LEWISTON — The City Council approved the appointment of Luke Jensen to the School Committee on Tuesday following a lengthy debate over his past actions and credentials for the post. 

The discussion Tuesday came after a vote on Jensen’s appointment was delayed last week. Councilor Tim Lajoie said he requested the delay after hearing constituent concerns about Jensen’s past, including a YouTube video produced in 2009 in which he disparaged the city. 

Despite his past, the majority of councilors said he deserved a chance to serve on the board. 

Jensen, 26, has run for multiple elected positions, including mayor, and has been outspoken on various city issues. In 2016, he spearheaded an effort to move Lewiston’s election to June to keep Bates College students from voting.

Jensen will be the Ward 5 representative of the School Committee; Ward 5 member Richard White resigned for personal reasons. The City Charter stipulates that the City Council must approve the mayor’s appointment.

School Committee Chairwoman Linda Scott said Tuesday that she recommended the appointment to Mayor Robert Macdonald after White had three unexcused absences in a row. 

Scott said Macdonald told her there were concerns and said she had since had “extensive conversations” with Jensen about the responsibilities associated with the seat and felt he was appropriate for the position, given his active involvement in the community. 

“Whether we agree with his positions or not, he has shown an active involvement in the community,” she said. 

Robert Reed, chairman of the city’s Finance Committee, said he was strongly opposed to the nomination, given Jensen’s actions as a student, interaction with councilors and for his effort to limit Bates College students from voting. 

“Please do not support this nomination,” he said to the council.

Much of the discussion centered on the process of appointing Jensen. 

Tina Hutchinson of Lewiston said elected officials have an obligation to do what’s best for the city, and accused the city of “unnecessary meetings behind closed doors.”

She applauded the council for keeping the discussion Tuesday in the public eye, following a vote not to hold discussion on Jensen’s appointment in executive session.

“I personally have concerns for the nominee and his positions on the issues facing our schools,” she said. 

Macdonald declined to allow Jensen to answer questions on how he stands on certain issues. 

Councilors Michael Lachance and Jim Lysen voted against the appointment.

Lachance read a letter submitted by former Councilor Denis Theriault, saying Jensen “shouldn’t be placed on any board influencing decisions that will impact young people.” The letter also referenced Jensen’s “past lack of respect for Lewiston.”

Lachance said he believes Jensen lacks the necessary decision-making skills needed for the role. 

Lajoie said he spoke with Jensen about his past actions, and that Jensen was candid with him that “it was a mistake.” 

“Do we sink his career because he did something stupid in high school?” he said.  

Lajoie also argued that Lewiston schools hired Jensen as a substitute teacher.

“I tried to vet the concerns I heard,” he said. “I do have concern for his maturity, but I think he deserves a chance.”  

He said when news of the delay to vote on the appointment circulated on social media last week, there were rumors and accusations of “backdoor dealings.” He called those “unfounded and inaccurate.” 

Councilor Joline Beem said she was “uncomfortable with the process” that unfolded, despite voting in favor of Jensen. A number of councilors said their immediate concern last week was based on finding out about Jensen’s appointment only after he was selected as the nominee, rather than during the selection process. 

“Perhaps we need a longer vetting period,” said Councilor Shane Bouchard. “But I think Luke’s going to do an admirable job.”

Council President Kristen Cloutier, who is also the council representative to the School Committee, said she most likely disagrees politically with Jensen on most issues. But, she said, “he’s always presented his opinions respectfully.” 

“I struggled with the vote,” she said. “At the end of the day, I will support the recommendation.”

Jensen did not speak publicly during the discussion. Following the vote to approve his appointment, he was sworn in by City Clerk Kathy Montejo. 

Luke Jensen listens to testimony from the Lewiston City Council regarding his appointment to the School Committee on Tuesday evening in Lewiston City Hall.