Lewiston-Auburn Charter Commission: Lewiston candidate Richard Grandmaison

Biographical information

Name:

Richard Grandmaison

Email address

rgrandmaison@roadrunner.com

Occupation or primary source of income

Retired

Education

Lewiston High School; University of Southern Maine Bachelor of Science degree in applied technical leadership

Family information

Wife, Diane, married for 51 years on June 1; three married daughters and seven grandchildren

Public offices sought or held

Co-chairman of Androscoggin County Charter Commission.

Do you favor consolidating the Twin Cities?

Yes.

Why? What is the benefit?

I favor consolidation because the area needs a stronger force in order to improve the economic opportunities for the citizens. We already have joint efforts at the airport, water and sewage facilities and others. The benefits could account for a significant amount of savings for the taxpayers.

What would convince you to change your opinion?

I would change my opinion if the savings were so little that it would not make any sense. I certainly want to study all the issues before making the decision.

What is the single most important question for the Charter Commission to settle?

There are many. I would have to take the time to fully understand the current systems of both cities in order to develop a reasonable and fair charter for the citizens and that will respect all the employees.

If the cities are combined, where should the city offices be located and why?

That issue must be debated by the commission members after taking input from the citizens. Clearly, there needs to be a central office, but I can see that some departments could be located on both sides of the river.

Where should the main police station be located and why?

The issues involve more than just the police station. All departments must be discussed because I don’t believe that there is a simple answer. We must be able to have trust that the decisions made will be in the best interest of all citizens.