Joe McKenney is one of those guys. A person always ready to roll up his sleeves and help his community.

McKenney, 40, is a lifelong resident of Biddeford. He graduated from Biddeford High School in 2001 before attending the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts. Today he owns McKenney Photography, a full-service photography studio in downtown Biddeford.

He and his wife, Jill, are raising three children. For many people, that would be enough of a demand. But McKenney also serves as president of the Heart of Biddeford, a non-profit organization that works with business owners, city officials and residents to support downtown businesses and foster a vibrant downtown area.

When he’s not busy with his business, his family and volunteering at the Heart of Biddeford, he also serves as the chair of Biddeford’s Recreation Commission.

Why do you spend so much time and energy volunteering?

(Laughs) “It’s sort of my personal mission to give back to my community. This city has given me so much. For me, I just want to see my community be a better place. I love what is happening in our community, and I want to make sure that our neighbors, friends and everyone is able to enjoy everything Biddeford has to offer. You can’t do that by sitting back and complaining on Facebook.

“There was never any question that I was going to return here after I finished school. It’s been a real joy to see what has transpired since 2010. Heart of Biddeford was the catalyst for the positive trajectory we see today. The transformation has been amazing.”

Some people complain, saying that city leaders are too focused and consumed by downtown Biddeford issues and not the rest of the community.

“Well, for starters that’s really not true. My experience, especially on the Recreation Commission, is that our elected officials and city staff are committed to the entire city, especially when it comes to recreational opportunities that are available to everyone.

“Secondly, I do think you have to keep pushing, promoting and taking care of your downtown. For almost every community, your downtown is the heart of your community. It’s the central part of your identity. Having a nice and welcoming downtown is important. It attracts new investment, new residents.

“Make no mistake. Our downtown has its challenges, but it’s such a better place to live, work and shop than it was 20 years ago. Our city is now being recognized all over the place as a great place to live or visit. The days of the joking by comedian Bob Marley describing Biddeford as “Lewiston By The Sea” are over. Our reputation has improved dramatically.”

What led you to serving on the Recreation Commission?

“I have always placed a high value on recreational opportunities. Personally, I see our recreational assets as highly valuable, whether you’re talking about the trails in Clifford Park, the athletic fields, Rotary Park, the boat launch, our beaches. There are so many recreational opportunities in this city.

“I think it’s great that the city council seems to recognize the value and importance of these assets.”

As a professional photographer, are you ever annoyed that today just about everyone carries a camera with them everywhere they go so that they can share their photos on social media?

(Laughs) “I try to pay close attention to photography trends, but I’m quite confident that there is still a place for professional photographers.

“Really, are you going to trust Uncle Mike with his iPhone to capture the memories of your wedding? (Laughs). A lot of people think it’s an easy job. It’s not.

“The pandemic did hit us hard. It was scary. For a while, I didn’t know if we were going to make it and be forced to close the business. But we made it, and we’re busy. So that’s good.”

How did you get started in photography? Was it something you enjoyed as a kid?

“Not really. It was more like a happy accident. It started when I was in high school, and I could take study hall or a photography class. Taking study hall as a class made no sense to me. I never held a camera before, but I took the class with Mr. Roberge as my teacher. I loved it.

“Over the years, I’ve done a lot of different things. I managed Picture People at the Maine Mall, and I used to do photography for the Journal Tribune.”

You talk about all the positive energy in downtown Biddeford. But some folks complain on social media about homeless people sleeping in storefronts.

“Like I said before, our downtown is not without challenges. I do think some people exaggerate the issue, however. It’s so sad to see such a lack of human empathy sometimes on social media. It’s a tricky issue, and it’s going to take a lot more than complaining on Facebook to solve this. It’s not just Biddeford, this problem is happening in communities all across the country. There are no easy answers, unfortunately.”

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