H.G. Wells may have been forecasting the current Lewiston community when he wrote, “We should strive to welcome change and challenges, because they are what help us grow. Without them we grow weak … in comfort and security. We need to constantly be challenging ourselves in order to strengthen our character and increase our intelligence.”

Thirty years as a Lewiston citizen has exposed me to decades of community change and challenging experiences, to which the community has exhibited resistance and apprehension, inevitably inhibiting progress.

Welcoming change and challenge means inviting new and innovative concepts for tackling the community’s situation. New and continued public health, housing and social concerns persist in the community.

I truly believe that Lewiston’s hope lies in mayoral candidate Ben Chin, who has secured progressive change and strives to make continued progress in these areas of concern. It is time for an era of welcomed change.

Ashley Mills, Lewiston