LEWISTON — In accepting the Auburn Business Association Citizen of the Year award Thursday night, former U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe raised a rallying cry for support and participation in her next campaign aimed at “making government work again.”

She told a large audience at the Ramada Conference Center, “We can defeat the machinery of partisanship” and become a “megaphone” for trust in government. She added that she hopes to accomplish a reaffirmation of compromise and consensus-building “before the crucible of the 2014 election.”

Snowe explained her reasons for not seeking re-election to a fourth six-year term in the U.S. Senate, emphasizing that she feels she can be more effective in following a different course of public service.

“I did not decide to leave the Senate because I no longer care, but rather because I do,” she said. “We have to change the incentives in the political system. What we need to do now is work across the political aisle.”

Accolades for the former senator and her 40 years of service to Maine came from all members of Maine’s congressional delegation. In a video shown to the business group Thursday, more accolades came from Maine neighbors, colleagues in Congress and U.S. presidents.

Snowe recalled her childhood in Auburn where she came to live with an aunt and uncle after becoming an orphan at the age of 10. She remembered being a summer waitress at Callahan’s Restaurant on Court Street. She said that was where she discovered that she “loved talking with people.”

She said, “Family, church and community were my unwavering sources of strength.”

Her husband, former Maine Gov. John McKernan, said people often ask him how Olympia is doing in retirement.

“’What retirement?’” he asks. He said she is busier than ever since January, with a newly released book and making 18 speeches in nine states, with more scheduled.

“There is nothing she wouldn’t do for the people of Maine, and they know it,” McGovern said. He echoed Snowe’s often-stated comment that she will always be concerned for “America’s place in the world and Maine’s place in America.”

Among other dignitaries voicing praise for the senator at the event were former Maine Gov. John Baldacci and U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine. Representatives of U.S. Sen. Angus King and Maine Gov. Paul LePage brought messages of congratulations, and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, voiced her greetings in a video.

Chip Morrison, president of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, who served as master of ceremonies, said, “She is ours, but she is also a treasure for the nation.”

With her election in 1994, Snowe became the second female senator in history to represent Maine, following the late Sen. Margaret Chase Smith. Snowe has won more federal elections in Maine than any other person since World War II. She built a solid reputation as one of Congress’ leading moderates, earning nationwide recognition as a leading policymaker in Washington.

Auburn Mayor Jonathan LaBonte presented Snowe with a key to the city. It was cast from a key discovered recently in Florida that dated back to 1955.

Katy Grondin, superintendent of Auburn schools, also presented a key recognizing the senator’s graduation from Edward Little High School.

Terri Kelsea, president of the Auburn Business Association, presented the organization’s award.

An invocation was delivered by the Rev. Ted Toppses of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston, the senator’s church since childhood.

A solo rendition of “God Bless America” was sung by Caroline Coffin.