LEWISTON — Lewiston native Michael Marcotte has officially announced his candidacy for Lewiston’s Ward 7 City Council seat, replacing Councilor Michael Lachance, who chose not to run for a third term.

According to a written statement, “While collecting signatures, I was reminded how enjoyable it is meeting so many old friends and newer neighbors throughout Ward 7 to discuss Lewiston’s current issues,” Marcotte said.

According to the statement, one of the things Marcotte is proud of is the support of Lachance. Marcotte believes “Lewiston needs consistent leadership and, among other things, Lachance has done an outstanding job supporting Ward 7’s taxpayers.”

He continued, saying “a change in direction for Ward 7 would be a grave step backward; we need to carry the standard Councilor Lachance set.”

According to the statement, Lachance said, “I’ve known Mike Marcotte since I served on the Board of Appeals six years ago. Throughout my two years on that board and subsequent four years on the City Council, Michael Marcotte has been a fount of knowledge on Lewiston’s political history – his advice and political wisdom helped shape many positions I took while serving,” Lachance said.

“Mike is unquestionably the best person to take over the Ward 7 council seat,” he said.

While Marcotte looks to continue Lachance’s precedent, he points to significant areas of importance: “I worked to shape the Comprehensive Plan with other members of the Planning Board, ensuring it would be the best model for Lewiston. We need to continue addressing the blight in Lewiston, continue reducing our municipal debt and mill rate while growing our tax base, and keep our focus on infrastructure – roads, sidewalks, crosswalks and utilities are all priorities,” according to the statement.

Marcotte grew up in Lewiston, attending Lewiston-area schools and graduating from Lewiston High School and Husson University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a senior accountant at VIP Tires & Service, with 23 years of experience.

He served nine years on the Androscoggin County Budget Committee, chairing that board in 2014; served six years on the Lewiston Finance Committee, two years as chairman; and has served for the past eight years on the Lewiston Planning Board.