For the 10 years I served as a member of the Biddeford City Council and later the School Board I always tried to listen to and represent the residents of the city in the decisions I made. Unfortunately, with the current city leadership the citizens wishes don’t seem to be represented.

Taxes have increased significantly since Mayor Casavant took office. Many of our Seniors and young families are selling and moving on because they can no longer afford to live here. Even though the taxes have increased the city infrastructure is in poor condition. Roads are a mess and they are asking us to bond to repair them. The schools are struggling. Crime is increasing. Drugs are rampant.

The leadership can sell us the fact that MERC is gone and development is happening downtown. I’m very happy from those profiting from this. But that doesn’t help the citizens who are struggling to pay the bills, driving on inadequate roads or afraid to go downtown.

We need leaders who will listen to the citizens, set priorities, and manage our resources well. We don’t need two city managers, parking garages on private land, or other items from the wish list.

Dan Parenteau for Mayor can give us the new beginning we need. Please join me in supporting him on Nov. 3.

Howard Hanson
Biddeford