Lewiston: Voter registration deadline looms

People planning to vote in this November’s election need to be registered with the city clerk’s office before Tuesday, Oct. 18.

That’s the deadline across Maine for people to register by mail. People not already registered in their home precincts after that must bring a photo ID and proof of residency that lists a home address with them to the polls to register.

Absentee ballots are also available for registered voters. Voters may call the city clerk at 784-2956, extension 214, to have a ballot mailed to their home, or they may have a family member bring in a written request to pick one up.

There are two ballots in Lewiston this November: A ballot for candidates for mayor, City Council and School Committee, and a state referendum ballot.

The clerk’s office in Lewiston City Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office will be open on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon to give out absentee ballots.

Auburn: Home program seeks applicants

A program designed to help low-income families buy homes in downtown Auburn is again looking for applicants.

The Community Development Department will take applications through Nov. 4 for qualified families. The program uses federal Housing and Urban Development money earmarked for affordable housing to help low-income people and encourage downtown redevelopment.

Each buyer can qualify for up to 10 different loans and grants, including a 7 percent standard mortgage through Coastal Enterprises Inc. and three city loans. Buyers pay back the first interest-free, 20-year city loan and the other two are forgiven.

In some cases, the city can buy a home and lease it to the buyer for as long as two years, until the buyer qualifies for credit.

Buyers must also purchase a house in one of three Auburn neighborhoods – New Auburn, downtown or the residential area north of Union Street.

For more information, people may contact Gail Phoenix at Auburn Hall at 333-6600.

– Scott Taylor

Lewiston:

City seeks

holiday tree

The city is seeking a 30- to 40-foot spruce tree for the community’s annual downtown holiday tree-lighting. Anyone who has a tree that they would like to donate may contact arborist Steve Murch at 784-5753, extension 214. He will visit the site to see whether the tree can be removed shortly after Thanksgiving.

– Staff report

Lewiston:

Coalition offers

tax-credit session

The Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition will host an informational “lunch and learn” session at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at City Hall. Lunch will be served at 11:30.

The earned-income tax credit is a benefit for low- and moderate-income workers, and 2005 wages could render between $339 and $4,400 in returns.

Nonprofit agency representatives who believe their employees or clients may benefit from this federal tax credit are encouraged to attend the session. People are asked to call Dottie at 784-2951, extension 110, or send e-mail to [email protected]. Reservations are requested, as an accurate head count is needed for lunch.

– Staff report