A story by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project from 1950s though 2024
Voices of Biddeford interview with Alan Casavant October 23, 2024
Born in Biddeford with strong family roots in our community, Alan says if someone had asked him when he was in high school if he would be in politics, he would have said "no way!"
A change of heart near the end of his college studies led to teaching. What followed was a succession of "sink or swim" experiences in teaching and coaching. His initial plans were to teach for 5 years and maybe even leave Biddeford. Instead, he realized a 35 year career teaching Social Studies at Biddeford High and coaching in several sports.
Alan started his involvement in politics right out of college and fell in love with it. His community service includes 18 years on City Council, Maine House from 2006-2014 culminating in Mayor from 2011 to 2023. Whether students or city residents, he is most proud of his role in helping people believe in themselves again. He has seen the transition of people saying they were from the Portland area to now bragging they are from Biddeford.
The top highlights include:
*How his 9 year old sister's death from a brain tumor impacted him and his family
*Impact of cultural, technological and societal changes on the field of education
*How "weird" politics were in Biddeford back when virtually everyone was a Democrat
*Accepting an assistant soccer coaching position despite never even seeing a game
*Most controversial issue as Mayor: MERC. A concise explanation of the environmental, financial and psychological impact. "You stink." "It took our mojo away," Turnaround experienced upon announcement that it was leaving.
*Building self-esteem in students and parallel to renaissance of Biddeford's downtown
Recorded on October 23, 2024
View a transcript of this interview and more pictures/additional information at Alan Casavant – Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center
For more stories from the Voices of Biddeford project, visit Voices of Biddeford.
Alan Casavant October 23, 2024
Excerpt from 2024 Biddeford Hall of Fame Awards Booklet
Newspaper clipping from Journal 12/11/2011
Friendly URL: https://www.mainememory.net/mymainestory/casavant
