By Daniel Hartill,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Unless a court finds him guilty or voters replace him, Lionel Guay may continue his work as the city’s mayor.

And he’ll do it with the support of friends and colleagues.

“At this point, I stand behind him,” said Rita Dube, a lifelong friend who is managing Guay’s mayoral campaign with her husband, Paul.

“I have never witnessed any improper behavior on his part towards anyone, and I find it hard to believe that these alleged charges are true,” she said. “I think his reputation speaks for itself.”

For decades, Guay has been a community leader. He led the Festival de Joie for 12 years, helped preserve St. Mary’s Church as the board chairman of the Franco-American Heritage Center and served on a variety of city boards and committees.

He is currently running for his second term as Lewiston’s mayor.

In a hastily organized news conference Wednesday at Lewiston City Hall, the criminal allegations drew a measured response from the city.

City Administrator Jim Bennett reminded people that the allegations involve no city employee and, unless convicted, Guay may continue as mayor.

“It is important to note that in our judicial system, any person who is charged with a crime is always presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and our organization will act accordingly,” Bennett said, reading from a prepared statement. “At the same time, our thoughts are with the mayor, his family, as well as the other party concerned and her family during this most stressful and difficult time.”

According to a morals clause in the city charter, Guay could be removed from office if he is convicted of the charges.

If a court finds him guilty and he has more than nine months left to serve in office, a special election would be held to find a successor. If not, the City Council president would take over.

Such concerns may be premature, though.

City Councilor Stavros Mendros said he plans to join those who support Guay.

“I consider him a good friend,” Mendros said Wednesday. “I have faith in Lionel and give him a lot of respect.”

Dube, who also works with Guay at the Franco Center, has known him since she was in high school.

Despite the allegations, she believes enough people know him and like him for Guay to earn re-election. She’ll still vote for him, she said.

Since Guay told her of the investigation almost two weeks ago, she dreaded the news becoming public. “That poor man,” she said. “It’s very sad.”

Some also worry that the news may overshadow city successes.

“I hope we get through this as a community and continue on the upswing,” Mendros said.

His comments were echoed by the city administrator.

“Our organization is committed to work with every one of our elected officials in a way that will ensure that much of our council’s incredible success in reinvigorating this city with new economic development, new jobs, new cultural opportunities, new educational resources, and new affordable housing will continue seamlessly and without disruption,” Bennett said.