According to information readily available from Lewiston City Hall, Lewiston and Auburn have been involved in dozens of cooperative arrangements dating back to 1849. Among current collaborations are the L-A Economic Growth Council, L-A Arts, L-A Railroad Company, L-A emergency communications center, L-A transit systems, the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport, shared sewage treatment plant, and L-A joint purchasing.

At the recent mayoral debate at Lewiston Public Library (which, incidentally, shares many resources with the Auburn Public Library), candidate Mark Paradis stressed the very positive economic impact of these collaborations. His opponent, on the other hand, indicated complete disdain for these cooperative arrangements and said that he had no interest in working with Auburn.

Lewiston is not an island. In these difficult economic times, survival is based on working together, not on an island mentality in which others are voted off the island.

I’m supporting Mark Paradis for mayor of Lewiston.

Elaine Makas, Lewiston