The three candidates vying for the role of Biddeford mayor took the stage Friday night in a debate, answering questions from the community. 

Organized by Biddeford reporter Randy Seaver, panelists included journalists from local news organizations, including Maine Trust for Local News. 

Over the course of 90 minutes, the candidates, incumbent Martin Grohman, Council President Liam LaFountain, and Councilor Norman Belanger, took turns responding to questions on homelessness, affordability, sustainability, and more. 

The debate started with opening statements from each candidate, then quickly transitioned into a question on which of the other candidates each candidate would vote for if they couldn’t vote for themselves. 

Mayor Grohman said both LaFountain and Belanger bring “so much” to the City Council, but he would have greater comfort electing Belanger. 

“But I think Liam would do an excellent job as well,” Grohman said. 

Both Belanger and LaFountain expressed the need for a “change” in Biddeford, and said they would vote for each other if they could not vote for themselves. 

The debate then transitioned into a discussion on homelessness in the city.

“Homelessness is one of the most complex issues we’re taking on as a city,” LaFountain said. “It’s not just affecting Biddeford.” 

Belanger said that people experiencing homelessness “deserve compassion and dignity,” but suggested getting to the root causes of the issue, including substance abuse and mental health. 

Grohman mentioned his work on the issue over the last two years serving as mayor, including removing a large homeless encampment at Mechanics Park last summer, and housing 70 people this year. 

“It’s just remarkable,” Grohman said. “I’m really proud of that.” 

If reelected, Grohman said he would focus on continuing to address homelessness in the city, including working with organizations like Seeds of Hope and conducting a monthly “Homeless Huddle” to discuss solutions. 

One question from a community member asked about future plans for the John F. Kennedy School, which will close in the near future. 

LaFountain and Belanger both suggested utilizing the space for the community. 

“JFK is an ideal place to provide recreation for the city,” LaFountain said. “We could have a skatepark and pickleball courts.” 

The school could also be used as a community center or a daycare, Belanger said. 

Another issue discussed at Friday night’s debate was how to address affordable housing in the city while also maintaining the city’s growth. 

LaFountain said the city should focus on affordable housing, because with over half of the city’s population being renters, people can’t afford to go downtown. 

“Affordable housing means attainable housing,” LaFountain said. “My classmates aren’t here because it’s too expensive.”

Belanger said that while the “Biddesance” should continue, the city also needs to find ways to reduce taxes for residents. 

He also said the “Biddesance” seems to be plateauing, a notion that Grohman agreed with. 

“I think we’re at risk of losing the magic,” Grohman said. 

In their closing statements, the candidates touched on issues they would like to focus on if elected. 

Grohman said it has been a “great honor” to serve as Biddeford’s Mayor for the past two years. 

“We’ve gotten a lot of work done, but I want to keep making Biddeford better, and keep making our schools better,” Grohman said. “Good enough is not good enough.” 

As mayor, LaFountain said he would focus on accountability, transparency, responsible development, and leadership that listens. 

LaFountain also said that he is “proud” to have been born and raised in Biddeford. 

“There’s nowhere I’d rather live or serve,” he said. 

Belanger said the city is “fortunate” to have three good, qualified candidates that care about the city, but said that he is the “best choice,” because he would focus on lowering taxes. 

“We can very easily compassion ourselves into bankruptcy,” Belanger said. 

The election will take place on Nov. 4.

Sydney Richelieu, a reporter for Maine Trust for Local News, was a panelist at the debate.