The Biddeford City Council approved Mayor Alan Casavant’s nomination of Julian Schlaver as City Councilor for Ward 5 at the January 24 City Council meeting. Schlaver will replace former Councilor Amy Clearwater for the remainder of the current term, which will expire in December 2023.
“Julian is a perfect fit for the Council, as he is passionate about Biddeford,” said Mayor Alan Casavant. “He has served on a number of committees and has contributed time and effort in various projects and events. He is also a small business owner, and that perspective, I think, is an important voice to be heard on the Council. I am extremely happy that he agreed to serve.”
Schlaver was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts and studied Philosophy at New York University. He spent 15 years in New York working with worldwide brands, leading advertising agencies and serving as Chief Strategic Officer and Vice President of the thelabnyc. After his father moved to Saco 20 years ago, Schlaver and wife Roxi Suger fell in love with Biddeford during their many visits to the area. They bought their own home in the city in 2012 where they live with son Cotton.
Schlaver and Suger work together in a 7,500-foot manufacturing space in the Pepperell Mills where they craft Suger’s sustainable fashion designs. They also own Suger, a boutique located next to the Palace Diner with a second location in the Old Port where they sell their clothing and other Maine-made items.
Julian is currently the Chair of the Downtown Development Commission and has served on several other committees focused on Downtown Biddeford. He and his wife are responsible for the Biddeford Ball, a fundraiser that has raised nearly $100k for local groups, and also installed the LED lighting that illuminates the Mills smoke stack at night in the heart of Biddeford.
“It is an honor to be nominated to serve Ward 5. Councilor Clearwater did an amazing job representing the downtown and approached each decision she made thoughtfully and with care. I hope to take the same approach,” Schlaver said. “I look forward to working to ensure that Biddeford continues to stand out as one of Maine’s best places to live and create.”
Former Councilor Clearwater resigned on January 10, 2023 citing a work conflict.