As a former 5-term city councilor and former City Council president, I know working with municipal budgets can be very difficult. While on the City Council I always tried to be conservative with taxpayers’ dollars.

I read that Paul Lebreque retained his job as tax collector (April 10). The city administrator has relieved him of other job duties in a compromise to retain his job. I applaud that decision.

As a Lewiston taxpayer, another quality worker comes to mind: Herve Gendreau. Another position proposed to be eliminated. Big mistake!

I have worked with Herve Gendreau on many occasions over 10 years solving constituent concerns. His job duties include painting all of the lines in the city, making our streets safer.

Think about it: Herve and his crew have installed new street signs and replaced the old black signs city-wide. If there are directional lights that go out, it is Herve who is usually first there with stop signs. All of the signage for the Maine State Parade is put up by his crew.

Herve is a true professional, a hard worker and dedicated Lewiston resident. I would personally invite the city administrator, mayor and City Council to “compromise.” Maybe, instead of eliminating the position, reduce the position to part-time and retain benefits. That is a fair compromise for the work that is done for Lewiston.

Does anyone beside myself ever notice all the street painting, new street signs, etc.?

Let’s compromise.

Paul Poliquin, Lewiston