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Inaugural Address January 7, 2014 6:00 p.m. Callahan Hall – Lewiston Public Library Remarks by Mayor Robert E. Macdonald INTRO – RECOGNIZE OTHER OFFICIALS. I would like to begin by once again expressing my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Lewiston. I am honored and humbled as you, the voters of Lewiston, have returned me to office to continue the work that we have started. I again pledge that I will do my best to make Lewiston an even better place – a community of choice for all who desire to work hard and contribute. I would also like to recognize the newly elected members of the City Council and School Committee. Over the next two years, we will face both significant challenges and great opportunities. I look forward to working closely with each of you as we work for a better future. Two years ago, I shared with you my plan to be a “transitional Mayor” – someone who helps facilitate the transformation of Lewiston from where we were then to where we can be in the future. That transformation has begun. 1 ---PAGE BREAK--- With the involvement of the entire community, we developed and adopted a Riverfront Island Master Plan that will guide the development of this key area for our future. That plan is already being implemented as we watch a new hotel rise on Lincoln Street and look forward to the new gateway to Simard-Payne Park that will be under construction this spring. The transformation of Riverfront Island has begun. Redevelopment has accelerated on Lisbon Street. Rainbow Bicycle; Forage Market; Downtown Handmade & Vintage; Orchid Restaurant; The Vault; upper floor market rate apartments; and, most recently, Argo Marketing relocating to the old McCrory’s Building. The transformation of Lisbon Street has begun. The City has moved aggressively to address vacant and dilapidated buildings in our downtown residential area. Buildings have been torn down; others have been cleaned out and secured; code enforcement has been stepped up; project hot spots has shown results; and, following last spring’s fires, residents of the neighborhood have joined together to support change. The transformation of our downtown residential neighborhood has begun. In October of last year, Lewiston’s unemployment rate fell to a 5-year low of 5.6%, below Maine’s rate and significantly below the country’s 7% rate. Total employment in Lewiston is now above its pre-recession high. The transformation of our economy has begun. 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- But the transformation isn’t done. • We must continue to create unique, quality market rate housing in our downtown and on Riverfront Island, housing that will attract young professionals, empty nesters, and retirees who will breathe additional life into our community. • We must continue to work with our local businesses to help them succeed and expand, assist entrepreneurs in starting new businesses, and work with the City of Auburn and the Lewiston- Auburn Economic Growth Council to attract businesses looking to relocate. • We must continue the efforts of the Lewiston Police Department under Chief Michael Bussiere to crack down on crime and keep our streets and neighborhoods safe through programs like Operation Hot Spot. • We must continue to clean up blighted buildings and neighborhoods, but we must also work with our landlords and partners to create decent housing for those who work hard but have limited incomes. • We must transform our downtown neighborhoods into neighborhoods of choice. • We must continue to work for welfare reform that provides a route to self-sufficiency for the able and support for the disabled. • And we must recognize that our future is in our hands and the hands of our partners – be they local banks and businesses, 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- landlords, or non-profit and faith-based institutions not in handouts from state and federal government. Two years ago, I asked all of us to join together and say “Enough is Enough” to those who see Lewiston as it was and not as it is. “Enough is Enough” to those who focus on the past and not on the future. “Enough is Enough” to those who emphasize what we have not yet achieved and denigrate what has already been accomplished. Today, I stand before you and say: Enough is Not Yet Enough. More must be done. I ask you to join with us to advance Lewiston’s ongoing transformation as: • A community where the people of all ages choose to live; • A community that attracts and supports businesses and entrepreneurs who will transform our economy in the 21st century; • A community of arts and culture, showcasing who we are, our talents and creativity, and what we have to offer; • A community where elected officials on both sides of the Androscoggin work closely together to efficiently and effectively serve the public; • A community that proudly takes its rightful place as a leader in the State of Maine; • A community that welcomes all who want to work hard for their future and that of their families and our community. 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- If we commit to a shared vision of our future, if we invest our time and energy, if we pledge to work toward making our vision a reality, we will continue to grow and prosper. We can and will ensure a bright future. The transformation has begun, but enough is not yet enough. All of us must take responsibility for embracing, nurturing, and furthering this change. I pledge to do my best to work with each of you; with our friends and partners in Auburn; and with others throughout the region to build upon the progress we have made, utilize our address the challenges we face, and continue the transformation that has begun. With your support and encouragement, I have no doubt that more and better things are yet to come. Thank you. 5