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~Featured Monthly Column~ By Senator Henry Ingwersen, District 32 June 25, 2026, Last week, I was happy to see that the people of Arundel voted overwhelmingly in support of a new ordinance that protects residents of mobile home communities like Shady Oaks from steep rent increases. As many are aware, out-of-state corporations have been buying up mobile home parks and raising the rents beyond what folks – mostly seniors or single or young people – can reasonably afford. This n

By Alan Bennett, University of New England, Office of Communications "Residents in Biddeford and Portland report the University's highest ratings for reputation, integrity, and community impact". View the full survey results June 22, 2026, The University of New England today released the results of a comprehensive public opinion survey conducted by Emerson College Polling, finding strong levels of support, trust, and confidence in the University across Maine. Ratings were esp

~In addition, "since the Interim City Manager does not live within commuting distance, the City will pay for overnight accommodations at the government rate."~ June 15, 2026, As announced on June 3, Mayor Liam LaFountain nominated Cornell Knight of Bar Harbor to be Biddeford's newest Interim City Manager. According to meeting documents, if approved at tomorrow's City Council meeting, "the Interim City Manager will serve in that role until the permanent City Manager is appoint

~Letter to the Buzz~ June 11, 2026 By Mike Burman, Saco Resident and Former City Councilor Ward 4 I’ve been following the TA-Saco situation carefully, including the meeting on Wednesday June 10th. To be honest, I found the whole thing embarrassing. For context, I have served two terms as City Councilor for Ward 4, served on the Saco School District strategic planning committee, served as founding member of the Saco Education Foundation (originally Saco STEAM), am a Profess

"Menard just upped the anti... and it's getting kind of intense." June 9, 2026, For those following the contract negotiations between Thornton Academy and the Saco School Department, Menard just upped the anti... and it's getting kind of intense. Basically (and in the words of a millennial) in one single action, TA Headmaster Rene Menard said, "ok, you want to see gangsta? Enjoy tomorrow's school board meeting Superintendent Jeremy Ray". Say what you want about him, Menard is

May 29, 2026, Today, exactly two months from the day he hosted a townhall event at the JR Martin Community Center in Biddeford, Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah, released his list of executive orders that if elected, he "will sign on day one as governor". Some readers may recall a similar piece we published back on February 20, 2026 sharing Shah's plan to "Safeguard Maine From Trump". When announcing the list of orders Shah stated, "Mainers are looking for le

By Tammy Wells, York County Government media, Contributing Writer May 28, 2026, If public service agencies have trained together, when bad things happen that require a response by first responders – and they do – everyone is on the same page. They know each other, they’ve had the same instruction, and they can work together seamlessly. U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) toured York County Regional Training Center on Wednesday, May 27 and pronounced the facility “the heart of

~Featured Monthly Column~ By Senator Henry Ingwersen, District 32 May 28, 2026, Now that the Legislature has adjourned for the year, I am taking some time to think about our work to lower everyday costs for Maine families and support our state’s hardest workers. Several bills that I sponsored were signed into law, tackling issues ranging from rising childcare and food costs to the health of Maine workers. One of my top priorities was helping families access quality, affordabl

May 27, 2026, Earlier today, At-large City Councilor Marc Lessard officially submitted his paperwork to the Maine Secretary of State's office to be on the ballot for the upcoming election(s) to represent District 133. We first reported on Lessard’s interest in running for this seat back on February 13, 2026. Currently district 133 is represented by Democrat Marc Malon of Biddeford Maine. Malon has held this position for two consecutive terms and is currently seeking a 3rd ter

WILL YOU BE VOTING FOR HANNAH PINGREE? "We have to work together, even with folks that don't agree with us". - Hannah Pingree May 20, 2026, Earlier today, Hannah Pingree for Governor held a public town hall event at The Gutter in Downtown Biddeford (129 Main Street). The event had roughly 55+ individuals in attendance and began at approximately 5:30PM and ran for roughly 2 hours. "I've spent my whole career standing up on tough issues, and I know it's a really important time

By Danica Lamontagne, City of Biddeford Communications, Contributing Writer May 20, 2026, At the June 9, 2026 Election, voters who are registered to the Democratic Party or Republican Party will participate in their party's Primary Election for U.S. Senator, Representative to Congress, Governor, State Senator, State Representative, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Sheriff, District Attorney, and County Commissioner. If you are a registered voter but are unenrolled, you ca

May 19, 2026, Although not the full amount that was cut from the budget for the Biddeford Police and Fire Departments, during tonight's second and final reading of the City of Biddeford's FY 27 budget, Council President Roger Beaupre motioned to add back $60,000 for the Police and $25,000 for Fire - and the council voted unanimously in favor! Prior to the motion being made, several residents spoke out regarding the public service cuts and asked the council to consider adding

By: Jason Litalien, Contributing Writer, Independent Candidate Maine Senate 32 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a program from the State that allows us to retain additional tax money received from that district without having to share it with the County or the State. When structured properly, TIFs can be a great tool for redevelopment. Unfortunately, that is where part of the problem begins. Another part of the problem is the Credit Enhancement Agreement, which is a public su

"My belief is that.... the moratorium was in effect" - ZBA Board Member May 4, 2026, A big win for those who have expressed opposition to the University of New England building a new pier along the Saco River - at tonight's Biddeford Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) hearing, the ZBA voted to uphold the City's recent application denials issued to the University of New England pertaining to trees being "cleared" along the waterway, as well as the demolition of a building (Leonard

“I want to take a moment to thank Truc for her service to the city over these last nine months…. Looking ahead, the city will be engaging an interim city manager and a process from outside the organization... I know, this process will raise a lot of questions, and I want you to know that the council and I are committed and focused on serving the residents of Biddeford and keeping all of you involved. ” - Mayor Liam LaFountain, Biddeford April 28, 2026, This evening, Mayor LaF

April 27, 2026, the following letter was sent this evening to Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain from University of New England President Dr. James Herbert. In the letter, Dr. Herbert writes to the Mayor to discuss "current inability of the City leadership and the University to work together constructively." Later in the letter, Herbert reminds LaFountain, "As you know, you are in receipt of correspondence from UNE on April 15 requesting that you agree to an independent mediator

"Stepping away is a matter of professional integrity and self-respect... It is difficult for me to acknowledge, but I will be candid and say that had the full extent of these conditions---and the limitations imposed on this role-been apparent when I applied, I would not have pursued the position." April 27, 2026, Earlier today we shared the news that recently hired Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever has submitted her resignation to Mayor LaFountain and City Councilors effectiv

By Danica Lamontagne, Contributing Writer April 27, 2026, Truc Dever, hired last summer to replace former city manager Jim Bennett, submitted her letter of resignation to the Biddeford City Council and Mayor Liam LaFountain Sunday evening. During her time in Biddeford, Dever led the City through a difficult and demanding FY27 budget season and supported ongoing municipal operations. In her letter of resignation, the outgoing city manager acknowledged "the scope and complexity

April 20, 2026, below is a letter from Ward 6 City Councilor Jake Pierson. In the letter, Councilor Pierson explains to Biddeford residents why City Council is unable to "tax different properties at different rates". Please see the Councilor's letter below: The city of Biddeford is currently in the time of the year affectionately known as ‘budget season.’ Hard decisions and complex discussions are the name of the game during this season. As I’ve sat on the dais during our de

By Danica Lamontagne, Contributing Writer April 20, 2026, We are pleased to share that the City Hall Clock Tower has received an Honor Award from Maine Preservation. Biddeford's original city hall was lost to a catastrophic fire on New Years Day in 1895 Architect John Calvin Stevens was commissioned to design its replacement. Using primarily brick and granite, Stevens executed the building in the Renaissance Revival stvle. The 135-foot clock tower (pictured below) was outfitt