I thank the voters of Ward 1 and all the citizens of Lewiston for the opportunity to serve them as president of their City Council. It has been an honor, despite these most difficult times.

The upcoming vote is critical to assure the difficulties the current council and the previous council faced will not plague the next. We have too much at stake to allow egos to come before the people's business.

None of us has all the answers. Together we have strength. Leaders listen and sometimes wisely compromise. The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth. Perhaps there is a message in the design.

We are now on the verge of another election. I humbly suggest that voters finally retire those who cannot conjure a sentence without the words "me" or "I" being included. Retire those with all the answers. Retire those who will not compromise and have to tell people their opinion on every issue.

Voting residents need to step outside from any special interest and elect those who will do the best for all the people.

America is a wonderful country and Lewiston a magnificent city. Voters can keep them on the right path. Each person has a compass: a vote. In the privacy of the voting booth, voters can lead the way.

We have wisely been taught that we reap what we have sown. I urge residents to choose wisely, and please vote.

Thomas P. Peters II, Lewiston