LEWISTON — Kristen Cloutier has announced she is seeking re-election for the City Council Ward 5.

According to a written statement, Cloutier plans to continue the public health work she initiated during her first two terms in office by advocating for lower rates of childhood lead poisoning, more safe and affordable housing options, and increased transportation safety.

“Transportation safety has become a big issue in this community. We had three pedestrian deaths in one year,” Cloutier said in her statement.  “Everyone in this city, regardless of their age, ability or financial resources, ought to have safe, efficient and convenient access to our community’s assets regardless of their preferred mode of travel.”

In 2014, Cloutier was awarded Healthy Androscoggin’s Leadership Award for her work to improve public health and promote the ideals of Healthy Androscoggin.  

She is a Class of 2015 alumnae of Emerge Maine and this year was awarded its Rising Star Award for her mentorship and support of women running for elected office. She serves as a mentor for the Maine NEW Leadership Program through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine.

Cloutier has served as councilor from Ward 5 for three and a half years and as the president of the council for 18 months.

Her council appointments include representative to the Lewiston School Committee, chairwoman of the Immigrant and Refugee Integration and Policy Development Working Group, and member of the Lewiston-Auburn Public Health Committee. 

She is a member of the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College Community Advisory Board, the Lewiston School Department’s District Proficiency-Based Learning Committee, the Green and Healthy Homes Learning Network, and the Center for Wisdom’s Women’s Sophia’s House Steering Committee.

During her tenure on the council, Cloutier has supported the redevelopment of Bates Mill No. 5, the development of the Hartley Block on Lisbon Street, and the rebuilding of Pierce Place.  She has also been an advocate of public art and the role it can play in the economic development of Lewiston.

Cloutier has been employed by Bates College for the past 16 years, most recently as the assistant director for Center Operations at the Harward Center for Community Partnerships.

She resides in Lewiston with her husband, their 8-year-old daughter, and their two rescue dogs.

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