The Biddeford City Council confirmed Mayor Alan Casavant’s nomination of Ashanti D. Williams as City Councilor for Ward 4 at the June 15 City Council meeting. Williams will replace former Councilor Robert Quattrone, Jr. for the remainder of the current term, which will expire in December 2021.
Williams was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Englewood, New Jersey. He has lived in Biddeford for six years. Williams has a B.A. in Drama and a Minor in Mass Communication from the University of Hartford. He is a reserve corrections officer with the York County Sheriff’s Office as well as the bar manager at the Martini Bar on Main Street in Biddeford. Williams is also a working actor with Dirigo Talent Agency in Portland.
"Ashanti is an engaging and intelligent man who is representative of the new, young demographics of Biddeford,” Mayor Alan Casavant said. “A man of many talents, he loves this community; brags about this community; and is excited to bring his talents and energy to the City Council, where he can continue to move the city towards its bright future. I look forward to working with him."
Williams’ confirmation of appointment to the Council on Tuesday made him the first Black member to serve on Biddeford’s City Council.
“I feel very confident in taking on the responsibilities of representing this beautiful and magical city that continues to give me opportunities I could have only imagined about,” Williams said. “I am looking forward to meeting all of the Ward 4 residents and representing them is an incredible honor.”
Above: Ward 4 City Councilor Ashanti D. Williams is sworn in by City Clerk Carmen Morris