AUBURN — A public hearing Monday on whether to merge Lewiston and Auburn began with some of the region’s most prominent business leaders speaking in favor — but the meeting closed with a former mayor and state senator telling Auburnites to vote no. 

In between, it was more than an hour of mixed opinions — and emotions — over whether the two cities should merge. Those waiting to speak formed a line in the Kirk Hall auditorium at Central Maine Community College. 

The public hearing hosted by Auburn officials was meant to solicit feedback on the Lewiston-Auburn Joint Charter Commission’s consolidation agreement, the packet of documents that serves as the basis for joining the cities. A vote will take place in both cities on Nov. 7. 

Many of those in favor said the two cities have always made significant strides when they worked together. They said political bickering has hampered collaborative efforts. 

Well-known regional business owners, including Jim Wellehan, president and co-owner of shoe retailer Lamey Wellehan, argued that a merger would create a better business climate and ultimately a better future for younger generations. 

He said many people already view the area as one community. He also said the Charter Commission’s study that lays out the options and potential savings for a merger “makes sense.” 

“Let’s recognize it and put it together,” he said. 

But those on the opposing side, including resident Kyle Butler who was wearing a bright yellow anti-merger T-shirt, say they’re not convinced any financial savings would be realized. In fact, Butler said, he believes Auburn residents’ taxes “will go through the roof” before any savings begin. 

Butler’s comments followed a string of remarks from merger supporters. When he was finished, he said, “Sorry I interrupted your One LA rally,” referring to the official pro-merger campaign.

The meeting Monday was formatted strictly as a public hearing, with Mayor Jonathan LaBonte closing the hearing, and the council adjourning as soon as comments were finished. No councilors spoke, and there was little debate except for a few contested items between those on opposing sides of the argument. 

Two Auburn councilors, Leroy Walker and Robert Stone, have been outspoken against the merger. Prior to the meeting, Stone posted on his Facebook page, “Possibly the most important meeting in Auburn’s long history tonight!” 

Ron Potvin, vice chairman of the Coalition Opposed to Lewiston-Auburn Consolidation, is a former Auburn city councilor now living in Lewiston. He’s running for Lewiston mayor this year.

He said there have been four separate city councils that have stepped away from the idea of a merger because there was “no compelling reason for us to move forward.” 

“No matter how you look at this, there’s a cost factor,” he said. “Elected officials have a fiscal responsibility to constituents. Four generations of councils have said no.”

Potvin also argued that in the commission’s own study, it states Auburn will see increased taxes following a merger, a statement that Charter Commission Chairman Gene Geiger disputed at the end of the hearing, calling it “factually untrue.” 

Geiger said he recorded the entire meeting, and that the Charter Commission is “listening well to what you have to say.”

The city will also give the Charter Commission its own record of the hearing, and Geiger said the commission will convene to see what elements can be addressed. 

Other business leaders, including Dan Thayer, president of Thayer Corp. in Auburn, said L-A is at its best when it leads — and when it collaborates. 

“We have an incredible strength when we work together,” he said. 

He also added that he worked on the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council “before it was a swear word,” which speaks to the divisiveness of Auburn’s decision to pull funding from the organization. That decision, among others, is also used as an example of how collaboration between the cities has declined. 

Others who support the merger said they know it will be a challenge, but one that’s worthwhile. 

Mary LaFontaine said, “Will it take work to get there? Absolutely.”

But, she added, “competition and turf battles will continue to prevent growth.” 

Kristy Phinney said, “What are we waiting for? Other cities are watching to see what we’ll do. Leading is hard; complaining is easy.”

“There are no guarantees in life,” James Ayotte said. “We analyze risk (and) reward, and make the best decision we can.” 

But those who were opposed repeated that bigger isn’t always better. Many residents said they’re skeptical of bigger government.

One resident said, “I’ve yet to see a government agency that saves money,” while another called out city councilors specifically for not doing more to spur economic development. 

“You want economic growth?” he said. “Step it up a notch.”

Sharon Bowden said she disputes that consolidation will lead to better schools, which is often cited by merger supporters as a huge plus for the communities.

“It doesn’t create the efficiencies you’re looking for,” she said. “I’m concerned with rosy promises.” 

Former chamber President Matt Leonard said he moved to Auburn two years ago because he believed in the community. Since then, he said, he’s been “disheartened we’re putting all our eggs in one basket” with the merger idea to fix the area’s problems. 

He pointed out that even if residents in both cities vote in favor of the merger this year, there will still be a 26-month process before the two cities officially combine in 2020.

“Can we afford to wait another three years?” he said. “A merger will not provide the benefits that are being posed.”

He also listed specific questions that he wanted the Charter Commission to address. 

Charter Commission member Chip Morrison, an Auburn resident for 40 years, said the previous consolidation attempts in the Twin Cities didn’t move forward because of a lack of “political will.”

“We can show Maine that we can do something that’s big, on our own, and scrap our way,” he said. “The L-A people pull together.”

Former Auburn mayor and state senator Peter Whitmore, who now lives in Florida, told the audience he’s opposed to the merger. He said it “wouldn’t accomplish a thing,” and that it’s causing more rifts in the community. He worked to establish the LAEGC and said a merger would not help economic development. 

“I’ve seen more disparity since this document has been published than I’ve seen in 78 years,” he said.

arice@sunjournal.com 

To view the Joint Charter Commission’s consolidation agreement documents, including the impact study referenced during Monday’s hearing, click here. 

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