This is in response to the story about what to do with Bates Mill No. 5 (Jan. 8).

Ever since I read and watched the video of the tour of the Bates Mill, I felt compelled to give my opinion. Lewiston has been studying what to do with that place for so many years — I think my children were all toddlers when it started.

I am 58 years old now, and what to do with this mill has been going on for so long that it has gone from editorials written in the newspapers to publishing them online.

My solution is to hire someone competent. Even if the cost is high, in the long run the money will be spent much more wisely because God only knows how much has already been spent all these years trying to grow these Twin Cities.

City officials need to cut through all the baloney and the red tape that’s letting many cities in Maine, including Portland, Bangor, Augusta and even Topsham, move way ahead. Meanwhile, Lewiston and Auburn are stagnant because, as far as I’m concerned, city officials don’t know what they are doing. Even with my education, I could do a much better job.

During the past 20 years, the cities have gone to the dumps, mostly building credit unions, parking garages and call centers.

I’m tired of people saying they like the small town atmosphere. Let the cities grow or they will be left in the dust.

Leo Castonguay, Leeds

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