward a couple years later? Still no bus charging stations at the transportation center. In fact, the company that built the “green” electric busses recently filed for bankruptcy protection, according to the Bangor Daily News.

Apparently, green energy doesn’t work out so well for its investors.

Almost immediately after being purchased, the new electric busses presented several challenges for the local transit authority. The new busses nearly drained their batteries after only a few hours of use on cold, Maine mornings.

A bit of disclosure: I was hired by Transit last year on a short-term contract to help collect data about passenger/route efficiencies. That contract ended last year. Over just a few weeks of riding several of the busses on various routes, I learned a lot about our local bus system and the people who ride the bus. (More about that in a minute).

On one cold February morning, those of us riding on one of the new electric busses had to be rescued by a passenger van, transported back to the Transit maintenance facility on Pomerleau Street and then re-loaded onto a traditional diesel bus. The passengers were not happy campers. I tried not to laugh.

Earlier this year, the University of New England began running a series of promotional television commercials including one in which several students praised the school for its “sustainability” practices and its commitment to the environment. Well, laddi-laddi-da.

Local taxpayers (you and me) help provide a shuttle trolley to go back and forth between downtown and UNE’s Biddeford campus, 14 times a day, seven days per week. The students who bloviate about “environmental stewardship and sustainability” apparently don’t like using mass transit, and instead prefer to drive their cars to have brunch at the Run Of The Mill and other downtown taverns.

That particular bus line (The Silver Line) operates for free. Throughout the day, basically every 15 minutes, that bus (trolley) also runs a loop up Main Street in Biddeford; right onto Lincoln Street, past the parking garage; right onto Elm Street and back to Main Street in Saco. Again, it is free to ride that line. How many people do you suppose take advantage of this service?

Over several days of riding that bus trolley, I saw two people use it. Two. Over a six-hour period. Two people. 30 Trips. Two people. Number of people getting on or off at UNE? Zero. Zilch. Nada.

We want to “save the planet” right up until the point when it’s not very convenient to do so. Where I come from, we call that hypocrisy.

Yes, Transit does serve a certain segment of our local population; mainly people without cars.

Meanwhile, the Maine Turnpike Authority recently withdrew its financial subsidy for the ZOOM Turnpike Express bus. They are focusing instead on spending more money to make the highway better able to handle an increasing number of cars.

Remember, the Saco Transportation Center has a roof made of recycled soda bottles. In the lobby, however, you can find vending machines that offer a wide array of beverages in plastic bottles. Good to know, in case we ever need to repatch, repair or replace the roof.

What about the train? Sure, the Amtrak Downeaster is a fun way to go catch a Bruins game or see the Celtics, but very few people use it as a commuter line. In fact, according to rail officials, overall ridership on the Downeaster is increasing, but the number of work commuters has dropped by more than 30 percent since 2019.

Really, would you ride the train from Saco to Portland for work? You would be dropped on the western outskirts of the city, on Thompson Point Road. Hardly convenient or efficient.

The municipalities of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard each contribute $250,000 annually toward the Transit’s operating costs, and I’m glad that my community offers public transportation.

But it pisses me off that the people who squawk loudest about “sustainability” and carbon emissions rarely – if ever – use public transit. And I think maybe we should be a bit more committed to efficiency rather than patting ourselves on the back for being green. Because, honestly, it’s literally not sustainable.

When it comes to meaningless virtue signaling, the city of Saco is giving Portland a good run for its money, but I guess it’s only an island if you look at it from the water.

Originally published in Saco Bay News

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