Lewiston-Auburn Charter Commission: Auburn candidate Chip Morrison

Name:

Charles Morrison

Email address

cmorrison@androscoggincounty.com

Occupation or primary source of income

CEO of Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College, Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan.

Family information

Wife, Jane. Two children who graduated from Edward Little: Brett Morrison is a research neurologist at Johns Hopkins; Beth Morrison leads Beth Morrison Projects, an organization that produces new-age opera and musicals from NYC.

Public offices sought or held

City manager of Auburn, 1978-1987. Member of the Auburn Charter Commission in 2005. Member of the County Charter Commission in 2011-12

Do you favor consolidating the Twin Cities?

Yes

Why? What is the benefit?

Over the past 20 years, there have been three study groups that have looked at the consolidation of municipal services in Auburn and Lewiston — documenting millions of dollars in potential savings. Sadly, not many of the recommendations of those groups have been implemented, as consolidating functions do not have much of a political constituency.

I see three major benefits to a consolidated city:

* A more efficient and effective delivery of government services, which should result in lower costs to the taxpayers.

* A bigger presence in Maine for Lewiston-Auburn.

* An opportunity to show the rest of the state and the country that the people in Lewiston and Auburn are bold and can take on big issues that others shy away from.

What would convince you to change your opinion?

If, after study, it is shown that there would be no savings.

Feedback from Twin Cities residents that they did not feel the venture worthwhile.

What is the single most important question for the Charter Commission to settle?

How to get good involvement of residents and officials from both cities in the process of developing a consolidation plan. The Charter Commission will need to create a deliberative and thoughtful process that seeks input from as many stakeholders as want to be involved.

If the cities are combined, where should the city offices be located and why?

It’s too early to determine location of facilities. I need to listen to input and thoughtfully consider what location makes sense.

Where should the main police station be located and why?

It’s too early to determine location of facilities. I need to listen and thoughtfully consider what location makes sense.