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No clear consensus emerged at Monday’s public hearing in Auburn on the proposed merger of Lewiston and Auburn that is scheduled for a public referendum on Nov. 7.
The Lewiston Sun Journal reported that business and civic leaders speaking in favor of the merger included Jim Wellehan, president of the shoe retailer Lamey Wellehan; Chip Morrison, who retired in 2015 as executive director of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, a position he held since 1995; and Dan Thayer, president of Thayer Corp. in Auburn. Opponents included two Auburn councilors, Leroy Walker and Robert Stone; Ron Potvin, vice chairman of the Coalition Opposed to Lewiston-Auburn Consolidation and a former Auburn city councilor now living in Lewiston who’s running for mayor; and Matt Leonard, a local businessman and former president and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Charter Commission Chairman Gene Geiger told the gathering that he recorded the meeting, adding that the commission will be reviewing all the comments with an eye toward addressing some of the concerns raised at Monday’s hearing.
As reported by Mainebiz in May, a merger study by the CGR consulting firm that was released in January cited these benefits:
Some of those findings have been disputed by opponents who say the savings would be less and would come at the expense of each city losing its unique identity.
In June the Lewiston Auburn Joint Charter Commission chose “Lewiston-Auburn” as the new name for the two cities if voters approve the merger in the November referendum.
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Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Few people are adequately prepared for all the tasks involved in planning and providing care for aging family members. SeniorSmart provides an essential road map for navigating the process. This resource guide explores the myriad of care options and offers essential information on topics ranging from self-care to legal and financial preparedness.
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