LEWISTON — City Councilor James Lysen has announced his bid for re-election. 

“I’m proud of what the City Council has accomplished in my first one-and-a-half years, and humbled that the great people of Ward 1 have put their faith and trust in me to represent them,” Lysen wrote in a prepared statement.

As a retired professional planner and former planning director with the city, Lysen said his proudest moment as a city councilor came this year when Lewiston adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, “Legacy Lewiston.”

“From turning out dozens of residents as a volunteer to the early “Planapalooza” process, to making sure as a city councilor that critical elements made it through the final adoption process, I worked hard to make sure this was a quality plan and not destined to just ‘sit on a shelf,'” Lysen said.

“Again, it was a collaborative effort and I thank residents who participated, the consultant team, city staff and the Planning Board for their dedicated work. Legacy Lewiston won the “Plan of the Year” award from the Maine Association of Planners in 2017.”

Lysen added that he is excited to continue his work to make Lewiston “the best it can be. And I know that takes support and input from many residents. To that end, I look forward to the continuing conversations as I go door to door in my ward and in other parts of the city. I truly thank my supporters for this opportunity and look forward to carrying on this work if re-elected.”