Mainers have wanted welfare reform for a long time. They know that the current system isn’t working for taxpayers, low-income families and, most importantly, for children at risk of hunger, homelessness and perpetual poverty. There is no denying that Democrats and Republicans have different views about welfare and the reform of a broken system. But […]
Mark Cayer
Posted inLetters
Councilors must respect each other
As a councilor for the past six years, I have recently seen something that I haven’t seen in the recent history of Lewiston politics. While our local elections are, by charter, non-partisan, it is clear that they have actually become contests between liberal and conservative activists, each seeking control. This became especially clear this year […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston opts for permanent expansion for Farwell Elementary
LEWISTON — A discussion about adding six classrooms to Farwell Elementary School focused more on enrollment Tuesday night than on how the new classrooms would look. Lewiston city councilors ultimately chose a pricier, $2.3 million option to alleviate crowding in Lewiston schools, voting to build a permanent addition closer to Farwell’s current building rather than […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Androscoggin County commissioners refuse to join important discussion
The municipal officials and citizens of Androscoggin County want answers to two simple questions: • Has the county violated its charter by paying salaries and providing benefits to county commissioners that were not approved by the county Budget Committee? • Is the county complying with state law in how its budget is adopted? Those are […]
Posted inLetters
Cloutier provides proven leadership
As the Lewiston City Council president for the past four years, I am proud to endorse Councilor Kristen Cloutier in her bid for re-election. Cloutier has stood out as a leader willing to cross party lines to better serve the interests of Lewiston since the beginning of her term. She advocates constantly for the taxpayers […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston mulls opposing Androscoggin charter change
LEWISTON — Councilors could come out against changes in the Androscoggin County charter that City Administrator Ed Barrett said misses the point. “There have been issues regarding the county charter and the budget process,” Barrett told councilors during a workshop meeting Tuesday night. “One has been the section of the county charter that requires the […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Councilors move trash education program forward
LEWISTON — Councilors won’t wait for new members to be seated to start an educational and promotional program designed to make sense of a pay-as-you-throw curbside trash collection system. A majority of councilors Tuesday agreed not to wait, despite cold feet for some. “Over the summer, all of us have heard from residents that there […]
Posted inLetters
M. Cayer: Lewiston needs engaged community
This is in response to the letter from Bob Pelletier (July 14) stating his belief that it is “time for change.” Pelletier suggests that all Lewiston councilors should be replaced. I have served the constituents of Ward 6 for nearly six years. In that time, we have reduced our operating budget significantly. We have reduced […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Lewiston favors taking Androscoggin County to court over budget authority
LEWISTON — City councilors favor challenging county budget rules in court, they said Tuesday. City Administrator Ed Barrett on Tuesday outlined three ways councilors and other Androscoggin County municipal leaders could react to charter amendments county commissioners proposed last month. The amendment is meant to govern the county’s budget process. Barrett said councilors could accept […]
Posted inLetters
K. Lebel: Take us in the right direction
Mark Cayer is the correct choice for House District 61. With dedication and devotion, he currently represents Lewiston as City Council president. I have seen him become passionate on many issues, from health care to keeping the property taxes low, with unconditional support for helping seniors and middle class families afford to stay in their […]