Three challenge Twomey in race for Biddeford mayor
A retired publisher, a veteran and a newcomer to local politics are running to unseat Mayor Joanne Twomey.
David Flood
Age: 54
Address: 36 May St.
Phone number: 283-4244
Occupation: Former newspaper publisher, retired
Family: Carolyn, wife; two grown sons, Chris and Adam
Education: Bachelor’s in English
Previous political experience: Councilor-at-large
Why are you running for office? I care about Biddeford and I can get things done. I’ve been active in downtown Biddeford since we started the Courier in 1989, growing the company to six papers with 28 full-time employees and 16 part-time employees. I was president of the Heart of Biddeford for its first five years. This is an important time in Biddeford’s history – a lot of progress can be made with the mill area, downtown, open space, schools and more. I can help bring people together to accomplish what will help Biddeford as a whole.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? I’m different from my opponents in that my wife and I started a business, ran it for 18 years and then sold it successfully. We started it just as a recession was starting, but we hung in there and made it work. That same determination and ingenuity will be invaluable as mayor. I have many connections that will be a huge help. When Don Meginley approached the city about having the Main Street area designated a historic zone, I arranged a half-dozen meetings with property owners downtown so they would understand what was being proposed. I understand numbers, how budgets work and how to work with people. Also, I have an intellectual curiosity. I participated in the Leadership Maine program of the Maine Development Foundation and made contacts throughout the state. Finally, I simply care about the people of Biddeford, where my father grew up and my grandparents were born, raised and died.
What are the top three issues facing Biddeford and how will you address them? The first problem is mistrust. We need to talk with people. The council needs to talk with the school committee, with the Saco council, with local legislators, with people in the coastal area of Biddeford, and we need to be the facilitator for the different mill owners to work together. The mayor can set the tone for this.
Second, we need to get a handle on taxes, on the budget. I’m strongly in favor of the high school referendum passing and, if it does, then when the building is done, it will raise taxes by 93 cents. We have already been told we’re going to receive over $900,000 less in school funding for schools next year. To fight that, we need to have the efficiency report that the council asked for nearly a year ago. We need to know how money is being spent in cities of comparable sizes. We need to have an economic development director to bring business to the city and add to the tax base. We need to have a better way of budgeting by setting priorities other than a simple goal of a total dollar amount. No $60 million corporation would do its budget like Biddeford does its budget – we need to set priorities for the long-term benefit of its citizens.
Third, we need to develop the mill area and the downtown. This is connected to many other issues. Affordable housing is a major concern – we can have more of it in the mills and downtown. Jobs are needed – if the Main Street area is designated a historic zone, it’s possible that more than $10 million of investment money will be spent making improvements. That means construction jobs to get the work done and then office, retail and light industrial jobs. Open space? If the effort of development is focused in the downtown, then it’s easier to not disturb open space. Taxes? We need to develop the tax base where the infrastructure already exists. We need to remove MERC from the downtown so all of this can have the best conditions possible to happen. And besides, we have such amazing mill buildings. They are the castles of today, full of character.
If elected, what will you do in your first month in office? First, we need to immediately review the budget. Department heads start thinking about their budgets in December. That’s when the mayor and council need to get to work setting priorities. By that time, we will know if the high school referendum passed or not. If it passes, we’ll need to push ahead with getting the work done. If it doesn’t, then we need to come up with the next plan on improving the school. Third, we need to start making connections and working on relationships. The Legislature will be going into session – we should review the issues with our local senators and representatives. We need to make sure the council and school committee are on the same page. It takes a lot of time to make substantial differences – the tone is set in the first month.
Richard P. Giroux
Age: 64
Address: 11 Marblehead Lane
Phone number: 283-8961
Occupation: retired
Family: Married since 1973 to Priscille (Belanger) from Biddeford, who attended Fanny Allen School of Nursing in Vermont. Daughter Michelle G. Giroux, graduate of Biddeford High School in 1994 and Augusta College in Augusta, Ga.; married to Philippe Dube, mother of 4-year-old Audrey Faith.
Education: St. Louis and Biddeford high schools; Berklee College of Music, Boston; Northern Conservatory of Music, Norfolk, Va.; Virginia Beach Auxiliary Police Academy, Virginia Beach, Va.; Peace Officers Standards of Training, Augusta, Ga.; Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Waterville.
Previous political experience: Candidate for York County Commissioner; appointed by former Mayor Wallace Nutting to the fire commission. Currently standing chairman of fire commission.
Why are you running for office? I feel that I can bring common sense and leadership to the council for the present and future issues that need to be dealt with. I care about what happens with the present and future of our community and the direction of our youth.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? The schooling and travels that I have experienced in my 20 military years. Experiences in dealing with people in different parts of the country in the law enforcement field. The experience of being a substitute and assistant teacher in different schools.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them? The first issue would be to see the results for the future of Biddeford High School and immediately organize on what direction we will be heading. Of course, the next is the monetary direction and where we stand and looking for waste. How we can start moving toward having a downtown with more parking and a future beautification day in the spring.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? I will continue to familiarize myself with all departments. Start to know our elected council and bring them closer together with issues. Organize in a positive manner with better communications for the future of the city of Biddeford.
Karl R. Reed Sr.
Age: 46
Address: 47 Adams St.
Phone number: 289-0965
Occupation: Retired
Family: Susan, wife of 24 years; three children, Karl Jr., Richard Charles and Amanda Sue.
Education: Paralegal
Previous political experience: None.
Why are you running for office? To give voice to those who cannot, to bring compassion to the city. To level the playing field for all.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? Honesty, respect and understanding for everyone.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them?
School bond: I believe in Biddeford, I know the hearts of the voters to do the right thing and vote for the school bond. The better the education the more productive the students will be in life. The school system is the cornerstone of the city. You have a great school, more people will move to the city and that will increase business.
Downtown: I will require that any new big businesses moving into the outskirts of the city to build or sponsor something downtown. I will actively try to bring new stores and businesses downtown. I will visit all the downtown stores and let them know that the old way of the city is over and I want to help them achieve success. No more bullying, I want to partnership with them, when they succeed the city will also. I will work with the groups like La Kermesse, not against them. I will work personally with anyone wanting to open up a business. The downtown is all of our problem. We all have to work together and all get along.
MERC: It is a mistake that happened long ago but now has to be dealt with. I will not vote to close it at this time, the taxpayers of this city are being pushed every which way but loose in these trying times when people are having big troubles making ends meet. I will not burden them with more taxes. I will not put another 150 people on the unemployment line. I will meet with MERC and work things out. Let’s face it, they are here and we have to live with it for now.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? Well, I will have coffee with Dick Giroux and I will be asking a lot of citizens of Biddeford to come on board and help make this a better place to live. Ad hoc committees will be formed. My pet project Believe in Biddeford will be born. I will visit each school, have lunch at the school (eat school lunch), talk to children. They are our future. I will be having a meeting with all social service agencies in the city to encourage their growth. I will award Don and Terry Lessard with a great citizens award, an award long overdue. I will be checking the function of all city departments. I want to bring old-fashioned family values back to the city. I will support the family unit. I will be working on some fun events that are centered around family, I will work at the schools. I will let everyone know that this is their city and I’m giving it back to them, where it belongs. I don’t want to run the city, I want to be your voice for the direction of Biddeford.
Joanne Twomey, incumbent
Age: 63
Address: 246 Elm St.
Phone number: 283-3178
Occupation: Mayor of Biddeford
Family: Married to high school sweetheart, John D. Twomey, for 34 years; widowed 10 years.
Education: Thornton Academy graduate; advanced learning in environmental courses; certified substitute teacher.
Previous political experience: City council, six years; Maine state representative, eight years; served on local and state government, natural resource and agricultural committees; mayor, two years.
Why are you running for office? I am running for re-election as mayor because, to quote Edward Kennedy, “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams never die.” I would like to finish the work I started on Maine Energy and the open space and energy conservation committees. I kept the budget at zero percent increase while assuring that the social service budget be given to the food pantries and oil assistance programs. I secured $30,000 for oil from Citizens Energy, I solicited money from local bankers for the BHS renovation project, and want to make sure this work is finished. We still have important work to do with the airport, the shoreland zoning ordinances and looking forward to a new comprehensive plan for Biddeford.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? Intelligence, compassion, assertiveness and the ability to never forget who I work for – the people of Biddeford.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them? 1. Biddeford High School renovation. I will make sure the project gets finished to ensure quality education for our students. 2. Maine Energy. I will announce this week the work we have accomplished and what the future will be for all of us. 3. Jobs. Will appoint a labor council to work with our new economic development director to ensure we bring new jobs to Biddeford.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? If re-elected, the first thing I would do is get in touch with the new council, many of whom have endorsed me. I want to hear their goals and visions for this city and plan on how we can work together to accomplish these goals. I would appoint a labor council to work with our new economic developer to ensure we can attract new jobs to the city as well as maintain the jobs we have. I would continue to move the city forward and be the cheerleader for our students, who I love so much
David Flood
Age: 54
Address: 36 May St.
Phone number: 283-4244
Occupation: Former newspaper publisher, retired
Family: Carolyn, wife; two grown sons, Chris and Adam
Education: Bachelor’s in English
Previous political experience: Councilor-at-large
Why are you running for office? I care about Biddeford and I can get things done. I’ve been active in downtown Biddeford since we started the Courier in 1989, growing the company to six papers with 28 full-time employees and 16 part-time employees. I was president of the Heart of Biddeford for its first five years. This is an important time in Biddeford’s history – a lot of progress can be made with the mill area, downtown, open space, schools and more. I can help bring people together to accomplish what will help Biddeford as a whole.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? I’m different from my opponents in that my wife and I started a business, ran it for 18 years and then sold it successfully. We started it just as a recession was starting, but we hung in there and made it work. That same determination and ingenuity will be invaluable as mayor. I have many connections that will be a huge help. When Don Meginley approached the city about having the Main Street area designated a historic zone, I arranged a half-dozen meetings with property owners downtown so they would understand what was being proposed. I understand numbers, how budgets work and how to work with people. Also, I have an intellectual curiosity. I participated in the Leadership Maine program of the Maine Development Foundation and made contacts throughout the state. Finally, I simply care about the people of Biddeford, where my father grew up and my grandparents were born, raised and died.
What are the top three issues facing Biddeford and how will you address them? The first problem is mistrust. We need to talk with people. The council needs to talk with the school committee, with the Saco council, with local legislators, with people in the coastal area of Biddeford, and we need to be the facilitator for the different mill owners to work together. The mayor can set the tone for this.
Second, we need to get a handle on taxes, on the budget. I’m strongly in favor of the high school referendum passing and, if it does, then when the building is done, it will raise taxes by 93 cents. We have already been told we’re going to receive over $900,000 less in school funding for schools next year. To fight that, we need to have the efficiency report that the council asked for nearly a year ago. We need to know how money is being spent in cities of comparable sizes. We need to have an economic development director to bring business to the city and add to the tax base. We need to have a better way of budgeting by setting priorities other than a simple goal of a total dollar amount. No $60 million corporation would do its budget like Biddeford does its budget – we need to set priorities for the long-term benefit of its citizens.
Third, we need to develop the mill area and the downtown. This is connected to many other issues. Affordable housing is a major concern – we can have more of it in the mills and downtown. Jobs are needed – if the Main Street area is designated a historic zone, it’s possible that more than $10 million of investment money will be spent making improvements. That means construction jobs to get the work done and then office, retail and light industrial jobs. Open space? If the effort of development is focused in the downtown, then it’s easier to not disturb open space. Taxes? We need to develop the tax base where the infrastructure already exists. We need to remove MERC from the downtown so all of this can have the best conditions possible to happen. And besides, we have such amazing mill buildings. They are the castles of today, full of character.
If elected, what will you do in your first month in office? First, we need to immediately review the budget. Department heads start thinking about their budgets in December. That’s when the mayor and council need to get to work setting priorities. By that time, we will know if the high school referendum passed or not. If it passes, we’ll need to push ahead with getting the work done. If it doesn’t, then we need to come up with the next plan on improving the school. Third, we need to start making connections and working on relationships. The Legislature will be going into session – we should review the issues with our local senators and representatives. We need to make sure the council and school committee are on the same page. It takes a lot of time to make substantial differences – the tone is set in the first month.
Richard P. Giroux
Age: 64
Address: 11 Marblehead Lane
Phone number: 283-8961
Occupation: retired
Family: Married since 1973 to Priscille (Belanger) from Biddeford, who attended Fanny Allen School of Nursing in Vermont. Daughter Michelle G. Giroux, graduate of Biddeford High School in 1994 and Augusta College in Augusta, Ga.; married to Philippe Dube, mother of 4-year-old Audrey Faith.
Education: St. Louis and Biddeford high schools; Berklee College of Music, Boston; Northern Conservatory of Music, Norfolk, Va.; Virginia Beach Auxiliary Police Academy, Virginia Beach, Va.; Peace Officers Standards of Training, Augusta, Ga.; Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Waterville.
Previous political experience: Candidate for York County Commissioner; appointed by former Mayor Wallace Nutting to the fire commission. Currently standing chairman of fire commission.
Why are you running for office? I feel that I can bring common sense and leadership to the council for the present and future issues that need to be dealt with. I care about what happens with the present and future of our community and the direction of our youth.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? The schooling and travels that I have experienced in my 20 military years. Experiences in dealing with people in different parts of the country in the law enforcement field. The experience of being a substitute and assistant teacher in different schools.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them? The first issue would be to see the results for the future of Biddeford High School and immediately organize on what direction we will be heading. Of course, the next is the monetary direction and where we stand and looking for waste. How we can start moving toward having a downtown with more parking and a future beautification day in the spring.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? I will continue to familiarize myself with all departments. Start to know our elected council and bring them closer together with issues. Organize in a positive manner with better communications for the future of the city of Biddeford.
Karl R. Reed Sr.
Age: 46
Address: 47 Adams St.
Phone number: 289-0965
Occupation: Retired
Family: Susan, wife of 24 years; three children, Karl Jr., Richard Charles and Amanda Sue.
Education: Paralegal
Previous political experience: None.
Why are you running for office? To give voice to those who cannot, to bring compassion to the city. To level the playing field for all.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? Honesty, respect and understanding for everyone.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them?
School bond: I believe in Biddeford, I know the hearts of the voters to do the right thing and vote for the school bond. The better the education the more productive the students will be in life. The school system is the cornerstone of the city. You have a great school, more people will move to the city and that will increase business.
Downtown: I will require that any new big businesses moving into the outskirts of the city to build or sponsor something downtown. I will actively try to bring new stores and businesses downtown. I will visit all the downtown stores and let them know that the old way of the city is over and I want to help them achieve success. No more bullying, I want to partnership with them, when they succeed the city will also. I will work with the groups like La Kermesse, not against them. I will work personally with anyone wanting to open up a business. The downtown is all of our problem. We all have to work together and all get along.
MERC: It is a mistake that happened long ago but now has to be dealt with. I will not vote to close it at this time, the taxpayers of this city are being pushed every which way but loose in these trying times when people are having big troubles making ends meet. I will not burden them with more taxes. I will not put another 150 people on the unemployment line. I will meet with MERC and work things out. Let’s face it, they are here and we have to live with it for now.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? Well, I will have coffee with Dick Giroux and I will be asking a lot of citizens of Biddeford to come on board and help make this a better place to live. Ad hoc committees will be formed. My pet project Believe in Biddeford will be born. I will visit each school, have lunch at the school (eat school lunch), talk to children. They are our future. I will be having a meeting with all social service agencies in the city to encourage their growth. I will award Don and Terry Lessard with a great citizens award, an award long overdue. I will be checking the function of all city departments. I want to bring old-fashioned family values back to the city. I will support the family unit. I will be working on some fun events that are centered around family, I will work at the schools. I will let everyone know that this is their city and I’m giving it back to them, where it belongs. I don’t want to run the city, I want to be your voice for the direction of Biddeford.
Joanne Twomey, incumbent
Age: 63
Address: 246 Elm St.
Phone number: 283-3178
Occupation: Mayor of Biddeford
Family: Married to high school sweetheart, John D. Twomey, for 34 years; widowed 10 years.
Education: Thornton Academy graduate; advanced learning in environmental courses; certified substitute teacher.
Previous political experience: City council, six years; Maine state representative, eight years; served on local and state government, natural resource and agricultural committees; mayor, two years.
Why are you running for office? I am running for re-election as mayor because, to quote Edward Kennedy, “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams never die.” I would like to finish the work I started on Maine Energy and the open space and energy conservation committees. I kept the budget at zero percent increase while assuring that the social service budget be given to the food pantries and oil assistance programs. I secured $30,000 for oil from Citizens Energy, I solicited money from local bankers for the BHS renovation project, and want to make sure this work is finished. We still have important work to do with the airport, the shoreland zoning ordinances and looking forward to a new comprehensive plan for Biddeford.
What are the attributes and skills that qualify you for this position? Intelligence, compassion, assertiveness and the ability to never forget who I work for – the people of Biddeford.
What are the top three issue facing Biddeford and how will you address them? 1. Biddeford High School renovation. I will make sure the project gets finished to ensure quality education for our students. 2. Maine Energy. I will announce this week the work we have accomplished and what the future will be for all of us. 3. Jobs. Will appoint a labor council to work with our new economic development director to ensure we bring new jobs to Biddeford.
If elected, what will you do in the first month in office? If re-elected, the first thing I would do is get in touch with the new council, many of whom have endorsed me. I want to hear their goals and visions for this city and plan on how we can work together to accomplish these goals. I would appoint a labor council to work with our new economic developer to ensure we can attract new jobs to the city as well as maintain the jobs we have. I would continue to move the city forward and be the cheerleader for our students, who I love so much
Comments