ORONO – State Rep. and Lewiston City Councilor Lillian LaFontaine O’Brien is the recipient of a 2003 Maryann Hartman Award. Presented Thursday evening at the University of Maine, O’Brien was recognized for her “wide-ranging leadership both in her own community and in the State Legislature.”

The 18th annual award was presented by the university’s Women in the Curriculum and Women’s Studies Program. Named for the late Dr. Maryann Hartman, teacher and scholar in speech communication at UMaine, the award recognizes Maine women whose achievements in the arts, politics, business, education, and community service provide inspiration for women.

O’Brien has served as a state representative since 1999 and began her tenure as a Ward 3 city councilor in 2002.

In addition, she also serves on the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments General Assembly, the Downtown Advisory Board, the Lewiston Finance Committee, Lewiston Housing Committee and the L & A Transit Committee. O’Brien has also served on the Lewiston School Committee, YWCA Board and the Empower Lewiston Board.

Council President Renee Bernier called O’Brien’s commitment and devotion to the people of Lewiston and Maine “exemplary.”

City Administrator Jim Bennett said, “Lillian has the unique ability to effectively relate to, understand, and inspire people from all walks of life. She has tremendous compassion for people and diligently works, both at the municipal and state level, to effectively represent their concerns, needs, and vision for the future.”

A graduate of Lewiston High School and the University of Southern Maine, O’Brien has also attended New Hampshire College.

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