Lewiston Candidates Present Diverse Views Ahead of Council Election

Seven candidates are competing for three seats on the Lewiston City Council in the upcoming election scheduled for November 4, 2023. The top three vote-getters will serve four-year terms. Incumbents Kassee Forsmann and Matthew Wright are seeking re-election against challengers Andrea Ackerland, Bob Blakey, Linda Glines, Brennon Leafty, and Bryan Moree.

In an effort to inform voters, all candidates responded to the same questions via email. This article presents the views of Leafty, Moree, and Wright, following the first installment that featured Ackerland, Blakey, Forsmann, and Glines.

Candidate Motivations and Perspectives

When asked why they are running for council, the candidates articulated their motivations. Brennon Leafty, aged 22, expressed his desire to advocate for the community, stating, “I love Lewiston. I see that for many years the people here have been suffering economic hardship and a municipal administration that they feel does not hear them or serve their interests.” He aims to give back to the community that has supported him.

Bryan Moree, 57, emphasized the importance of representation, saying, “I am running for city council to be a voice of the working-class Lewiston resident.” He believes that a diverse group is essential for equitable representation.

Matthew Wright, 41, underscored his commitment to practical leadership, declaring, “I believe Lewiston deserves practical, results-driven leadership. My focus is on strengthening our economy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.” He aims to build a Lewiston that future generations can rely on.

Views on Key Issues

One significant issue on the ballot is a $22.5 million bond aimed at funding downtown infrastructure improvements. The candidates’ opinions on the bond differ sharply.

Leafty opposes the bond, arguing that a previous vote resulted in a rejection from the citizens of Lewiston. He stated, “We are suffering enough financially and do not need to be sold down the river to spend the next couple of decades paying off a bond debt.” He advocates for reassessing the project’s necessity and exploring alternative funding options without incurring further debt.

Conversely, Moree supports the bond, asserting, “In order to have future growth citywide as well as downtown revitalization, the services must be brought up to date.” He believes this initiative will not only benefit existing businesses but also attract new enterprises to the downtown area.

Wright also expresses his support for the bond, highlighting the critical condition of the city’s infrastructure. “The water pipes downtown are over 100 years old, and the sewer pipes beneath them are nearly as old,” he explained. Wright argues that the bond is a strategic investment essential for preventing more costly repairs in the future.

Another topic of discussion is the potential hiring of a city administrator to assist the mayor in the strong mayor form of governance that Lewiston currently employs.

Leafty suggests that the decision should be put to the public, acknowledging both the pros and cons of hiring an administrator. He noted that while it could help the mayor operate more effectively, it might also introduce unnecessary costs.

Moree supports the idea, believing that a city administrator would facilitate smooth transitions between mayors and enhance governance.

Wright, however, is cautious about adding another layer of bureaucracy. He stated, “In a strong mayor system, the mayor is directly responsible to the voters for how the city is run.” He believes that while the mayor should have access to adequate resources, ultimate accountability should rest with the elected official rather than an unelected administrator.

As the election approaches, voters in Lewiston will have the opportunity to evaluate these candidates and their positions on crucial issues affecting the community.

For further inquiries, Williams can be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2261.