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.

He 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.