Robert McCarthy Daryn Slover/Sun Journal
Name: Robert McCarthy
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired production manager, Sun Journal
Political experience: Ward 2 City Councilor, Lewiston Finance Committee, vice chairman of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport Board, Riverfront Island Master Plan Selection Committee, Library Fundraising Selection Committee, Lodging House Ordinance Update Committee.
Why do you think you are the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat.
I believe my expertise in a variety of areas allows me to make important contributions to the City Council. My position as production manager at the Sun Journal gave me a wide range of skills and experiences that are directly applicable to our most important responsibilities and tasks. Having served as a city councilor for the past two years has given me the on-the-job knowledge necessary to be an effective voice for my constituents. There is no substitute for hands-on experience with city budgets.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Lewiston’s future, and how you would address them.
Crime is the number one issue facing Lewiston. At one time our police department was down 17 active staff. In the last year, I helped lead the charge on the council to provide the police department with the resources needed to fill all open positions. Having enough officers has allowed for the reinstatement of several proactive teams that target drug activity, gun violence and strengthening community outreach. But there is still more to be done to improve safety in our city.
Accelerating economic prosperity is an equally important priority, and this must be based upon a foundation of community safety and order. We need to encourage more market-rate housing development in order to rebuild the kind of robust workforce we have been renowned for throughout most of our history. In turn, businesses will move here to take advantage of the available supply of workers.
What actions will you take to support businesses and grow the local economy?
I will continue to work on improving city ordinances to cut red tape and encourage investments in Lewiston. We, the current City Council and Planning Board, have made over 1,000 changes to city ordinances to streamline the development process and entice new investment in housing and commercial construction. There are several new market-rate housing projects in the planning stages and more in the pipeline. Developments that are part of the Riverfront Island Master Plan are moving forward. These improvements will transform the look, accessibility and recreational opportunities in the Simard-Payne park area. This will all add to the desirability of our great city.
What solution do you support to address homelessness in Lewiston?
The issue of homelessness is not unique to Lewiston and needs to be dealt with accordingly. There are several root causes of homelessness, including substance abuse, mental illness and the housing shortage. There is a shortage of treatment centers for both substance abuse and mental illness. I would look to our state delegation to adequately fund treatment facilities to address this lack of resources. Until we treat the underlying causes, we will never reduce the homeless population. I would continue to encourage investment in our community to increase housing, which would moderate the rental increases we have been experiencing.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I am a fifth-generation citizen of Lewiston. I have been married for 47 years and have two children and seven grandchildren. I have volunteered in many organizations, usually in a leadership role. The most fulfilling part of being a city councilor is being able to help my constituents find solutions to issues they are facing.
Susan Longchamps Submitted photo
Name: Susan Longchamps
Age: 46
Occupation: Owner of Webb’s Market; local landlord and real estate developer.
Political experience: None
Why do you think you are the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat.
As a lifelong resident of Lewiston and a small business owner with multiple properties, I possess firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. My deep understanding of our city’s history and future needs positions me to advocate effectively for our community. I am dedicated to ensuring accountability and fostering a thriving, giving-back community.
Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Lewiston’s future, and how you would address them.
Two paramount concerns are crime and safety, and economic development. With a unique perspective as the mother of a dedicated Lewiston Police Officer, I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement has the necessary resources and support for both their safety and our community’s security. On the economic front, my vision involves transforming our mindset. By expanding our tax base and simplifying bureaucratic hurdles, I aim to facilitate growth and prosperity. My focus is on revitalizing our downtown areas, particularly Lisbon and Main Street, turning them into vibrant commercial hubs that draw both businesses and visitors, making Lewiston a pro-business city.
What actions will you take to support businesses and grow the local economy?
I am committed to actively supporting our local businesses and fostering economic growth. Listening is just the beginning – I believe in swift action. When businesses reach out, we need to respond with a proactive approach. Whether it’s addressing snow removal, trash issues, or traffic concerns, I am dedicated to collaborating with business owners to find effective pro-business solutions that make our community thrive.
What solution do you support to address homelessness in Lewiston?
In addressing homelessness in Lewiston, I advocate for a comprehensive solution rooted in accountability and structured support. To foster economic growth and enhance safety, we must confront this issue directly, working together for a stronger, more secure community.
What do you want voters to know about you?
In my journey, some perceive me as gentle, but my roots lie in a family deeply committed to community. Raised among seven siblings and now a mother and grandmother, I’ve honed resilience and compassion. Advocacy and accountability define my work. I firmly believe in reciprocity; to receive help, one must be a giving member of the community. Together, let’s build a stronger, caring community for all.
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