As the vice president of the Hillside Family Riders Snowmobile Club in Lewiston, I am rather upset that the city of Lewiston is not willing to help our organization. Throughout the winter months, our sport generates a fair amount of revenue for the city and its businesses.

For example, in 2008 there were 875 snowmobiles registered in Lewiston. From the registration fees, the city collected $5,792.50.

Last spring we mailed a formal letter asking for $1,000 of that amount to put toward our trail-grooming costs. We were turned down.

Just a few weeks ago, we asked city officials if they would be willing to hang a banner up for us advertising our annual Snow Fest on Feb. 7-8, either on Sabattus Street or Main Street. We were again turned down, saying this would have to be brought in front of the City Council and approved, but there was doubt that it would be.

A simple e-mail to Auburn officials and they were happy to hang the banner for us and we just needed to coordinate with them, even though our organization has nothing to do with their city.

Why and how can one city be so accommodating and the other not?

Josh Laliberte, Lewiston