Jason Levesque

Name: Jason Levesque

Age: Did not answer

Occupation: Auburn mayor

Political experience: Two terms as mayor

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat?

After four years I have seen and done a lot, from celebrating our 150th birthday, to creating, planning and hosting new events, marketing campaigns, being part of our strategic planning process, comprehensive plan review, navigating a pandemic and outreach efforts in Augusta and Washington, coupled with my private sector and military experience has given me a great perspective on Auburn’s past, its vision and a path forward.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

Tax fairness; after three years of little to no tax increases, we must continue to attract new commercial and residential development so that we can make meaningful decreases to our residents’ property tax bill. Population growth; we need to attract and retain more residents to ensure our businesses have the workforce needed to grow and prosper. We also need more people to keep getting nice things . . . from retail to restaurants, to winning sport teams.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not.

There are abundant forms of recreation that are currently not allowed that can be done on or around Lake Auburn that will not harm the quality of our lake. We must not ignore how Lake Auburn can positively impact the physical and psychological well being of our residents. Smart, common-sense accommodations toward enhanced recreation can be made that will not harm our drinking water supply.

There’s a lot of pressure and negativity that public officials have to deal with these days. Do you have a message for citizens about that relationship?

Ninety-nine percent of people in Auburn are great to work with. It’s just a small percent of people who are mean and disrespectful that makes this job difficult at times. We were elected to make tough decisions, you should get angry when those elected refuse to make decisions.