AUBURN — The city is in a great shape and poised for greater things according to Mayor-Elect Dick Gleason.

“I just think it’s important to reflect on the great things going on,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to talk about in my speech; why we should be proud of Auburn and what kind of things are happening. It’s chance to update everyone on what’s going on.”

Gleason has organized a post-inaugural celebration at 7 p.m. Monday at Central Maine  Community College’s Kirk Hall Gymnasium. It follows the official swearing in ceremony, at 6 p.m. in Auburn Hall.

Gleason said he didn’t want to talk too much about the city and his plans for it yet.

“If I do it now, it might end up taking the wind out of my sails for Monday night,” Gleason said. “If you want to hear what I have to say, show up at the community college Monday night.

Gleason pushed to schedule the celebration after councilors cancelled plans for a posh inauguration at the school. Since all of the councilors and Gleason have won election to the City Council and been sworn in before, councilors voted that it was unnecessary expense. They opted for a smaller ceremony in Auburn Hall.

“I respect what the councilors decided, but I think people want to share in what the city is doing and in these kinds of events,” Gleason said. “You can’t do that in Auburn Hall, and I don’t think people should have to watch it on TV.”

The ceremony features the Edward Little High School marching band, the Auburn Fire Department marching band and performances by three Auburn singers: Carrie Young Coffin will perform the National Anthem; Chris Camire will sing Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and Bruce Gerry will sing “God Bless America.”

“Any controversy just pales in comparison of what the topic is, the future of the city,” Gleason said.

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