Candidates Share Visions for Lewiston City Council Ahead of Election

As Lewiston prepares for the upcoming City Council election on November 4, 2024, seven candidates are vying for three available four-year terms. Incumbents Kassee Forsmann and Matthew Wright are seeking re-election against challengers Andrea Ackerland, Bob Blakey, Linda Glines, Brennan Leafty, and Bryan Moree. The Lewiston Tribune has engaged all candidates through a series of questions to better understand their perspectives and motivations.

Candidates’ Motivations for Running

Each candidate brings unique insights and reasons for their candidacy. Ackerland emphasizes the need for residents to have their voices heard. She aims to address community needs through practical solutions and budget management. “It’s time for Lewiston residents to be heard,” Ackerland stated, highlighting her goal to rein in spending while creatively addressing local issues.

Blakey reflects on the challenges of council service, likening the experience to “drinking water out of a fire hose.” He expresses confidence in his readiness to engage from day one, stating, “Lewiston is a great place to live. I look forward to improving it over the next four years.”

Forsmann, who is seeking re-election, underscores her commitment to economic growth and infrastructure improvements. She aims to streamline development processes to attract new businesses while preserving Lewiston’s community character. “I’m committed to building a stronger, more vibrant Lewiston,” Forsmann noted.

Glines shares a personal motivator related to community involvement. Her experience assisting neighbors with a conditional use permit for a housing project made her aware of the difficulties residents face in navigating city regulations. She aims to foster business growth and affordable housing, stating, “I want to be part of the process to make this happen.”

Key Issues: Infrastructure and Government Structure

The candidates were also asked about their positions regarding a $22.5 million bond for downtown infrastructure on the ballot. Ackerland acknowledges the necessity of addressing infrastructure but questions the need for additional funding, expressing concerns that residents feel the bond may lead to irresponsible spending. “Our community has already had some big financial hits in the last few years,” she explained.

Blakey supports the bond, arguing that costs will only increase over time and that “nothing gets cheaper in the future.” Forsmann notes that the city currently has sufficient funds to cover bond payments without raising taxes. She emphasizes that failing to approve the bond would lead to costly repairs and ongoing disruptions for local businesses.

Glines supports the bond, asserting that delaying the project will only increase costs down the line. “We need this done now,” she stated firmly.

Another topic of discussion was the potential hiring of a city administrator to assist the mayor under the strong mayor form of government. Ackerland expresses skepticism about the necessity of an administrator, suggesting that previous government structures were more effective. She raises concerns over funding for such a position, stating, “We have a need to reduce our spending.”

Blakey, who opposed the shift to a strong mayor system, advocates for hiring an administrator appointed by the council to ensure stability and continuity. “Yes, we need a city administrator,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of protecting the role from political changes.

Forsmann supports the idea, stating that it would allow the mayor to focus on strategic goals while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. “A qualified city administrator would provide consistent leadership,” she explained.

Glines echoes this sentiment, stating that if the responsibilities warrant it, then hiring an administrator is justified.

As the election approaches, candidates continue to clarify their positions and engage with the community, setting the stage for a competitive race in Lewiston.