I have finally gotten around to studying the issue of a merger between Lewiston and Auburn. Having read the recent consultant report, I find myself completely opposed to the idea of a merger.
I do not see where there will be any meaningful cost savings by a merger of the two cities. The consultants do not propose any meaningful cuts in the number of police officers, firefighters, teachers or public works employees working for the two cities. Those public employee positions make up the great majority of the cost of the two cities’ budgets. In fact, it would cost more to pay those employees when new union contracts would be negotiated.
The proposal to merge Lewiston and Auburn seems like a lot of smoke and mirrors. I question the motivation behind the plan, as I have never heard of any “average person” who has really been screaming out that a merger would be a good idea.
Lewiston and Auburn are two great cities with two great, but separate and distinct, histories. City officials should continue to be friends and work with each other while preserving the two cities’ unique and wonderful identities for many more years to come.
I hope other residents of Lewiston and Auburn will join me in voting against a merger when the issue comes up for a vote in November.
Kim Millette, Lewiston
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