Donna Gillespie

Bio

Name: Donna Gillespie

Office sought: Lewiston City Council, Ward 2

Occupation: retired state employee

Education: Bachelor of arts in sociology

Family: one son

Political experience: none

Questions

1. Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? 

Although I have no prior experience in politics, I do have 30 years of experience working in Lewiston as a state employee. I worked closely with both community agencies, as well as city employees, and with children all the way to the elderly.

2. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your city? Why? 

According to the residents of Ward 2, there are several issues of concern in Lewiston and they are all as important as the rest of them, so it would be unfair to label one over the others. Examples would be economic and cultural development, infrastructure, housing, taxes, etc.

3. What do you like about the city budget passed this year, and what don’t you like?

Although I have read the budget for this year, I admit I have no information regarding any past budgets, so I’m not sure where we started from and how we ended where we are. I do think there are always some changes that need to be made, but specifics are unclear at this time.

4. What is the best way for your city to boost economic development and its attraction to people from outside the region? 

Before we can attract new residents or businesses, we need to be able to provide sustainable and affordable housing, as well as provide easier access to small business loans, and make the city a more welcoming place. We need to be working toward common goals that benefit both the life-long residents, as well as newcomers, with future endeavors to create a sense of community.

5. Do you support the merger of Lewiston and Auburn?

I do not support the merger of Lewiston-Auburn. Due to the fact that this has been attempted several times in the past unsuccessfully, it tells me that the majority of residents do not want this. Although I understand the concept of one city and one government and a savings of money, I have been unable to get any clear specifics regarding who will actually benefit in the long run. It appears that taxes would clearly be affected. However, I’m not sure the benefit would truly be in the best interest for the residents of Lewiston.

Zachary Tyler Pettengill

Bio

Name: Zachary Tyler Pettengill

Office sought: Lewiston City Council, Ward 2

Occupation: co-owner of Pettengill Academy

Education: Lewiston High School (graduated 2002)

Family: I live with Chantel, my wife of 9 years, and our two wonderful children, Evelyn and Sawyer

Political experience: Lewiston Planning Board, associate member

Questions

1. Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate for this seat? 

I believe in a Lewiston that respects the history of what came before, but also sees past the horizon into a future of a prosperous Lewiston. We don’t need to re-invent the wheel, but let’s look at what other cities have done and what has worked for reducing taxes without reducing services, creating jobs and jobs with higher wages, a resilient economy and a place that is fun and creates energy! I think public officials should answer to those who elect them, and it needs to be easier to access those officials. I will strive to be accessible on the people’s time and when they need it.

2. What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your city? Why?

Money. But to make it less of a general question: taxes, housing, streets, pedestrian safety, and finally jobs. We need to provide relief to our homeowners who are burdened with one of the highest rates in the entire state. Housing and jobs go hand-in-hand because we need to elevate our workforce,6 and at the same time, provide situations where housing is affordable. Streets and pedestrian safety are two ways we can reduce our costs as a city, and do better at keeping everyone who uses our streets safe and alive.

3. What do you like about the city budget passed this year, and what don’t you like?

I’m pleased that we did not increase taxes and did not have to reduce our services. As the son of a Lewiston firefighter, I’m disappointed in the time it took to take care of our first responders and get them a contract!

4. What is the best way for your city to boost economic development and its attraction to people from outside the region? 

Legacy Lewiston. It was created with tremendous input from the people of Lewiston, and has even won awards. It seeks to preserve the past while embracing the future of Lewiston, and if allowed to be implemented, it will put Lewiston years ahead of any other city in Maine!

5. Do you support the merger of Lewiston and Auburn?

No. I believe that the issues that hold Lewiston back won’t be solved by the two cities combining. As in life, your competition is there to make you better, stronger and smarter. Now is not the time to give in, but to press on. And I feel that losing that edge will put us at even more of a disadvantage.