Biographical information

Name:

Mark Cayer

Office Sought:

Lewiston City Council, Ward 6

Home Street Address:

97 Summit Ave.

Campaign Phone Number:

Campaign Email Address:

mcayer@gwi.net

Facebook page:

Twitter Account:

YouTube Channel:

Occupation or primary source of income:

Self Employed – Private Investigator – Maine PI Service

Education:

Lewiston Public Schools: Maine Criminal Justice Academy: Numerous Law Enforcement Trainings including; Certified Arson Investigator, Certified Law Enforcement Field Training Officer, EMT: Some Criminal Justice College Courses

Family:

I’m married to Susan who is an RN for St. Mary’s. I have two adult son’s Mark Jr. and  Mike. I have three grandchildren Kiarra, Gavin and Mark III.

Public offices sought or held?

I have always tried to serve in each community I have lived in. I first served as a Budget Committee member in Farmington and later was elected to the SAD 9 School Board. After a couple of terms on the school board I was elected as a Farmington Selectman serving almost two terms before moving to Rumford for employment as the Lieutenant of Rumford Police Department. I now serve as the Lewiston City Councilor for Ward 6. I’m in my second term.

Civic organizations:

I currently am a member of the Maine Private Investigator’s Association. I served on the Board of Directors for two terms. I currently serve on the:Auburn-Lewiston Airport BoardLewiston Auburn Railroad BoardI have in the past served as a Board Member of SAVES – Sexual Assault Victim Emergency Services.

Ice breakers

What is your favorite food?

Anything my wife cooks of course and I like Italian food.

What is your favorite movie?

The Green Mile

What is your favorite book?

I do not have a favorite book, but I like anything related to historic writings.

What is the best political advice you have received?

I once was told to never go into a meeting with a personal agenda. The agenda should always be what’s best for the community you are serving and never back door politic agenda items, save the debate for the meeting. Back door politicking is when elected officials try to gain support with an issue before the open meeting debate. When this happens it cause mistrust among the members of any governing body and is the first step to dysfunction.

What Maine political figure do you admire most?

Not sure, I respect several on both sides of the fence, but I do not admire one above any other.

Local politics

What has Mayor Robert Macdonald done during the past two years that you agree with? What has he done that you disagree with?

Mayor MacDonald has grown nicely into his position as Mayor. Some call individuals who serve at the local level politicians, but most of us are not. Most of us are just folks who want to give back to the community we live in. With that said most of us are not polished in our words or actions and sometimes we all say things in a way that doesn’t really portray our beliefs. Mayor MacDonald has had some growing pains in the way he presents, but his decisions have always been in a direction that he truly believes is best for the community he lives in and serves. I may at times disagree or agree with his views, but when you have a governing body that has different opinions and each member debates respectfully, that’s part of what makes a great governing body.

What has the city council done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?

The current Council is a diverse group of individuals from many walks of life. Each time I’m on the wrong side of a vote, I disagree. However the current council all are serving for the right reasons. We debate with passion and in open session, but we never make it about any one individual councilor. We all respect each other’s views and when the vote is done we move onto the next subject.

What has the city administrator and the city staff done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?

The Administrator and his staff have always been responsive to the Council. They present budgets and agenda items in a way that is informative so that the council can make an educated decision. I tend to disagree mostly with budget related items; however, I also expect administration and staff to fight for what they believe there departments needs. In the end I try to balance Wants vs. Needs and most importantly taxpayer expectations.I honestly believe the City Administrator and his management team are some of the most respected professionals in the State of Maine.

What has the school committee done during the past two years that you agree with? What have they done that you disagree with?

It is a different world today when it comes to education. The expectations on schools in today’s world are full of unfunded mandates. If the Federal Government and the State would either stop telling the community what they need to do or start paying for what they tell you to do, our schools would be a much better place. If more parents took an active role in the education of their child the school system would be a much better place. Thank god for the parents who do participate.Every year I struggle with the schools budget. However, I also recognize that the public has to take the fight to the state level for real change.

What should be done with Bates Mill No. 5?

I’m excited about the work Grow LA is doing to generate possible development of Mill 5. They have some very good ideas. They are faced with strict time lines and they should not expect anything more. This is the last chance for that building. If Grow LA cannot meet the time line or doesn’t secure the needed investors, the building needs to come down!

Any last words?

I appreciate the support that I have received over the past four years as a City Councilor. I hope to continue to serve the community. I will serve as I always have with one goal to try and make decisions that are best for the community.

Copy the Story Link