Recently, the MAINEiacs leaders sat down with L-A’s mayors, Mayors Gilbert and Gleason, for a down-to-earth question and answer session regarding the MAINEiacs’ presence — and future — here in Central Maine.

Q1: What are the general economic impacts of having the MAINEiacs located in L-A and its environs? Don’t other local businesses and restaurants also do better when two to three thousand people congregate in Lewiston for 34 games (plus, potentially the playoffs) a season, especially during the hunker-down months of winter?

A1: Mayor Gleason: It’s simple math. 34 home games, times a 3,000 seat capacity — the Maineiacs can draw over 90,000 a season people out of their homes. That means extra commerce for everyone, especially restaurants and stores.

Mayor Gilbert: Dick’s right, there’s a definite positive economic impact from having the MAINEiacs here in L-A. Hotels and restaurants benefit not only from the locals’ pre- and post-game activities, but from the away team’s and its fans’. They eat and sleep here during their stay too. And yes, during the lousy months, catching a game is something constructive to do, and it’s an entertaining and affordable outing at that. When L-A trumpets “It’s Happening Here,” the MAINEiacs are a big part of that reality.

Q2: Can you address the social aspect — local pride, if you will — relating to the Maineiacs here in L-A, and how the team can act as an effective way to bring the community together, especially during tough times?

A2) Mayor Gilbert: Well, for starters, my wife and I have been season ticket holders since day one. And you know, we view the games not only as an entertaining sporting event, but as a bit of a community reunion as well. We, and the community, get to interact with each other, see old friends, establish or maintain business and social networks — when you go to a game, you get more than just the game, you get community.

Mayor Gleason: I echo Larry’s sentiments, and add that the community benefits when you have young men, and the great hire, Bill Schurman, making a real difference in the area. I mean, look at the national press attention the team received for doing the right thing and up-righting the blasphemously disturbed gravestones and monoliths in Riverside Cemetery . . . this team genuinely cares about L-A and Central Maine. And lest we forget, with the wonderful billet families we have — unselfish families that care, nurture, and protect these young men — I tell you, life-long bonds get formed in the process.

Q3: How do you feel about the quality of play in the Q?

A3: Mayor Gilbert: I see the Q as a mini-NHL, like a window to the future of NHL greats. This ain’t college hockey. It’s a more defined possible path to the pros. Look at the Q’s alumni: Sidney Crosby, Patrick Roy, Pat Lafontaine, Guy Lafleur — the proof is in the pudding.

Mayor Gleason: I couldn’t agree more. And you look at this year’s team . . . Confidence is high, Houston.

Q4: Can you admit that you’ve at least once fantasized about forcefully checking an adversary into the boards, even though you’d knowingly get two minutes for roughing?

A4: Mayor Gleason: Yes. [‘Nuff said, Mayor.]

Mayor Gilbert: As a former police officer (aka, society’s referee), I find myself booing a referee for what I believe is a bad call. Of course I view the game through prejudiced eyes, as no doubt the fans from the opposing team do. At the very least, this adds color to the overall excitement of a game. I get caught up in the emotion of the game and that adds to the total entertainment package. Heck, sometimes I wish I was out on the ice with those boys!

Q5: Mayors, what else would you like to add to this discussion?

A5: Mayor Gilbert: Whether the MAINEiacs win or lose, the best game is often the one you’ve missed. I encourage the people of Lewiston-Auburn, and Central and Southern Maine, to come and fill the Androscoggin Bank Colisee and cheer on our Lewiston MAINEiacs to victory. If we fill the ABC, we generate that Karmic electricity that only legions of people — nay, fans — can create. Regardless, I, along with Mayor Gleason, am committed to supporting the MAINEiacs. They simply add value to our community.

Mayor Gleason: I think this is a pivotal year for the MAINEiacs and the L-A area, to be frank. We need to pull together as a community . . . as a team. I know that Larry and I will do everything we can to continue to support our community’s team, the Lewiston MAINEiacs.