The Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council provides a vital link to the Twin Cities that reaches far beyond the local footprint.

Economic development is a zero sum game. We win, another city loses. The competition is intense. It is not a part-time endeavor.

The LAEGC has leveraged the L-A message brilliantly to put the area on the consideration list around the state, the region, nationally and internationally. The goal is not to have a company that has been in the Twin Cities to move across the river. The goal is to have a net increase in jobs, taxes, wages and opportunity from organizations external to L-A by bringing them here.

Each relocation here is a potential new customer for a local company, and a new job for area children to keep them in Maine.

It is actually not high taxes that increases the out-migration, but the simple lack of opportunity for young people as they enter the work force.

It is not redundant to have the LAEGC, working closely with the outstanding economic development teams of each city, represent both Lewiston and Auburn and serve their role. The LAEGC has done so successfully and deserves to continue its work.

The investment in LAEGC and economic development is a down payment on the future of the area’s people and their children.

Remember, it’s a zero sum game. Without opportunity, the jobs go to Virginia or Florida or wherever. And the children go, too.

Peter Rinck, Auburn