It is a sad day in Lewiston when three city councilors, namely Shane Bouchard, Michael Lachance and Tim Lajoie, refuse to sign a statement committing to a safe and inclusive community where all residents are free from harassment.

Those councilors dismiss residents’ fears as hysteria manufactured by the media. Yet the fears of the immigrant and refugee residents are based on the actual words from men in power.

Donald Trump came to Maine and spread bald-faced lies about the Lewiston-Auburn community, asserting that Somalis caused an increase in crime, when crime has actually decreased. Gov. Paul LePage is attempting to remove Maine from the refugee resettlement program, claiming that refugees bring disease and terrorism, while citing false evidence (the so-called “Ziki” virus) to support that claim. Lajoie himself published a fear-mongering column in the Sun Journal (Nov. 13) echoing the governor’s arguments, in which he says refugees risk endangering Lewiston residents’ health and safety.

The immigrant community hears hostility from national, state and local leaders.

If those councilors do not have the patience to listen to and address the legitimate concerns of the city’s residents, they should consider withdrawing from public service.

Melissa Sundell, Auburn