Name: Eric G. Samson

Age: 36

Address: 28 Windemere Way

Occupation: Chief deputy, Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department

Phone number/e-mail address: 784-6987

Education: University of Maine at Augusta (2 years), Maine Criminal Justice Academy

Political experience: Auburn City Council, School Committee, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council Board of Directors, Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. Board of Directors, Community Concepts Board of Directors

Community organizations: Kora Shriner of Maine, Sacred Heart Parish

Why are you seeking the mayor’s seat?

The opportunity to serve and be involved in our community with a new city manager to be appointed while building on my experiences as a city councilor.

What is the mayor’s role in Auburn?

I believe that the mayor’s responsibility is to represent the people of the city, guiding the council or helping resolve issues with the council, bringing up initiatives or issues, working in that team environment with staff and the councilors to come to resolutions.

Last year, councilors adopted a 3 percent spending cap and stayed under it. Is it enough to keep spending from increasing?

It was a step in the right direction. You want to set attainable goals and I believe 3 percent is, but I think that can easily be twisted into people saying, “I think we can spend up to 3 percent.” Really, your goal ought to be to tighten your belt as much as possible.

Do you favor consolidating services with Lewiston?

I think that we need to look at the areas that can be consolidated. Right now the information isn’t there. There’s nothing saying that it would be more or less efficient. There’s nothing saying it would more or less expensive.

In your mind, what is the biggest issue that councilors, the mayor, or city staffers have not talked about over the last two years?

There are things continuously going on out there that the council should discuss more frequently and be updated on more frequently. But I can’t say these things aren’t being dealt with.