In a highly contested race, 15 candidates are vying for nine seats on Biddeford City Council.

Candidates include political newcomers, as well as those with experience in Biddeford politics. Incumbent City Councilor Marc Lessard faces newcomers Nasreen Sheikh-Yousef and Lisa Vadnais for two council at-large seats.

In Ward 1, former Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce Director Jim LaBelle is running against Patricia Boston for one seat. In Ward 2, former City Council President John McCurry is running against political newcomer Abigail Woods for one seat.

In Ward 3, incumbent Roger Beaupre is running unopposed, and in Ward 4, incumbent Dylan Doughty is running against former Councilor Bob Mills. David Kurtz is also running unopposed in Ward 5.

In Ward 6, former City Councilor Roger Hurtubise is running against Jake Pierson, who has experience serving on several Biddeford committees. Current Ward 6 representative Norman Belanger is giving up his seat to run for mayor.

In Ward 7, former City Councilor Brad Cote is running against political newcomer Sam Pecor. Current Ward 7 representative and City Council President Liam LaFountain is giving up his seat to run for mayor.

Last week, the Portland Press Herald talked with the candidates about their reasons for running, and what they hope to bring to Biddeford if elected on Nov. 4.

Attempts to reach Ward 1 and at-large candidates were unsuccessful.

WARD 2 

ABIGAIL WOODS

Why did you choose to run for City Council?

I have been involved in the community since I moved here in 2014, and more actively in local government starting in 2020, when I started working for the city of Biddeford as the community development coordinator.

I love this city and it has been tough to watch the challenges we are facing around housing, homelessness, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty. Though so many of these issues stem from COVID-era issues, as well as funding changes at the federal level, there are still ways for us to work together as a community to support our own. Many people who love Biddeford and want to stay here — whether they have lived here their whole lives or have moved here later, as I did — face ever growing challenges in order to do so. I want to be part of the solution.

What relevant experience do you have?

My work experience is closely tied to the types of issues City Council considers — housing, homelessness, community and economic development, and public engagement. I believe we need representatives on the City Council with expertise in the areas where we face the most challenges, but who are also collaborative and compassionate. I am skilled at navigating complex systems and passionate about changing those systems to help people.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Biddeford right now?

Housing and homelessness is top of mind, both because of my job and from talking to my friends, neighbors, and while out canvassing. Property taxes come up quite often as well, but ultimately, those issues tend to be around housing stability. I believe we need to do a better job understanding where we are by collecting data and using it to make decisions. We should not have to pit one group against another financially in order to achieve success as a city.

Why do you think Biddeford residents should vote for you? 

I want to bring my values of community, creativity, and compassion to decision making:

Community. I believe deeply in community building, especially in times of uncertainty. We have so many skills and resources that can be shared to improve our lives collectively. I will help pave the path forward for Biddeford residents to connect and share in order to thrive.

Creativity. With things changing so quickly, it is crucial to use creative problem solving to address the challenges our city faces. I will research solutions to our most pressing issues in order to propose ideas we may not have tried before — and would love to hear voters’ ideas too.

Compassion. We don’t have to agree with each other to listen and be kind. I will encourage compassion as a core value of our collective decision making, so we can find a way to the solution that is best for everyone in Biddeford.

Attempts to reach Woods’ opponent, former City Council President John McCurry, were unsuccessful.

WARD 4

BOB MILLS

Why did you choose to run for City Council?

I have a strong dedication to our community and I’ve been involved for many years. When I saw that our taxes and spending were getting out of control it was time to return. We need to eliminate unnecessary spending. Just because we have extra money, it doesn’t need to be spent.

What relevant experience do you have?

I’ve served as a council member for 12 years for both Wards 4 and 5. I also served six years as the York County treasurer. I have several years experience on several committees and commissions.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Biddeford right now?

Taxes are out of control and pricing our residents out of their homes. We can freeze taxes and expenditures unless absolutely necessary. We did it my first few years on the council and we can do it again.

Why do you think Biddeford residents should vote for you?

I have the experience and tenacity to ask the tough questions and expect accountability. I have always been a councilor that keeps our community abreast of things that will affect them and I always will be that person.

Attempts to reach Mills’ opponent, incumbent Dylan Doughty, were unsuccessful.

WARD 6

JAKE PIERSON

Why did you choose to run for City Council?

I believe strongly in the belief of civic duty, that if you can and have the willingness to serve the public good, you should do it. I enjoy dialogue and problem solving. As a business owner, I feel that I have the requisite skill set to be an effective leader and collaborator at the city level. Being a part of the governing process is one of the most important things that an American citizen can do.

I want to be part of solving today’s problems, not just complaining about them. Progress is only made when folks get involved and roll up their sleeves to work towards it. Another reason is that I’ve served on the Policy Committee for the city and we’ve been working on doing some important updates/upgrades to all our committees. With both Norm Belanger and Liam LaFountain running for mayor, we’re losing two city councilors from the Policy Committee, and I don’t want to lose any momentum on this work.

What relevant experience do you have?

I have served on the Policy Committee, Police Advisory Committee and the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee for the city of Biddeford over the last three years. Along with this experience of working with city staff, I’ve also worked on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations such as Maine Landscape and Nursery Association. I also run my family business with over 30 employees that has been around for 50 years. With these roles, I believe that I have the necessary experience in budgeting, people skills, and management to be an effective city councilor.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Biddeford right now?

The most pressing issue is that we’ve got to work on affordability of housing and living in our city. Not only have housing prices increased exponentially over the last few years, but the cost of living has as well. The city needs to do our best to keep taxes reasonable by being willing to look hard at our city’s budget while also working to bring more affordable options for housing into our community.

Why do you think Biddeford residents should vote for you?

I was born and raised in Biddeford, attended Biddeford public schools, and after a brief relocation to Portland, I returned to Biddeford and purchased the home I was raised in, where I live with my wife and two children. I love Biddeford and I believe that our city is at a crossroads.

The city has experienced incredible growth and a rebirth since I came home, for which I am very grateful. Now, a new chapter needs to be written in the proud history of our city and I have the energy, new ideas, and youth to assist in writing that chapter. I won’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right and will always put the best interests of our citizens first. I promise to always be transparent with the citizens of Biddeford and will strive to serve them to the best of my ability. 

Attempts to reach Pierson’s opponent, former City Councilor Roger Hurtubise, were unsuccessful.

WARD 7

BRAD COTE

Why did you choose to run for City Council?

I have been lucky to have a great city councilor in Ward 7 (Liam LaFountain), so our ward was in good hands. When he decided to run for mayor, I decided it was my time to help. The city has had a rough couple of years financially, and I feel that I have the skillset to be able to help turn this around and make life better for the residents of Ward 7.

What relevant experience do you have?

 I am a former city councilor (I served in Ward 3 at my previous address from 2012-2015), and I have also served on the Policy and Finance Committee. I am proud that I voted to close down the MERC incinerator and start curbside recycling in Biddeford. I have the experience to be able to hit the ground running to give the residents of Ward 7 the best service.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Biddeford right now?

The No. 1 issue is the affordability of living in Biddeford. This includes issues with affordable housing and recent sharp tax increases that caught many residents off guard. People are trying to figure out how they are going to pay their rent/mortgage and cover the other rising costs we are currently dealing with.

One way to help with tax issues is to create a maintenance plan. We need to look at everything that needs to be fixed in the city and start planning when these repairs will take place. This maintenance plan will allow the city to have more predictable tax increases (2-3% per year) that people can plan for, instead of 5-7% increases that are unaffordable. Another way to help the affordability of Biddeford is to seek out alternate revenue streams to balance the tax base; this includes increasing commercial business to Biddeford, continued grant writing, revisiting our financial agreement with UNE and working with our neighbor Saco to determine additional efficiencies to save taxpayer dollars.

Why do you think Biddeford residents should vote for you?

Biddeford residents should vote for me because I am committed to the following three principles:

1. Treat tax money like it is my own. I will work to make responsible decisions with tax dollars. I support the creation of a detailed plan for future expenses to keep any tax increases manageable.

2. Give it to you straight. While you may not agree with what I say, I will always be completely transparent and polite.

3. Be available. I am available via email, phone or a meeting if that is more convenient. I return all messages within 24 hours. I may not have an answer in that time, but I will let you know an estimated turnaround time.

SAM PECOR

Why did you choose to run for City Council?

Running for Biddeford City Council in 2025 wasn’t on my bingo card at the start of this year. In early June my focus was on transitioning towards housing policy work. That work naturally centered on small “missing middle” housing (2–19 units); as the owner of a four-unit, it was a practical place to start.

Here in Biddeford, and across New England, these small buildings have long provided the most affordable housing: think the iconic triple-decker. Largely built before 1940, this type has all but vanished from new construction, with 2–4-unit construction declining for 80 straight years. As I dug into research from JCHS, Pew, the Urban Institute, and others, the causes became clear, so I acted.

What relevant experience do you have?

In the background, I’ve always had a deep interest in politics, government, and history. I’m acutely aware of the seriousness of our times and tired of shouting into the void of social media. It’s time to get off the couch and participate.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Biddeford right now?

Going door to door, I emphasize that the $20 million bond on the ballot is a down payment. If I’m elected, I expect we’ll need to come back for more. Determining how much more — and communicating it widely and plainly — will be a priority.

Near-term goals include reestablishing recurring Ward town halls, clarifying the committee and board appointment process, and beginning a focused review of current land-use plans.

Why should Biddeford residents vote for you?

Residents regularly tell me they want new faces in city leadership and better representation for younger people. While the position is nonpartisan, I’m often asked about party affiliation; I’ve been independent since I first voted. I look for common ground, whatever someone’s politics — and I intend to bring that approach to the council.

The Biddeford City Council election will take place on Nov. 4.