AUBURN — A 24-year-old legal assistant and former Edward Little High School student teacher is seeking a City Council seat in the Nov. 3 elections.

Grady Burns of Hilldale Street announced his plans to run for one of two open at-large seats. In a news release, Burns said he will help create an environment in Auburn where young professionals can thrive.

“Too many of my peers have left L/A for college and are unable to return because the opportunities for good jobs are simply too few and far between,” Burns said in his statement. “We need a bold voice on the City Council speaking for Auburn’s next generation of citizens and leaders.”

Burns is employed at the Lewiston law firm of Paradie, Sherman, Walker and Worden. He attended the University of Maine at Farmington secondary education and history program and completed his student teaching at his alma mater. He also worked as a substitute teacher and assistant middle school football coach. That experience gave him insight into Auburn’s schools, especially the condition of Edward Little High School, he said.

“Our excellent educators have been struggling too long to meet the immense needs of the 21st century classroom with facilities that are woefully outdated, and frankly counterproductive to the health and well-being of our students,” Burns wrote. “Auburn deserves a high school that reflects the high caliber of its students and teachers, and allows us to remain competitive with surrounding towns for those who are making the decision to settle down and raise children in the area.”

All 16 elected positions in Auburn are open in November’s election. That includes the two at-large City Council seats held by Belinda Gerry and David Young.

Candidates have until Aug. 20 to collect signatures on nominating petitions to guarantee a spot on the ballot.

staylor@sunjournal.com