Lewiston needs to elect strong leaders with a proven track record on getting things done. Jim Lysen, candidate for City Council, Ward 1, is such a leader.

As planning director for the city, his work on riverfront redevelopment and historic preservation paved the way to the continuing success of the Bates Mill and riverfront. He brought grant money to the city to convert the train trestle to a bicycle and pedestrian path and create trails throughout the city, including at Simard-Payne Memorial Park.

He worked to protect No Name Pond, again getting grant money to create a community septic system to prevent pollution and save homes. He helped bring in nearly $1 million to create the athletic fields at Franklin Pasture. During his work with St. Mary’s, he created school-based health centers and supplied them with state-of-the-art technologies to better serve student patients, again assisted by grants.

Jim Lysen strongly deserves to be elected.

Kaelyne Thompson, Lewiston