Lewiston City Councilor Linda Scott, left, was appointed council president for 2023. She announced this week that she will not seek reelection this November. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — Linda Scott, the City Council president and council representative on the School Committee, will not seek reelection this fall, citing personal reasons.

Scott, the Ward 1 councilor and longtime elected official in Lewiston, appeared in a video over the weekend with current Planning Board member Joshua Nagine, endorsing his candidacy for her seat.

When reached Monday, Scott said the decision not to run again was “extremely tough” but was done for personal reasons.

“I love what I do for this community,” she said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere. I just need to step away and focus on my family. I will still be a voice and continue doing the things I do.”

Scott said she’s used to giving “110% on everything,” and that “a decision had to be made” when she realized she couldn’t. She said since she has worked with Nagine on several projects in Ward 1, the pair discussed a potential run for him to take her place.

In the video, Scott says Nagine has served with the Androscoggin Land Trust, Lewiston Farmers’ Market, Downtown Lewiston Association and the Planning Board, making him “a perfect candidate for Ward 1 and I will be supporting him 100%.”

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to win your vote, and you’ll be seeing me shortly at your door,” he said.

Scott’s term on the council has been marked by continuing conversations on the homelessness crisis, budget deliberations and a number of zoning changes that officials hope can help address a statewide housing shortage. Since Scott also serves on the School Committee, she was also in on tough budget discussions within the school district.

During more controversial discussions on the council, Scott often speaks passionately and from personal experience. Prior to her time on the council, Scott served three consecutive terms on the Lewiston School Committee, two of those six years as chair, and then as a Planning Board member appointed by former Mayor Mark Cayer.

Mayor Carl Sheline said Monday that “Linda is a dedicated public servant and I appreciate her many years of service on behalf of the city of Lewiston.”

The November municipal election in Lewiston will mark the first to create staggered terms, where some seats, including mayor, will be three-year terms.

According to the clerk’s office, the mayor’s term will be for three years, as will City Council seats for Wards 2, 4 and 6, and School Committee seats for Wards 1, 3, 5 and 7.

The seats for City Council Wards 1, 3, 5 and 7 as well as School Committee Wards 2, 4, 6 and at-large, will remain two-year terms.

Completed nomination papers must be filed with the City Clerk’s Office no later than Thursday, Aug. 24, by 4 p.m. The Lewiston municipal election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.