Susan Deschambault is one of the two candidates hoping to become the next mayor of Biddeford. Current Mayor Alan Casavant will not be seeking a seventh consecutive term.

Deschambault, 75, is a former state senator and a current member of the city’s planning board.

Previously, Deschambault served on the city’s police commission and as a volunteer on the Biddeford School System’s policy committee. She was also elected to the Biddeford City Council, representing Ward Four from 2005 until 2009.

Deschambault was born and raised in Biddeford, attending St. Joseph School. She then attended and graduated from St. Francis College, which is now the University of New England. Although now retired, her professional career focused on Maine’s judicial system, including the Maine Department of Corrections.

In 1999, Deschambault received the city’s Volunteer of the Year Award. She has volunteered at the Biddeford Community Center and the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center. Today, she serves on the board of directors for Peoples Choice Credit Union.

“I’m running for mayor because I believe this is a pivotal time for our city,” she said during a recent interview. “There’s no doubt that Biddeford is on the move and attracting many new residents and businesses. Growth is good for any city, but it has to be properly managed. As a leader, I believe you have to be able to take a step back and see the larger picture. We need a balanced approach that also takes into consideration the needs of the people who have been living here a here a very long time.”

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

“Over the course of my career, both in my professional life and as a public servant, I have learned many valuable lessons. You have to know how to bring people together, how to build alliances. You cannot do it alone.

“I would establish that concept on Day One of my administration. I want to have open lines of communication with everyone, including city staff, business owners and residents. This, in my opinion, is the role of the mayor; to be the person interacting with everyone so that we can find solutions to the challenges that lie ahead.”

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

“I have been talking to a lot of people, including going door-to-door. I think most people understand that inflation also impacts the city and its operations. But I also think, we need to take a hard look at our budget and operating expenses.

“We have to look for new ways to achieve efficiencies across the board. The growth in our city has resulted in an increased demand for public services, so we have to find ways to make sure property owners are not being saddled with the consequences of growth.”

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

“This is one of those areas where there is no quick fix. I would support a comprehensive traffic study that would include the Maine Department of Transportation and our police department. We need to do a better job of educating the public and providing incentives for things like our public transportation system.”

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?

“I think we need to take a hard look at the contract we signed with them [owners/operators of the garage]. Can we re-open that contract? Can we get them to the table to talk about the problems and come up with some solutions?

“I think the city went too fast in building the garage. The mayor [Alan Casavant] and the city manager really worked to push this through.

“Former mayor (Wallace) Nutting was able to open the city’s contract with MERC (Maine Energy Recovery Company). I don’t see why we can’t take the same approach with the parking garage.”

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?

“There are a lot of factors to consider. There are not many apartment units in our more rural neighboring communities, so our city is getting the brunt of the problem that is a regional issue, not just a Biddeford issue.

“As a social worker, it’s clear that we have to look at improving resources for mental health and substance abuse problems that are impacting the unhoused population. We also have to make progress on creating more affordable housing units, including incentives for developers to build affordable homes and a willingness to examine both our comprehensive plan and our zoning ordinances.

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 have met her twice, and I am excited by her enthusiasm to work jointly with us. That bridge does not divide us. It connects us.”

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

“My career and my upbringing have all focused on listening to people, helping them solve their problems and connecting them to their community. This is my hometown. I have lived here my whole life, and I am passionate about this city and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.