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AUBURN The number of people taking out nomination papers for this year’s election is lagging behind previous election cycles, so far.
As of Thursday, nine people had taken out papers to run for the 15 elected seats. All seats are up for election every two years.
According to City Clerk Sue Clements-Dallaire, at this time two years ago, some 25 people had taken out papers.
“(That’s) much different from what we’ve seen so far this year,” she said.
Earlier Thursday, Mayor Jason Levesque became the first official candidate for mayor, announcing he will seek a third term. Asked about the low numbers of candidates, Levesque said he wasn’t sure yet.
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LEWISTON The City Council adopted a citywide equity statement Tuesday after debating a section that references immigration status.
The statement, developed over a period of months by a local coalition known as City Spirit L/A, along with human rights nonprofit Mindbridge, commits the city to addressing inequity and building a community “where people of all cultures and identities can thrive.”
Despite a groundswell of support for the overall effort and the message it sends, the adoption in Lewiston was delayed last month after a councilor said the statement should receive a legal review. A debate swirled again Tuesday regarding a section of the statement that references immigration status, which Councilor Lee Clement has argued could be interpreted that Lewiston condones illegal immigration.
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LEWISTON Officials tabled the adoption of a city equity statement Tuesday, after a councilor said the language should be subject to a legal review.
However, those opposed to the delay said the joint equity statement, established by City Spirit L/A, has already been vetted, and does not bind the city to any policy decisions.
The equity statement was developed as a joint initiative with Auburn through the ‘Spirit’ council, a group of city, school and community leaders formed to address conflict and inequity in the Twin Cities.
City officials in Lewiston and Auburn got a first look at the statement during separate workshop sessions earlier this month. The statement is seen as a way to guide the future work of the cities.