LEWISTON — Alicia Rea, an advancement professional and public policy graduate student, has declared her candidacy for the City Council from Ward 3.

According to a written statement, Rea decided to run for office since engaging with the community and noting the exciting opportunities to further economic growth and educational initiatives in Lewiston. Her policies focus on economic development, equitable education and safe housing while paying mind to the city’s budgeting process.

“Since moving to Lewiston, I have been welcomed by the community and have relished the opportunity to expand my relationships with many residents of the city,” Rea said in a statement. “In deciding to run for the City Council, it is my hope to represent the viewpoints of all of my neighbors while addressing the strengths and challenges that concern our city.”

Rea moved to Maine in 2012 to work at Husson University in Bangor and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the university in 2014. Rea chose to make Lewiston her home in 2014, and since then has developed relationships that help offer insight into the potential of the city that could continue to attract new residents to live alongside those who already call Lewiston home, according to the statement.

In addition to her professional and school work, Rea volunteers on the board of directors for the Lewiston Education Fund and the leadership team for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. She also has served as a mentor for the Maine NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership program through the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine and is a 2014 alumnae of the program.

Alicia Rea