AUBURN — Mayor Jonathan LaBonte, who last month said he might nominate himself to the School Committee, will instead nominate City Councilor Mary LaFontaine.
She will take the seat that is reserved for mayoral appointment.
LaFontaine is manager of the Lewiston CareerCenter, which links job seekers with training and jobs. She understands the importance of how education is tied to economic development, LaBonte said. “Mary clearly gets it,” he said.
The mayor said he was debating taking that seat for himself, but said LaFontaine will serve well. “She’ll be able to rise to the challenge. She’s committed to put in the time that’s needed.”
LaFontaine has extensive community service, including being board chairwoman for the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce. She’s also chairwoman-elect for College for ME-Androscoggin, has volunteered as a tutor and as a board member of Literacy Volunteers Androscoggin, has served on the board of Healthy Androscoggin and on the advisory council of United Somali Women of Maine.
Auburn city councilors and School Committee members elected Nov. 5 will be sworn into office Monday, Dec. 9, at Edward Little High School. The inauguration ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in the school gym.
bwashuk@sunjournal.com
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