As a past Lewiston city councilor, representing Ward 6, one problem was dear to my heart, two words: economic development.

Recently, I read commentary in another newspaper about this topic that was an eye-opener. The author referred to developers spending millions in Bates Mill No. 5, the poor conditions of housing along Lincoln Street, lack of downtown development, and the policies of state government that make Maine a sanctuary state and too generous with welfare.

These are all concerns that I share. We need to take these realities and set the stage for three things: a thought, a proposal and a project – the three things that are needed for economic development in Lewiston.

Mark W. Paradis, Lewiston