For more than 22 years, I have worked in athletics at Central Maine Community College. Early in that time, I opened the doors of the gym to St. Dom’s athletes, given their lack of gym space in downtown Lewiston, and that is when I first met Auburn’s current mayor, Jonathan LaBonte.

While I may joke with LaBonte now about his basketball prowess, I could tell he was a young man who would make a difference.

Now, I am proud to call him a peer in helping move Auburn forward. A simple phone call or text and I can reach him to connect with a potential new student at CMCC or to talk about issues before the city’s Recreation Committee, which I chair.

Auburn is on the verge of great things, and Jonathan LaBonte’s leadership will get it there.

I hope others will join me in supporting him for re-election in November.

Dave Gonyea, Auburn