Lewiston-Auburn Charter Commission: Lewiston candidate Lucien Gosselin

Name

Lucien B. Gosselin

Email address

lgosselin@economicgrowth.org

Occupation or primary source of income

President, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council

Education

Doctoral studies in Public Policy and Management; Executive Certificate in Community Planning and Development; Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management; Bachelor of Science in Management and Organizational Studies, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service and Lewiston-Auburn College

Family information

Wife, AnnaRose (Lavertu) Gosselin. Son, Luke, and daughter, Laurie. Three grandchildren.

Public offices sought or held

Lewiston city administrator; director of finance; controller; executive officer; community development director; assistant controller; chairman of City Charter Review Committee; Staff to 1979 Charter Commission; numerous state and local boards and committees.

Do you favor consolidating the Twin Cities?

Yes.

Why? What is the benefit?

Consolidation can bring about greater economy of scale, effectiveness, and efficiencies. There will be short-term savings and even greater long-term savings in operational and capital program areas. A consolidated L-A can become the largest city in Maine. As such, greater clout with the federal and state delegations and respective departments. Eliminations of most joint-agency committees. Improved effectiveness of the mayor and city councilors as well as staffing resources. Improved equity in property valuation and tax burden upon taxpayers.

What would convince you to change your opinion?

I am prepared to listen to all points of view and I am open to conversation from all stakeholders. I would NOT support consolidation should it result in being a tangible detriment to Lewiston and Auburn.

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

There is NO single most important question to settle. However, in my opinion, drafting the transitional provisions to implement a joint charter will be the most challenging. Even before making the case for consolidation, stakeholders will want clear answers to many questions affecting day-to-day governmental operations, such as impact upon municipal taxes, employees and their respective union contracts, school consolidation (if permitted by state law), duplicate positions from those individuals elected to office, those appointed, staff.

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

This question will most likely be addressed in the transitional provisions. I opine that it is doubtful that the Charter Commission will directly address this issue other than to spell out a process regarding how best to do so. The resolution may be as simple as relegating that decision to the elected officials under the provisions of a Consolidated Charter.

Where should the main police station be located and why?

This question will most likely be addressed in the transitional provisions. I opine that it is doubtful that the Charter Commission will directly address this issue other than to spell out a process regarding how best to do so. It may simply be referred to the mayor and City Council with advice from appropriate public safety officials.