For many years, merging Lewiston and Auburn into one city has been the dream of a small group of people who have held power in both cities for far too long. As their power fades as time goes by, one more merger attempt is pushed on the public in hopes that they may regain the power and control they once had.

The Joint Charter Commission says that the cities can either merge or continue with the status quo. The chosen name tells a different story. Out of all the names that could have been chosen, the JCC picks Lewiston-Auburn. If that doesn’t scream status quo, I don’t know what does.

Competition is what economies are made of, and Auburn needs to shake this “we are one” and “we will not compete” mentality and start defining who we are, as should Lewiston. Auburn needs to set its own path to success without worrying about “what would Lewiston think?” There are many things Auburn can do to alleviate the stagnation without becoming Lewiston. All one has to do is to look to South Portland, Portland and Scarborough — three successful cities that actively compete against each other to the great benefit of all.

Auburn has its problems. They should be identified and corrected.

I will vote against the merger.

Robert Sevigny, Auburn