Recently, we were asked to sign on to a letter to the editor written by Lewiston City Council President Kristen Cloutier, School Committee Chairperson Linda Scott and Maine state Sen. Nathan Libby, reassuring Lewiston residents of Lewiston’s promise to offer “a safe and inclusive community.”
We all know what this is about — it’s about the Nov. 8 election results and the national hysteria created and nourished by the media and community organizers because of it.
Mayor Bob Macdonald and Interim Police Chief Brian O’Malley have, of course, the right to issue a statement that warns “harassment based on race, religion or other factors will not be tolerated in Lewiston.” We just don’t believe it’s necessary. We choose to not overreact to rumors and hypotheticals.
We don’t need to perpetuate fear and admonish residents of Lewiston for behavior they have no intention of engaging in — and apparently haven’t engaged in since no incidents have been reported — because some are experiencing a “heightened sense of fear” driven by “what ifs” thrown about by the media.
Lewiston residents don’t need to be told to be nice to each other and city officials don’t need to act as their overlord or be suspicious of their behavior.
This election need not divide this or any community. As a product of our constitutional republic, elections are the civilized way people express their feelings about matters. People are free to disagree with the results and work to change opinions if they wish. But let’s leave the alarmist scenarios to Hollywood.
Everything will be just fine.
Shane Bouchard, Lewiston City councilor, Ward 4
Michael Lachance, Lewiston City councilor, Ward 7
Tim Lajoie, Lewiston City councilor, Ward 2
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