Candidates Share Visions for Lewiston City Council Ahead of Election

Seven candidates are vying for three positions on the Lewiston City Council in the upcoming election scheduled for November 4, 2024. The incumbents, Kassee Forsmann and Matthew Wright, will face challengers Andrea Ackerland, Bob Blakey, Linda Glines, Brennan Leafty, and Bryan Moree. The top three vote-getters will secure four-year terms.

The Lewiston Tribune reached out to all candidates via email, posing the same questions regarding their motivations and positions on key issues. Below are the responses from Ackerland, Blakey, Forsmann, and Glines, with further responses from Leafty, Moree, and Wright to follow in a subsequent article.

Candidates’ Motivations for Running

When asked about their reasons for running, Ackerland emphasized the need for residents’ voices to be heard. She stated, “It’s time for Lewiston residents to be heard. I have the skills to bring real solutions to our community’s needs.” Ackerland also expressed concerns about the city budget, advocating for sensible cuts and creative solutions.

Blakey shared his readiness to serve, stating, “I’ve heard new councilors say that the first two years on council is like drinking water out of a fire hose. I’m out of school and ready to go to work (on) day one.” He expressed a desire to contribute to the community’s improvement over the next four years.

Forsmann, seeking reelection, highlighted her commitment to responsible economic growth and infrastructure improvement. “Over the past term, I’ve worked hard to support responsible economic growth, improve our infrastructure, and make our community more affordable for families and businesses alike,” she noted. Forsmann aims to streamline development processes to attract new businesses and jobs while maintaining Lewiston’s unique character.

Glines detailed her personal experience that motivated her to run, stating, “The circumstances that affected my decision to run for council started with being asked to help neighbors navigate a conditional use permit for a tiny housing project in our neighborhood.” Her aim is to simplify the legal processes that residents face and support the need for affordable housing in the community.

Infrastructure Bond Proposal

The candidates were also asked about their stance on a $22.5 million bond proposal for downtown infrastructure improvements. Ackerland expressed skepticism, stating, “While I do think our infrastructure needs (to be) addressed, I don’t believe we need more money to do a job that we have the money for.” She voiced concerns about potential financial strain on the community, which has already faced significant financial challenges.

Conversely, Blakey supported the bond, asserting, “Nothing gets cheaper in the future. Our future is now. This bond issue will not (raise) our taxes.” Forsmann provided a detailed perspective, explaining that while the city has enough funds to make bond payments, it cannot cover the entire project cost upfront. She emphasized that the bond would prevent costly repairs and disruptions in the future, stating, “If the bond is not approved, the existing pipes will eventually fail, forcing us to make frequent and costly patch repairs.”

Glines echoed the support for the bond, asserting, “We need this done now. The longer we wait, the more it is going to cost later.”

The discussion also touched on the city’s governance structure, specifically regarding the role of a city administrator in a strong mayor format. Ackerland expressed uncertainty but suggested that funding for such a position would need to be carefully considered. Blakey, who opposed the change to a strong mayor system, advocated for a city administrator to ensure continuity and effective governance. Forsmann supported the idea, believing it would allow the mayor to focus on strategic goals while the administrator handles daily operations.

Glines stated her support for hiring a city administrator if necessary, indicating a willingness to adapt to the community’s governance needs.

As the election date approaches, the candidates’ diverse perspectives and proposed solutions will shape the conversation about Lewiston’s future. With the community’s needs at the forefront, voters will have the opportunity to make informed decisions at the polls.