“Not another downtown plan, please,” was the headline on a Dec. 3 editorial, which was correct that Lewiston needs changes for a positive image with a forward thrust into the playing field in the 21st century.

Two weeks prior to that editorial, Charles Soule wrote a letter to the editor that questioned the motives, decisions and directions that Lewiston City Administrator James Bennett wanted to accomplish with a new, revised strategic planning process.

Bennett exults economic growth that was evident some years ago. Lewiston, at one time, was a leader in bringing new businesses to the state and the community, such as the Wal-Mart distribution center, Andover College, Northeast Bank, Oxford Networks, etc., and new restaurants. That growth should be credited to the then-Economic Development Director Greg Mitchell. His work and accomplishments were phenomenal.

The Rev. Doug Taylor wrote in a letter to the editor printed Dec. 21 that “he bought a home on Lewiston’s Bates Street, at the epicenter of one of the most depressed neighborhoods in Maine.” The author could have expanded the statement to include New England.

I believe the best strategic plan for Lewiston is for Bennett and Assistant City Administrator Phil Nadeau to submit letters of resignation. They have placed Lewiston on a negative spiral spin. They have not helped the citizens of the community with changes, growth or pride.

Ron Jean, Lewiston