All the good news coming out of the city for the past couple of years is just the beginning, said Mayor Lionel Guay.

“It’s almost at the point where I think things are just going to explode economically,” he said.

There’s still work to do, however.

“I just don’t think I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to get done, from when I was first elected,” he said.

New retail, especially from national chains and big-box stores, tops his list. The city is close now, especially at the Maine Turnpike interchange at Plourde Parkway.

“But nothing has been signed yet, and I want to get past that point,” Guay said. “We’re close. We just need to get contracts signed with those companies.”

Guiding the city’s recovery is his proudest accomplishment.

“It’s the whole economic development of the area, bringing new jobs to the city,” he said. He pointed out Wal-Mart’s distribution facility and the Southern Gateway as examples. Both projects were under way when he assumed office.

“But there were a lot of steps along the way to make them happen,” he said. It involved negotiations among the city, private companies and the state. It also involved permits and applications and tough decisions for the City Council.

One was the city’s decision to take over the Colisee. The city assumed control of the ice arena in February 2004, taking on $4.2 million in debt and management of the center. That increased by another $1.5 million months later. It was tough, he said, but it was the right thing to do.

“It was an investment in the city’s future, and it had to be done,” he said. “Remember, it used to be a disgrace to bring people down there. Now it’s something we can be proud of showing. It has to do with community pride, and that’s part of it.”

The next step is getting Bates Mill Building No. 5, the massive saw-tooth building along Main Street, developed. Guay favors seeing a conference center there.

“I think once that happens, once you see that developed, that will set off everything else,” he said. Retail, hotel development and other jobs would be attracted to support that.

“We have to move now, and move quickly,” Guay said. “I’ve heard people say it’s Lewiston’s time and they’re right, but it will all pass us by if we don’t take advantage. And if we let that happen, it’s going to be a long time before we get it back.”