LEWISTON – The city has been investing in economic development for several years, according to mayoral candidate Nathan McCarron, but has little to show for it.

That might not change if he’s elected, but he’d like to try.

“Lewiston has the appearance of having a City Council that likes to spend money on projects that bear no fruit, and we need to change that,” McCarron said. “We’ve had the Wal-Mart project in the works, but all we have to show of it is a concrete pad and some sewer lines.”

McCarron is one of three seeking to replace Mayor Larry Raymond. The political newcomer said he is running a quiet campaign, with no political signs and no brochures.

“I hope that people will look at the substance and the fact that I’m bringing fresh ideas to the table,” McCarron said. “We are a community of many types – young, old, Caucasian, Hispanic, African American, Asian – and the old ways are changing. Our leadership needs to reflect that.”

Most importantly, McCarron said he wants to create a five-year strategic plan for all city business and projects. Then, he hopes to identify specific areas of Lewiston for economic development.

“There are several neglected areas where we can invest and have a great long-term potential,” he said. “Specifically, if you look at the area around Bates College or along Sabattus Street you see some opportunities for businesses that are not here now. I could see places like a Jokers or a Park City Pizza along there.”

But McCarron said he wants to avoid giving out tax incentives, such as Tax Increment Finance deals, or TIFs.

“You can only use TIFs to bring really significant businesses to town,” McCarron said. “If Central Maine Power decides to expand or Wal-Mart wants to bring 300 jobs to the area that’s a tax incentive. But a restaurant with 20 employees? They need some encouragement, maybe something as simple as just sitting them down and introducing them to the Chamber of Commerce.”

McCarron criticized the city’s new fee on multiple apartment trash collections, but praised efforts to reduce on-the-job accidents. That will lower Workers Compensation claims, possibly saving the city more money than anything else.

“The city has to set aside $3-4 million every year to pay for those benefits,” he said. “The city could save some of that money by lowering those rates. And that may be $2-3 million we can spend elsewhere.”

McCarron said he’s also intrigued by an idea considered by City Administrator Jim Bennett last year to take over ambulance service.

“If you live far enough away from United Ambulance, it can take them 11 minutes to get to you,” McCarron said. “If we can cut that response time in half, that helps the community. Even something simple like that would help attract business.”

McCarron also questions city donations to some social groups and events, like the Festival de Joi, the Balloon Festival and the Franco-American Heritage Center. His opponent, Lionel Guay is president of the heritage center.

“Three years ago, the city stopped pumping money into youth leagues, like hockey and football,” McCarron said. “Why do they keep paying for the Festival de Joie or the Balloon Fest? The leagues have survived, and I’m sure they can as well.”

McCarron admits his ideas will take time to work and that the person elected mayor this year won’t be around when the results begin to show.l

“You can’t grow a garden in a day,” McCarron said. “Nothing magical is going to happen over the next two years. That’s just where you lay the foundation. But we need to do that groundwork.”

– Scott Taylor

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