I am writing in support of the Lewiston City Council adding two code enforcement officers. This will ensure that code enforcement is doing its job efficiently.

Right now, according to the council itself, there are not enough officers to do the inspections necessary or to enforce the codes. Because of the financial situation the city faces, city councilors say it is not possible to add these positions.

I feel that with additional officers, lives could be saved, health would be better protected and money saved in the downtown. In attending the Neighborhood Housing League meetings and going to different apartments, I have seen and heard about the lack of heat, the infestation of insects and inefficient or broken windows not being repaired. Landlords or the property managers often do not respond for days or weeks.

The code enforcement office has been notified many times and no one responds; or they respond and nothing happens.

Perhaps that is because there are not enough code enforcement officers.

If the City Council approved more officers, the public would get a better response throughout the neighborhood community. It would also prove, at least to me, that the City Council really does care about the situation that residents here are in.

Ron Couture, Lewiston