I want to express gratitude to Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald.

Macdonald has recently been leading a charge to combat lead poisoning in the city — a problem that afflicts Lewiston at a rate far greater than the state average.

As someone in my mid-20s, I like it that Lewiston has a mayor who cares about the youth and the future of Lewiston and is active toward getting some results. It sets a great precedent.

Thanks are also due to Mayor Macdonald as he continues to push for substantive welfare reform at both the city and state levels. He has not been shy in Augusta, and he makes sure the taxpayers get their fair say.

Budgets are tight, and Macdonald is working to get people off the welfare rolls and to become successfully independent.

Additionally, Lewiston does not abuse state assistance at the rate of Portland, and credit is due to the mayor and the city councilors for their fiscal responsibility.

Luke Jensen, Lewiston