In 1820, Maine seceded from Massachusetts and became a state. Back then, there were large regions of Maine governed by a few and, over time (almost 200 years) through trial and error, through growth and adaptation, Maine became a great state with wonderful towns and cities.

Maine is what it is today because, through trial and error and adaptation, this is the most efficient way to be. Every city, in an effort to be efficient, has the least number of employees working the least amount of hours to get the most amount of work done. There is the least number of city employees and contractors required to service the needs of that area; no more, no less.

The merger numbers do not take everything into account. You can’t cut city jobs to save money because both the amount and level of needs will still be the same.

And what will happen with same addresses? Who will pay to update drivers licenses and resolve late fee and overdraft disputes due to misdelivered mail?

Citizens here chose to live in a small town. If they wanted to live in Portland, they would. Too many residents are against the merger to ignore. A solution to save money on resources on both sides can be worked out without combining cities. Politicians actually may need to think outside of the box.

City officials need to find ways to improve Auburn and Lewiston.

Natalie Raye, Auburn