This week’s edition!
Charter Commission’s Report Lacking in Facts
To the Editor:
I am an Auburn City Councilor and a member of the executive board of the Coalition Opposed to Lewiston-Auburn Consolidation (COLACmaine.org.) I have reviewed the recent consultant’s report presented by the Lewiston-Auburn Joint Charter Commission and am stunned by the lack of depth and any meaningful information in the report.
On the very first page of the report, the consultant states that a merger of Auburn and Lewiston “could” result in annual savings of between $2.3 million to $4.2 million for the cities. Having participated in several budget cycles in Auburn, I can assure you that this “estimate” is pure nonsense. We have cut our budgets to the bone.
Chamber of Commerce selects new President and CEO
Becky Conrad has a track record of experience in the community’s business, education and nonprofit sectors.
After a three-month search process that generated over 50 applicants from across the country, the board of directors of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has selected Rebecca Swanson Conrad as the agency’s next President and CEO, effective March 27.
LPL painting goes on loan for major Hartley exhibition; co-curator to speak at library March 7
Donna Cassidy will discuss “Marsden Hartley’s Maine at Home and Abroad” in the library’s Callahan Hall.
In advance of the opening of a major new exhibition of works by Lewiston-born artist Marsden Hartley at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on March 15, Donna Cassidy, a co-curator of the exhibit, will present a program called “Marsden Hartley’s Maine at Home and Abroad” on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Lewiston Public Library’s Callahan Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
Friends and family “Banding Together for Nick” with gala fundraiser
The event will reunite Nick Knowlton, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December, with original Terry & the Telstars bandmates Danny Caron, Pete Nadeau, and Terry McCarthy.
A fundraising gala for popular singer Nick Knowlton, who was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer, will take place on Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn of Lewiston, where Knowlton performed for many years as a DJ and with various bands. “Banding Together for Nick” will bring together many of the talented friends Knowlton has made across the country over his five-decade career to pay tribute to the local music legend and help raise money for his hospital and medical expenses.
Auburn Schools staffer to discuss TV experience at next Food for Thought luncheon
Tanya Vanesse not only beat out competitors half her age to make it onto “Fear factor Live,” but she won the entire competition!
At the next session of LA Senior College’s Food for Thought luncheon on Friday, March 10, Auburn School Department Computer Technician Tanya Vanesse will present a program called “My Fear Factor Live Reality TV Experience,” in which she will discuss her recent appearance in the studio version of “Fear Factor Live” at Universal Studios.
Governor’s Address: PUC decision confirms ratepayers pay twice
Our electricity rates are far above the national average—Maine has moved up from the 12th highest rates to the 11th highest in the United States.
Dear Maine Taxpayer,
High rates have destroyed our industrial base, our commercial base and, more importantly, are causing higher rates for those who can least afford it, our retirees.
The decision by the Public Utilities Commission to compensate owners of solar panels for transmission and distribution is taking Maine in the wrong direction. It increases prices on ratepayers by charging them twice for T and D of electricity.
I agree solar customers should be compensated for the electricity they generate at fair market rates. However, other Mainers should not have to subsidize their installation costs to make solar viable.
Only Steps Forward: Story of famous Auburn benefactor is more relevant than ever
By Jonathan P. LaBonte
Mayor of Auburn
The name is as pervasive as any in this community. It’s in the newspaper regularly. You read it on posters, hear it from seniors at the local diner and from the mouths of kids. Yet more often than not, it’s associated with a building or the institution and not the man.
The name? Edward Little.
All of that will change in the coming weeks as Bates College Political Science Professor Emeritus Doug Hodgkin releases his newest book, “Dear Parent: A Biography and Letters of Edward Little.”
The roll-out began with a book signing at the historic home of Edward Little on Main Street, now owned by local CPA Robert Grieshaber, and will include other public events and presentations by Mr. Hodgkin.
Enough is Enough: Local legislators try to replicate “Ban the Box” legislation
By Robert E. Macdonald
Mayor of Lewiston
Now before the Legislature is a bill, LD-288, “An Act To Prohibit Any Question Regarding Criminal History On State Employment Applications.” It was submitted by Democratic State Rep. Bettyann Sheats of Auburn and co-sponsored by Rep. James Handy and Senator Nate Libby, both of Lewiston.
The $64,000 question: What is the purpose of this bill?
The bill appears to somewhat mirror a Massachusetts bill that prohibits, under penalty of prosecution, a prospective employer from asking potential candidates if they have a criminal history. This law is referred to as the “Ban the Box” legislation. The law is nothing more than a continuance of more anti-business legislation designed to punish business owners for some perceived social injustice that has supposedly kept low-born people in poverty.
Franco Center brings Mardi Gras party to L-A
Courtesy of the State Street Traditional Jazz Band, the event will feature the rousing sounds of New Orleans-style Jazz.
Genuine Cajun cooking and music by the State Street Traditional Jazz Band will come together to create the best Mardi Gras party in Central Maine on Tuesday, February 28 at 7 p.m. at the Gendron Franco Center in Lewiston. Seating for this festive dinner-dance event is limited and reserved tickets are $20 each.
In the great tradition of those legendary New Orleans celebrations, this event will treat guests to the sounds of the Big Easy, free-flowing spirits at the cash bar, and authentic Cajun cuisine. The menu will feature Jambalaya with chicken and shrimp, Andouille sausage with peppers and onions, Cajun-roasted sweet potatoes, and King Cake for dessert. The State Street Traditional Jazz Band of Portland, who have been honoring the joyful roots of jazz music since 1989, will lend a slice of history to the party in the rousing sounds of New Orleans-style Jazz.
Lewiston taps D’auteuil for Deputy City Administrator position
Lewiston City Administrator Ed Barrett has announced that Denis D’Auteuil will replace long-time Deputy City Administrator Phil Nadeau, who will be retiring at the end of June. D’Auteuil is the Assistant City Administrator of Auburn and has been serving as Auburn’s Acting City Administrator. A Lewiston resident and native, he has been an Auburn employee since 2010, where he has filled the successively more responsible positions of Deputy Public Works Director, Public Services Director, and Assistant City Administrator. Prior to entering public service, he was a manager in the transportation and logistics field and served in the United States Air Force.
“I am extremely pleased that Denis will be joining Lewiston’s management team,” said Barrett. “As a Lewiston native, he knows our community. Through his service in Auburn, he is familiar with our local governments and has worked closely with and impressed members of our staff. His work in Auburn has shown that he has the necessary background and leadership skills to make a significant contribution to moving Lewiston forward.”
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