LEWISTON — Mayor Robert Macdonald made a pitch to the community’s pride Monday night, saying Lewiston needs to buff its image, fix housing issues, complete re-creating the city’s riverfront and boost its economy.
“We’ve accomplished a lot over the last four years, and we did it together,” Macdonald said as he and other recently elected officials were sworn into office. “With your help, your commitment and your support, we can do even more in the next two.”
Macdonald joined Lewiston’s newly elected city councilors and members of the School Committee on stage at The Dolard and Priscilla Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston for the inaugural ceremony.
Macdonald returned to his theme from his 2012 and 2014 inaugurations. In 2012, he used it as a mantra to say Lewiston was finished with its downtrodden image. He modified it in 2014, saying Lewiston’s transformation was underway but incomplete.
Monday, he said the work continues.
“Avoiding negative talk about Lewiston is not enough,” Macdonald said. “We must now talk — even shout — about what Lewiston has to offer. We must become our own best cheerleaders. If we don’t believe in ourselves and our potential, no one else will.”
Macdonald pledged to continue the city’s program of tearing down and demolishing the worst downtown apartments, but promised city assistance for properties that can be saved. He called for better enforcement of building codes and taking a firm stance against noncompliant property owners, but also for finding financial aid for those who want to fix their properties and to support new legislation that holds tenants accountable as well.
He also said he would continue fighting for welfare reform.
“We must be compassionate but we must also demand accountability,” Macdonald said.
This is Macdonald’s third and final term as mayor. The city charter limits the number of terms for mayor.
He was joined on stage by the newly elected City Council: Jim Lysen in Ward 1, Tim Lajoie in Ward 2, Isobel Golden in Ward 3, Shane Bouchard in Ward 4, Kristen Cloutier in Ward 5, Joline Landry Beam in Ward 6 and Mike Lachance in Ward 7.
Councilors selected Ward 5’s Cloutier as president. In her address, she cataloged the many positives in 2016 Lewiston — new local businesses, arts and cultural efforts, a growing economy and recreational opportunities.
“Like many of you, I grew up here and my husband and I are raising our daughter here,” Cloutier said. “I actually feel giddy whenever I walk down Lisbon Street because I am so overwhelmed by the amazing transformation that is taking place here.”
School Committee members took their oaths of office as well. Members are Ward 1’s Linda Scott, Ward 2’s Paul St. Pierre, Ward 3’s Francis Gagnon, Ward 4’s Benjamin Martin, Ward 5’s Richard White, Ward 6’s Matthew Roy, Ward 7’s Thomas Shannon and at-large member Megan Parks.
School officials elected Scott as chairman for the next two years, and she continued the theme of pride.
“We have a school system to be proud of and I think it’s time we focus as much on that pride as we do on the policy and governance role of the school board,” Scott said. “By making it our priority to focus on success, I am confident we will breed success.”
Scott said she would create moments of recognition at the beginning of each School Committee meeting to focus on students, school staff members or parents for hard work or achievement.
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