The duties of the elected Joint Charter Commission are clearly defined in state law (30-a, section 2152) related to merging Auburn and Lewiston. What will the merged city be named? Where will the new city hall be located? How will debt currently on the books be paid off and by which taxpayers? What will the combined city charter look like? After two-plus years, I am still waiting for the answers.

We do know that there will be heavier representation by Lewiston on the new council than Auburn, since there are more people living within the boundaries of what is now Lewiston. We do know that both cities disappear legally if this merger is approved by both current cities. We do know that one city, if not both, will have a new name, and there will be a change of address for many, many households, businesses and other organizations.

We don’t know if taxpayers will see any financial benefits or not. We won’t know that until the combined mayor and councilors vote in combined budgets some years into the future. This, no matter what the JCC says “might be.”

Residents should vote with great caution come November.

Bob Stone, Auburn