By David Harry
Staff Writer

As the campaign begins in Biddeford, the ballot for city offices is as distinctive for the names it lacks as the names of those running.
No matter who wins Nov. 8, Biddeford City Council will be full of new faces as six of nine incumbents decided against seeking new two-year terms. The change could become more extensive should challenger Maine House District 137 Rep. Alan Casavant defeat incumbent Mayor Joanne Twomey.
Incumbent councilors James Emerson from Ward 1, Clement Fleurent from Ward 3, Alfred Lamontagne from Ward 4, Raymond Gagnon from Ward 7 and at-large councilors George “Pete” Lamontagne and Patricia Boston are not seeking re-election.
Their reasons not to seek re-election are varied. Emerson is running for Biddeford School Committee, Boston said demands of a new job make it too difficult to effectively serve and Fluerent and Pete Lamontagne said it is time to move on.
Emerson said he might be more effective serving on the school committee, which also will see significant turnover as incumbents Peggy Bean, Roberta Bernier, Alexandra Clarke and Laura Seaver did not file nomination papers.
The school committee ballot offers seven candidates for seven seats, including Emerson, Lisa M. Vadnais, William W. Moriarty, Heather Mills and incumbents Tammy L. Fleurent, Anthony A. Michaud and Nathan H. Mills.
The ballot for nine council seats is a full one, as six of nine seats are contested. Incumbents David J.Bourque of Ward 2 and Richard Laverriere of Ward 6 are running unopposed, as is Melissa L. Bednarowski, who is seeking Alfred Lamontagne’s Ward 4 seat.
Boston and Pete Lamontagne served as at-large councilors and their seats are sought by eight candidates.
Dennis R. Anglea, Roch A. Angers, Christopher H. Betjemann, James G. McGowan, Vincent Keely, Karl R. Reed Sr., Richard E. Rhames and Anna Rivard are vying for election to the two seats.
Lamontagne said after 12 years on the council, turnover could become challenging as new councilors learn the ins and outs of the job.
“It is going to be difficult,” he said. “It is more of a time commitment than people might imagine.”
Emerson also is serving as campaign treasurer for Casavant’s mayoral campaign. Boston also supports his effort to defeat Twomey’s bid for a third term.
Emerson said his decision to seek a school committee seat was based on his faith that good candidates would emerge in Ward 1.
Emerson served one two-year term that began in 2009. In 2006, he completed the remaining year on a term won by Phillippe Dumont after Dumont resigned after moving from the ward.
Donald R. Furman, Suzanne Y. Sexton and Michael J. Swanton are running to replace Emerson.
“I also believe as many people as possible should be on the council,” Emerson said.
Boston said she was drawn to running for her council seat initially because there was a lack of candidates and she is averse to unopposed elections. She said the election winners may be surprised at the time needed to serve and the learning curve for the council.
Boston said she hopes turnover this year generate new interest in amending the city charter to stagger council terms and possibly extend them to three years.
“It takes you probably the better part of the first year to acclimate to the role. There is more to preparation than just picking up the council packets,” Boston said.
In other council races, Council President Bob Mills is challenged in Ward 5 by Tammy L. Ackerman and Carol A. Boisjoly.
William Sexton, Patricia A. Whitehurst and former councilor David C.Flood are seeking the Ward 7 seat now held by Gagnon.
Fleurent, a councilor for eight years, said his decision not to run is based on family matters, but may not be the end of his civic involvement. He said he might seek a spot on the planning board.
Fleurent’s Ward 3 seat is sought by Bradley N. Cote, Doris “Dot” Cook and Roland W. Pelletier Jr.
Fleurent said he enjoyed the first portion of his service the most (as a councilor) because he found himself on the winning side more often.
“When you are on the opposite side, you come and talk to yourself,” he said.
Boston, Pete Lamontagne, Fluerent and Emerson said they have all enjoyed the public contact as councilors, even during contentious issues. Fleurent said meeting people as he delivered oil or drove a dump truck kept him in tune with the basic needs of the city and his constituents.
“A lot of people on the outside complain. On the inside, you can make a difference,” he said.