LEWISTON — Jim Lysen, former city planning director and founder of the Visible Community, plans to take on the race for the Ward 1 City Council seat.
In a written statement, Lysen said he feels he can provide leadership to help find common ground among diverse city interests.
“This can only be done by leaders listening to their constituents, helping to educate everyone on the important issues we face today, and creating a government that is open, honest and transparent,” Lysen wrote. “To that end, I am truly dedicated.”
Lysen, a civil engineer, came to Lewiston in 1988 as planning director. He held that position for 15 years, helping to found the Visible Community soon after he left. It is an award-winning progressive community building group dedicated to housing, transportation and other planning and social justice issues.
All of Lewiston’s elected positions are up this November, including the mayor, seven city councilors and the eight School Committee members.
The election cycle kicks off July 6. Candidates can begin circulating nomination petitions then and must complete them and hand them back to the City Clerk’s office by Sept. 4 to reserve a spot on the ballot.
Mayoral candidates need to collect between 100 and 200 signatures from residents living anywhere in Lewiston. Council and School Committee candidates need to collect between 50 and 100 signatures.
At-large School Committee candidates can collect signatures from residents living anywhere in the city. All other candidates need signatures from residents living in the ward they would to represent.
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