Martin “Marty” Grohman is one of two candidates hoping to become the next mayor of Biddeford. Current Mayor Alan Casavant will not be seeking a seventh consecutive term. 

Grohman, 55, is a former state representative and a current member of the Biddeford City Council, representing Ward Three.

Grohman has an engineering background. He sold Correct Deck, a Biddeford-based company that he founded several years ago. The company used recycled composite materials in the manufacture of decking products. Grohman is no longer affiliated with the company, which is now known as DuraLife and still located in the Biddeford Industrial Park.

Grohman has been living in Biddeford since 1998. He was elected to the city council in 2021. He also served the city as a state representative for two terms between 2014 and 2018. He unsuccessfully campaigned as an independent candidate to replace U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine’s First Congressional District.

In addition to serving on the city council, Grohman is also a member of the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force and serves on the Climate Change Working Group. He previously chaired the Recycling and Waste Management Commission, helping to develop the city’s recycling program. He has also volunteered to revitalize West Brook Skating Rink and supporting local veterans.

“I am dedicated to the future of Biddeford and proud of our past,” Grohman said. “I’m excited to serve the people of the city of using my hardworking, people-first approach.”

If elected, how do you propose to lead the city?

“Biddeford is going through an incredible transition. We’ve sort of uncorked a champagne bottle of growth, but that success carries along with it an increased responsibility to ensure that our growth is targeted and beneficial for everyone.

“Alan Casavant has been an exceptional and fantastic mayor. I want to carry his legacy forward. But we cannot forget nor ignore the fact that it’s becoming harder and harder for people to find housing they can afford. The mayor and city council cannot solve this issue alone. As mayor, I would make sure we are working closely with many other stakeholders.”

The city had a budget increase of nearly seven percent this year. What would you do as mayor to help stabilize property taxes?

“This is where I would rely on my experience, leading a multi-million-dollar company with more than 75 employees. The first thing you have to do is look for efficiencies and ways to trim costs.

“As an example, look at our sewer billing department. Residential sewer bills are calculated based on your water bill. Right now, Maine Water sends the data to the city. From there, we literally have someone typing the bills into a computer. It’s a process that could easily be automated.

“You can’t tell me that we can’t find other efficiencies, simple stuff. I believe we have an outstanding staff, and I firmly believe that they could help us find many other areas where we could improve efficiency and save money.”

Many people have complained about increased traffic, especially in the downtown area. Do you see that as an issue?

“I see a lot of opportunities for improvements to intersections like Five Points, Hill and West streets and Biddeford Crossing so that getting around Biddeford on a bike or on foot is easier. I also think we should be working closely with Biddeford-Saco Transit and our neighbors across the river in Saco.”

One of the most complained about issues in Biddeford is the subject of the Pearl Street parking garage. Do you see it as a problem; and if so, what would you do to fix it?

“First thing, I would push the council to end stabilization payments to the garage owners and operators. I don’t care if it violates our contract. Cutting off the flow of money will get their attention and hopefully bring them to the table.

“That’s it. It’s not complicated. I am beyond frustrated with these people. The system is not working. Period. If you buy a new a new truck and it breaks down after two weeks, you go back to the dealer and tell them to fix it. It’s the same situation here.”

Almost universally, people agree that Biddeford has a serious housing crisis and a growing number of unhoused individuals. How would you administration tackle that problem?

“Again, this is a bigger problem that extends well beyond Biddeford’s borders, but I do believe there are a lot of things that we can do on the local level.

“First, when it comes to increasing supply, we have a ridiculously convoluted system for developers during the Planning Board review process. Secondly, I don’t understand how we turned away a recent project to construct 250 starter homes on South Street. Our Planning Board has good people with good intentions, but is a virtual minefield for developers.

“When it comes to the unhoused, we need to have a deeper connection with Seeds of Hope and other organizations that are working on this issue every day. Each person is unique, and we have to look at resources they need on a case-by-case basis. We’re also going to need help from both the state and county.”

Saco is also going to have a new mayor this year. Do you see opportunities to work more closely with our neighbors across the river?

“I love and respect the traditions of rivalry between Biddeford and Saco, but I think there is a lot we can achieve if we team up. Both cities are facing the same exact issues. It only makes sense to work together. We had a recent joint council meeting with the Saco City Council, and I know that they are eager and excited about working with us.”

In a nutshell, what makes you the better candidate than your opponent?

“I have no other political aspirations. I have the right background and the right skills to lead the city. My business background, leading a team of more than 75 employees during three shifts a day. I know how to get things done. I’m a hard worker. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves. That’s what I do.”

Randy Seaver can be contacted at [email protected].