I am excited by the prospect of Larry Gilbert being elected Lewiston’s next mayor. A tireless public servant, he offers a positive attitude and a helping hand where it’s needed —  neighborhood cleanups, homeless youth projects, advocating for Lewiston in Augusta and Washington, D.C.

In contrast, I am dismayed by Mayor Bob Macdonald’s denigrating low-income residents, new Mainers and the inner city. And, he’s publicly attacked organizations and individuals who rally for better housing conditions, respect for Somali residents and access to health care, calling them “outside agitators.”

As a board member of the Maine People’s Alliance, I’d like to clarify that the MPA was founded in Lewiston 30 years ago by residents trying to improve downtown housing. Our Androscoggin Valley Chapter has scores of local members/volunteers who believe, as does Gilbert, that this community is stronger when residents work together with shared purpose.

On Nov. 5, I will vote for Larry Gilbert.

Susann Pelletier, Lewiston