Jodi MacPhail made local history when she was elected last November as Saco’s first female mayor.

In fact, Saco is somewhat unique among Maine communities. No other city in Maine is represented by all women in leadership positions.

State Rep. Maggie O’Neil is wrapping up her fourth term, representing the western portion of the city (District 129); while Lynn Copeland represents the eastern side of the city (District 130).

State Sen. Donna Bailey represents the city in the Maine Senate.

MacPhail previously served as Saco’s deputy mayor, and now says she is ready to roll up her sleeves and begin leading the city forward in some key areas, including zoning issues, erosion problems in Camp Ellis and traffic congestion.

MacPhail, 52, grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1989. She then studied computer science at Hesser College in Manchester, N.H.

Today, she works in the finance office for Tyler Technologies, a Yarmouth-based software company that specializes in the development of municipal software.

Let’s pause here for an important disclosure: Jodi MacPhail is my youngest stepsister.

MacPhail began her political journey seven years ago when she sought out a volunteer opportunity with Saco Main Street, a nonprofit organization that is focused on economic development and improving the quality of life in the city’s downtown area.

In 2019, she decided to seek a seat on the city council and was able to beat Steve Boucouvalas in a race for the Ward Six council seat. Two years later, she was unopposed in her re-election bid and was chosen by her fellow councilors to serve as deputy mayor.

After announcing her intention to seek the mayor’s seat last year, no one stepped forward to challenge her.

Serving as the city’s mayor is a big commitment of time and energy. How did your employer and family react when you decided to run for the mayor’s position?

“I am really lucky. Before I announced publicly that I was going to run, I talked with my family and my employer. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging.”

Your employer develops municipal software. Is there a potential for a conflict of interest?

“No. I work in the finance office and am not involved with any of my employer’s marketing efforts. Furthermore, the mayor and council does not vote on purchasing or the invoicing for individual items.

“If there ever was an issue between my employer and the city, which is highly unlikely, I would obviously abstain from those discussions.”

What made you decide to run for mayor?

“What I had experienced from my time on the council, is that we were just sort of stuck, and there was a lack of communication. That was pretty much my campaign platform.

“I was encouraged by many people. A lot of people really wanted to see a change in leadership style at City Hall. There was a lot of stuff going on, and we had no communication.

“We were getting a new city administrator. I’m the kind of person who wants to be very pro-active in getting information out to the people of Saco. There seemed to be a divide between city government and residents. I believed that I was the person who could bring it all together.”

What are the biggest challenges facing Saco today?

“We really need to re-examine our zoning ordinances; figure out what we want to see for development and begin moving forward.

“We have never truly identified what we want for Saco. Right now, we don’t match our comp [comprehensive] plan. We need to set a plan that is cohesive and clear.

“One of my biggest concerns is the Route One/Portland Road corridor. I’d like to see a small hotel near the Cascade Road. That whole corridor would be ideal for mixed-use development, including development of affordable housing options.

“Saco needs to decide what it wants to be and where it wants to go.”

“We have one of the state’s largest amusement parks out there. We have a water park; and a direct connection to Old Orchard Beach, and we don’t even have a restaurant for people out there.

Like many other ocean-front communities along Maine’s coastline, Saco’s Camp Ellis neighborhood took a beating from severe storms over the past few weeks. Some people say that the city seems to be dragging its feet on these issues.

“We have lost more than 30 homes and a couple of streets because of erosion issues over the last few years, all connected to the construction of the jetty in the 1800s.

“We just signed a PPA [Project Partnership Agreement] with the Army Corps of Engineers. This is what has been repeatedly attempted over the last 30 plus years.

“Bill [Doyle] made it a priority of his when he was mayor just before me, and he pushed hard to get the Army Corps to make a commitment.

“The PPA will provide $45 million in federal funding to construct a 750-foot spur that will act like a breakwater effect.

“The jetty was constructed more than 150 years ago because private businesses and manufacturing facilities on Saco Island who wanted a commercial shipping channel. The city didn’t ask for it.”

There seems to be renewed interest from elected leaders in both Biddeford and Saco to jump-start working closely with one another to tackle regional concerns and increase efficiencies.

“Absolutely. Marty [Grohman, Biddeford’s mayor] and I have been talking on a regular basis. I see more involvement, cooperation and increased joint meetings between the two city councils.”

“What happens on one side of the river has a direct impact on the other side of the river.”

What will be the main thrust of your administration?

“Putting Saco on a plan. The council and I need to get focused and move forward. We are in good fiscal shape. We have a good bond rating and have a very strong portfolio. The tools and the opportunities are there.

“We will have a school bond for voters in June to address our three elementary schools (Young, Fairfield and C.K. Burns) into one new school.

“The police department is going to need to expand sometime in the near future. Biddeford is now one of the youngest communities in Maine, but we are still very heavy on the 50 and over side.

“I am encouraged and optimistic. I think stronger communication with residents and a push for a clear plan moving forward will be greatly beneficial for Saco.”

Editor’s Note: As stated in the article, Jodi MacPhail is Randy Seaver’s youngest stepsister.

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He is a retired newspaper editor and the principal of a small strategic communications consulting firm. He may be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.

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