📰BIDDEFORD | Dysfunctional VS Non-functioning Government

3 hours ago
2 min read

~Letter to the Buzz~

By Kelsey Cummings, Ward 5

August 19, 2026, Obviously, how the government should work is a hot topic right now. But it should work, right?

There’s a difference between a dysfunctional government and a non-functioning one, and now we’re far past the breaking point.

Biddeford has endured everything from delays in codes, vacancies throughout the city, misconduct, lawsuits, late audits, federal employees intimidating our communities, skyrocketing rent, never-ending required construction, unfinished city plans, high taxes, traffic, lack of tourism & the loss of over 30 downtown businesses within 6 years -It appears that something just doesn’t seem to be working.

The job of City Council is to come together, hear the people, discuss important issues and meet in the middle on a passable piece of legislation that benefits this city and all who inhabit it. It has been 9 months since these officials have taken their positions, so I invite you to ask yourself: Do I feel heard? Is the government functioning according to the city's needs? Has the quality of my or others lives improved since the new Mayor & Council took office?

Our community deserves real change. Change that not only works for us, but also includes us in all decisions.

Biddeford needs leaders who accept responsibility while standing in the spotlight—not a government that works in the shadows. How many times have you been told that “government moves slow,” or “we’re working on this behind the scenes,” or were given an excuse why a reasonable request could not be accommodated?

An experience I think most of us can relate to? Showing our work. If a student constantly gave the correct answer, but never showed their work; would the teacher believe it? Would they accept the answer without seeing the work? No; and neither should we. If our city government is working so hard behind the scenes, then they should have no problem providing evidence of them collaborating on some of the current and ongoing issues.

Simple, low cost, high impact changes are a great way to start proving the effectiveness of their process. Changes like consistent beautification, walkable sidewalks, safe bike lanes, creating sustainable civic engagement opportunities, investing time and resources in organizations that provide real services to our communities. Then clearly communicating these plans to the people; That would make a real difference.

The government needs to work with us, not against us. We can agree to disagree on whether it’s their job to make our lives easier, but it sure as hell isn't their job to make our lives harder.

There is a difference between bureaucracy and no bureaucracy; slow movement and no movement; a dysfunctional government and a nonfunctioning one. If our representatives are working, then they should show us the work.

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