I am sure that the 10 citizens who started the Lewiston water run-off petition had good intentions. Everyone is tired of taxes and fees. Unfortunately, the poor timing of their effort may turn out to hurt, rather than help, many Lewiston families who they probably intended to speak for.

Forcing the city administrator and councilors into making desperate decisions with no time to spare means the outcome may not be pretty. If cuts are made to make up for the lack of funds, it won’t be from city personnel holding high positions. It will be people such as my husband, who works for the city mowing lawns, lining athletic fields and plowing the sidewalks. It will be the children, such as my own, who participate in winter recreational programs that are now on hold.

I understand that a couple of those petitioners are running for public office. Neither would ever get my vote, but I hope that, if elected, they think their actions through more clearly and understand that any reaction, although well intended, may have ill-consequences if not well-timed or well-thought out.

I hope that all Lewiston residents avoid signing this petition. Thirty dollars is not too much to ask to keep the city running smoothly through next year. Instead, voters should start finding solutions for next year’s budget, while there is plenty of time, that will not have such a negative impact on so many Lewiston families.

Debbie Poliquin, Lewiston