Even though I was cognizant of municipal affairs since resettling in Lewiston in 1989, I have become even more interested since the death of my wife, Marilyn Hirshler, last year. She was very active.

Recently, I was upset regarding the callous spending of taxpayer dollars by the Lewiston City Council. An example: In spite of the change of plans for this quarter of our town, the city acquired the apartment building at 39 Maple St., near the theater, for a reported $275,000, and will tear the building down.

The building seems to be structurally sound and has historical importance. There are no apparent economic benefits to the destruction of the building; no developer has come forward with any plans. At the same time, a group of citizens has indicated an interest in alternative use for the building. To date, the city, the council or the bureaucracy has ignored the existence of interested parties. Just tearing down a building without seeking alternative uses is, in my view, a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Eric Hirshler, Lewiston