Policy Priorities

Biddeford’s growth must serve Biddeford’s people, not just outside developers. That means a more transparent, future-focused approach to land use and economic development. Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), Credit Enhancement Agreements (CEAs), and Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) must be grounded in real data, structured with measurable outcomes, and designed to serve public needs. We need to track who benefits, assess trade-offs, and center long-term value for residents over short-term gains. We should support housing that meets the needs of our current and future population, strengthen local businesses, and prioritize development that contributes to walkable, connected neighborhoods. Biddeford’s built environment must reflect our values, support our economy, and protect our capacity to govern in the public interest.

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As Mayor, I will ensure development decisions are driven by public input, financial data, and long-range planning—not by pressure from outside interests.

A fiscally responsible city does not just balance the books, it builds systems that work. Biddeford must strengthen internal capacity, reduce dependence on outside consultants, and invest in staff who can deliver core functions with accountability and consistency. Improving the budget process means starting earlier, engaging the public, and using better data to guide decisions. By tying investments to clear performance metrics and long-term goals, we can deliver greater value while minimizing strain on household budgets.

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As Mayor, I will lead with a focus on early planning, public engagement, and data-informed decision-making, building a culture of fiscal discipline that works for residents today and in the years ahead.

Public safety is broader than emergency response; it is about making sure every resident feels secure in their daily life. That requires supporting our fire, police, and public works departments with the tools, staffing, and training they need. But it also means treating everyday concerns, like safe crosswalks, sidewalk maintenance, and street lighting as essential public safety priorities. As Biddeford grows, we must also be proactive in managing traffic, strengthening storm infrastructure, and addressing housing conditions that threaten health and safety. Our planning and budgeting must reflect a whole-city view of safety, informed by data and by direct engagement with the people most affected.

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As Mayor, I will work across departments and in partnership with residents to make safety a shared value in how we plan, budget, and build.

From Rotary Park to sewer upgrades, from the Biddeford Ice Arena to neighborhood sidewalks, our public infrastructure is what holds the city together. It shapes our daily lives and expresses our priorities. Yet too often, maintenance is deferred, public input is limited, and major capital needs emerge with little warning. Biddeford must adopt a more proactive, transparent, and data-driven approach to infrastructure investment, prioritizing overdue maintenance, communicating early and often, and planning for how growth will increase demand. Whether restoring historic assets or expanding access to parks, our goal must be to build places that serve the public well and last.

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As Mayor, I will promote long-range planning, meaningful community input, and accountability, ensuring infrastructure decisions reflect both public values and public needs.

Biddeford’s future depends on the health and integrity of the Saco river, and our wetlands, forests, and coastline. These natural systems are foundational to our city’s resilience, and our policies must treat them as such. As development pressures increase, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding or heat, land use decisions must be guided by environmental data, local knowledge, and a clear-eyed assessment of climate risks. Environmental stewardship is not just about preservation; it is about integrating natural systems into everyday governance. That includes expanding access to trails and outdoor space, supporting low-impact recreation, and designing infrastructure that works with, not against, the landscape.

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As Mayor, I will ensure that environmental considerations are built into planning, budgeting, and development decisions to ensure that growth and conservation are held in balance, and that Biddeford’s natural legacy is protected for both today’s residents and future generations.

Every child in Biddeford deserves a strong start and a strong finish. From early learning through high school graduation, our public schools should inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students to meet the challenges of the future. That requires stable facilities, dedicated educators, and a shared commitment across city government to support the full picture of student success. Parents want to know their children are safe, engaged, and encouraged to grow. That means ensuring classrooms are well-equipped, after-school and summer programs are affordable and enriching, and families have a voice in the decisions that shape their children's education. It also means taking seriously the city’s role in creating conditions that support learning—safe walking and biking routes, responsive public services, and housing policies that promote family stability. A city that values its children values its future.

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As Mayor, I will support policies that strengthen our schools, honor the work of educators, and make sure every student is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.