Joe DeMotta

Name: Joseph DeMotta (write-in)

Age: 40

Occupation: Student services coordinator at the University of Maine at Augusta, Lewiston Center

Political experience: None

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

I think growing up in New Auburn and now owning a home there, allows me a better understanding of the problems New Auburn might face. My position at UMA Lewiston has taught me how to work with people to accomplish a shared goal. I strive to meet the needs of both the individual student as well as the whole student population. This skill set is something I can transfer to the city council. I will work as a city councilor for every person in my ward.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

Housing! We need to find a way to make housing more affordable.

Education! We always need to be finding ways to make our education system better. Teachers and school staff work incredibly hard, but we need better funding, and more access to higher education in the area.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not?

Yes, I do. However, we need to do so carefully. For example, I believe kayaking on Lake Auburn does not seem to pose any risk. However, we want to be sure to protect the lake for both future recreation, as well as our drinking water and the natural habitat.

Kathy Shaw

Name: Kathy Shaw (write-in)

Age: Did not answer

Occupation: Farmer; landscaper

Political experience: Chair, Auburn Agriculture Committee

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

I have been an active participant for the majority of my adult life in many community issues and activities. I have served on many different local food boards and am currently president of two area farmers’ markets, a supervisor for the Soil and Water Conservation District and chair of the Auburn Agricultural/Forestry Board. I have lived in Auburn’s Agricultural Protection Zone for more than 20 years and am committed to preserving this zone for local food access, woodland, wildlife, recreation, clean air and water for future generations.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

I believe that communication and a willingness to listen and create consensus among our community members needs to be restored. Many of our residents do not participate in our local government because they feel that our elected officials are not listening. I would like to see more emphasis placed on creating recreational activities for our Auburn residents and improving quality of life. And finally, creating a visionary program that will allow our seniors to remain in their homes and not have to sacrifice their health or well-being to pay their bills or property taxes.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not?

I believe that recreational activities should be investigated around Lake Auburn in a cautionary manner to preserve water quality and I do not support residential development around the watershed. Too much is still not understood about how runoff and heavy use will affect our lake health and water quality.

Leroy Walker Sun Journal file photo

Name: Leroy Walker

Age: Did not answer

Occupation: Retired city employee

Political experience: Five terms as Ward 5 city councilor; various boards and committees

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

I have completed five successful terms on the Auburn City Council representing Ward 5. I am a retired city employee, so I know what the needs of the city staff are and what citizens want for their city leadership. I am devoted full-time to Ward 5.  My accomplishments are many. Ward 5 residents can easily reach me. They know me. They know that I have been effective.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them.

First, we must continue to expand our property tax base through commercial and residential growth. With inflation running wild, Auburn needs revenue to meet our expenses which are rapidly escalating.

Next, we need to carefully plan our city and school infrastructure. We are in the middle of a major high school project that needs to come in on budget. Our Public Safety facilities need to be upgraded as the safety of our residents is of prime importance.

Do you think the city should expand recreational and development opportunities surrounding Lake Auburn? Why or why not?

Auburn is a large city, area-wise. We have plenty of recreation currently. And more land available for growing recreation … away from our drinking water supply. We have worked diligently for decades to protect our pristine Lake Auburn. We need to continue watershed protection and water quality. The Lake is a major asset to our community just the way it is. Let’s not mess that up.