As of 2017, Lewiston has resettled approximately 7,000 refugees. Figures from the city’s own website indicate there have been 3,000 jobs created. Now, I am no rocket scientist, but that seems to be a negative number in employment.
How can people get off general assistance with no jobs available? This isn’t race or religion — it is common sense. People need jobs in Lewiston. Jobs that pay a living wage.
A rough proposal for development? Offer businesses an incentive to come to Lewiston.
For a business that would create 25-50 jobs, no property tax for two years; a business creating 50-100 jobs, no property tax for four years; for a business creating 100-250 jobs, no property tax for six years. Give existing businesses the same break if they add jobs. That would also help create other business if people have expendable cash.
Perfect example — the mall on East Avenue is virtually empty. Offer the owner a tax incentive to fill the mall with businesses.
Of course this is just a proposal, but why not?
Make Lewiston better, instead of having the nickname of the “Dirty Lew.”
Michael Tetreault, Lewiston
Copy the Story LinkSend questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.