Mayor Larry Gilbert

Mayor's Corner: Celebrating Five Decades of International Exchange

Twin City Times- Thursday, November 5th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #111

I most recently received a letter from Emily Fournier of 6 Revere Street, Lewiston a Student Ambassador from Lewiston Middle School.

I will quote below from her entire letter as I believe you will find it most fascinating and from which in the end I will relate to my most recent trip to Paris, France.

She wrote:

“Dear Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr.,

Hello, my name is Emily Fournier. I am thirteen years old, and I attend Lewiston Middle School as an eighth grader.  I was recently interviewed as well as accepted for an organization called People to People. This magnificent organization was founded by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and since then has included many different Presidents as honorary chairmen.

By getting accepted into the program, I have become a Student Ambassador and will be traveling to England, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland for twenty days during the summer 2010.  I feel honored that I was accepted because only forty high school and junior high students throughout Maine get to participate in this wonderful experience. During my trip, I will learn about the history, culture, and religion of the citizens of each country. I will meet government officials and practice the customs of the people of the different countries when I stay with a host family. Another thing that I will gain from this trip is friends that will last a lifetime.

Mayor's Corner: A Mayor’s role is as a community facilitator and supporter

Twin City Times- Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #110

In cities such as Lewiston and Auburn where there is a strong council, weak mayor and city manager form of government, the mayor’s role takes on other forms of public service. That isn’t to say that a mayor has no means of influence because he or she does.

There is always the “bully pulpit” which in and of itself can take many forms. Certainly this Mayor’s Corner of the Twin City Times is a means of communicating and acting as a community facilitator or supporter to help people achieve their dreams, be that in the form of volunteerism, business, public service and the list goes on.

Other means of functioning as a community facilitator and supporter is through the use of other media such as cable television, attending meetings, writing letters of support.  A mayor’s role is an active one.

Ceremonial groundbreaking with shovels or ribbon cutting at grand openings occur often and are opportunities to celebrate the efforts of many, be that for a business or school opening. They generally require the delivery of a speech. Such would not be possible without the able and extraordinary assistance of the likes of a Dottie Perham-Whittier, Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator who writes the speeches and coordinates the activity. The mayor’s support is only made possible with such behind the scenes assistance.

There are those who are involved in teaching our young children, be that at a day care or a school. For example, Estelle Rubinstein the Executive Director of Head Start has invited mayors to come read to pre-school children and have lunch with them. The Ready Read program has been another means of being supportive by reading to children at day care centers. Then there is Ms. Andrea Bail a fourth grade teacher at Martel School who invites “mystery readers” readers to her class that includes the mayor.

Mayor's Corner: Mayors’ Institute on City Design at Northeastern University

Twin City Times- Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
Mayor's Corner #109

On August 21, 2009, I received a letter from Mr. George Thrush, FAIA, and Director of the School of Architecture at Northeastern University in Boston. He wrote that I was selected as one of a small group of mayors to participate in the October 7-9, 2009 session of the Mayors Institute on City Design (MICD). The institute is sponsored through the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Architectural Foundation, and the United States Conference of Mayor. There was no cost to the City of Lewiston.

The letter stated that since 1986, the Mayors’ Institute has helped transform communities through design by preparing mayors to be the chief urban designers of their cities. This particular institute was hosted by the School of Architecture at Northeastern University. It brought together 7 mayors and a select group of planners, architects, landscape designers and other national experts who explored opportunities in each of our cities. It gave us the opportunity to learn new approaches to some of the urban challenges confronting our communities.

Last month Mr. Daniel Hewett who is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Northeastern’s School of Architecture traveled here to Lewiston. Acting City Administrator Phil Nadeau, Assistant to the City Administrator Lincoln Jeffers, Energy Sczar Ian Houseal and I met with him at city hall for a couple of hours discussing the proposed strategic plan covering the Riverfront Island area of downtown Lewiston. This area encompasses all of Island Point, Canal Street to Cedar Street and the river front all the way back to Island Point near the Great Falls. The entire area is encircled by water be it by our canals or the Androscoggin River.

We provided Mr. Hewett with a briefing of what has been developed in the area as well as what is proposed for the area. We stressed to him that our canals and the river are resources that we have that have not been developed for enjoyment by our community and in particular our young adults. 

We explained that with our educational institutions in Lewiston-Auburn, we educate our young people only to have them leave to work in areas where there is a great deal of vitality and recreational activity for them to enjoy. If we are to retain and attract an educated workforce to bring in industries and economic development, we must be able to demonstrate that we have such a workforce here in order for employers and developers to invest in this area.

Mayor's Corner: International Association of Francophone Mayors in Paris

Twin City Times- Thursday, October 15th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #108

As mayor of Maine’s second largest city, I was honored to be recommended by Ms. France Dionne, the Quebec Government Delegate to New England based in Boston to attend the 30th anniversary of the International Association of Francophone Mayors in Paris, France during the period October 1-6, 2009. In attendance were mayors from throughout the world.

Upon my arrival at Charles de Gaulle International Airport, I was greeted by Mr. David Elkaïm, the Chargé de Mission Affaires Générales and Mr. François Hemon, who served as my chauffeur during my stay in Paris. It was early morning and like most major cities, there was a traffic jam, so it took us over an hour to get to the Hotel Scribe next to Garnier’s Opera House.  Like everything in Paris, it is a very ornate building. 

On Monday, October 2nd, my chauffeur picked me up at the hotel and drove me to the Petit Palais, which wasn’t so petit but quite grand. There was a military orchestra waiting for us and a red carpet leading us all the way up the stairs to a grand entrance with gold leaf gates. My driver insisted on opening the door for me so that he would be proper. The place looked like a palace. My name was on a chair in the first row and there were about 200 in attendance.

The event started with a procession led by former President of France, Mr. Jacques Chirac and Mr. Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris, and the President of the Association Internationale des Maires Francophones (AIMF). During the séance solonnelle d’ouverture, President Chirac spoke of his creation of the organization 30 years ago when he and the former Mayor of Quebec City started the organization. Mayor Delanoë talked about the ongoing work of the association. It was stated that more than half of the world’s population lives in cities.

Mr. Jorge Sampaio, former President of Portugal from 1996 to 2006 spoke on the creation of “Dialogue Café. This is a pilot program in six cities throughout the world where young people will communicate via HDTV where they will meet and exchange ideas dealing with cultural diplomacy, human rights, inter-cultural dialogue and inter-religious dialogue. It is amazing what can be accomplished around a cup of coffee. It sort of reminds me of my “Coffee’s with the Mayor,” yet on a grandeur scale.

Mayor’s Corner: Don’t trash my L-A’s; East and West

Twin City Times- Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #107

Three writers recently wrote about L.A. East (Lewiston-Auburn) and L.A. West (Los Angeles).  The articles that appeared in the Lewiston Sun-Journal on Sunday September 20, 2009 stirred a bit of passion in me as I have lived in both.

Elliott Epstein in his Inside Maine Rear View Mirror column entitle “Postcard from Los Angeles” wrote “having traveled to California’s L.A late last month, I can state categorically that Maine’s L.A. has no reason to be defensive.” He went on to write “If Lewiston-Auburn is viewed as a stagnant New England mill town struggling to re-invent itself, Los Angeles is the poster child for explosive but shortsighted and often self-destructive growth.” 

From there he went on to trash Los Angeles by pointing out its faults such as water shortage, traffic, forest fires, etc. He closed his column by saying “in short, if you’re harkening for the Los Angeles experience, watch a Hollywood movie or Burbank television show, but if you want a life, stay home and enjoy the “other L.A.”

His one week experience there is apparently contrary to the millions who chose to make their home there and “have a life.” I firmly believe that if Angelinos were asked, they would paint a far different postcard of Los Angeles and vicinity than Epstein has. I will paint my postcard below in this column.

Another bit of trashing on L.A. came from Jonathan Labonte in his column entitle Inside Maine; Steps Forward on Sunday, September 27, 2009, where he wrote about my speaking of the “Broken Window Theory” dealing with litter and graffiti.  He says that I have talked about it ad nauseam. I guess I could say that he talks about the Androscoggin Land Trust, L-A Trails, etc. ad nauseam. I applaud him for that as he should well know that a message has to be repeated over and over. That is why corporations and politicians spend millions in advertising to get their message to stick. When have you ever seen a television ad once and never see it again? The answer is obvious.

Mayor’s Corner: Health Care Reform; Just do it and do it right!

Twin City Times- Thursday, October 1st, 2009
Mayor's Corner #106

It seems to me that we elected President Barack Obama by an overwhelming majority last November when he campaigned on Health Care Reform.  He is now the President of the United States and the insurance lobbyists are all over Washington, D.C. reminding members of congress and the President of their significant contributions to their campaigns.

The same old arguments are being made by those who wish to continue profiting.  Even prior to my birth in 1945, the arguments against insuring all Americans were that it is too expensive. That was the old argument against Social Security and Medicare. I’ve yet to have seen throughout my lifetime anyone who may have argued against those government programs turn them down.  Such government programs have in fact worked because they were administered by the government and not those who are motivated by greed with hefty multi-million dollar bonuses and profit for investors.

The health care system in our country is truly crippling small businesses and families to the point where our citizens are now taking their chances on not becoming sick by going without insurance or they are choosing high deductibles.  One of my own children is working for a small business that cannot provide health insurance and so she is chancing it by working hard at being physically fit.

The 40 to 50 million people in this country who have no health insurance go to emergency rooms for health care instead of to a doctor’s office if they had health insurance. Emergency room care is the most expensive.  So, who pays for such care as certainly the cost of providing it certainly doesn’t go away.  Yes, it is those of us who are fortunate enough to have health insurance.  Consequently, the cost of health care is driven higher as a result.

Mayor's Corner: Greg Nadeau; Kids Day America; Lewiston MAINEiacs

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 24th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #105

I wish to share with you a bit of some of the events I attend this past weekend.  It started with attending a reception in honor of Gregory G. Nadeau which was sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council (LAEGC).  Nadeau, a Lewiston native and resident, was appointed a few months ago to the post of Deputy Administrator for the United States Highway Administration in Washington, D.C.

Greg, the younger son of Mr. & Mrs. Guy Nadeau and the brother of  Phil Nadeau the Acting City Administrator for the City of Lewiston, comes from a family of Nadeau’s who have long been recognized for their contributions to their community. As a member of this family, Greg certainly is another member of this family that demonstrates their pride in this community.

Nadeau most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation in Governor John Baldacci’s Administration. Prior to that, he served as an Advisor to Governor Angus King for eight years. This was preceded by serving twelve years in the Maine Legislature representing Lewiston. During his time in the Legislature he also served as Special Assistant to Lewiston Mayor Paul Dionne.  He has always been an advocate for Lewiston-Auburn and has served as a member of the boards of directors for the LAEGC and Maine Turnpike Authority.

Over the years, if Lewiston needed an individual at the State level to champion a concern or initiative, we always knew we could call on Greg and he’d give us 100%.  Indeed, Greg has never been afraid to put his nose to the grindstone, roll up his sleeves and tackle the seemingly impossible, and collaboratively work with others.

In addition, his drive, passion, and integrity are highly respected and he is truly a “stand out” within our community. We are especially proud that his “home” is here in Lewiston.

Mayor's Corner: False claims about Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 17th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #104

There currently is an inaccurate postcard campaign regarding Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG) claiming that those of us who are members are opposed to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. All of us 450 plus mayors from across the country have sworn to uphold the entire U.S. Constitution to include the Second Amendment. The postcard campaign is to contact us members and tell us to withdraw our membership in MAIG.

I have received e-mails and phone calls, some of which have been vitriolic, from NRA members and others urging me to withdraw my membership in MAIG. Why would I want to do that when the organization is committed to keeping the public safe from those who would obtain and use guns for illegal means?

Mayors Against Illegal Guns has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which has endorsed each and every one of our coalition’s legislative positions. We have and continue to partner with such organizations as the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Sheriffs Association, International Brotherhood of Police Officers and groups such as the American Hunters and Shooters Association.

Please allow me to share with you information listed on a fact sheet from our organization regarding MAIG. The bipartisan coalition is comprised of mayors who are dedicated to making America’s cities safer by keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. The coalition was founded on the idea that protecting the Second Amendment and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals are completely compatible goals.

Mayor's Corner: Some City Councilors Abort a Portion of the City Charter

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Mayor's Corner #103

On the evening of August 19, I sent an e-mail to Acting City Administrator, Phil Nadeau and Human Resources Director, Denis Jean with regard to the City Council wanting to form an advisory committee in the selection process for a new city administrator.  It read as follow: “my reading of the City Charter requires that the Mayor appoint the advisory committee. Of course I would be open to recommendations from both the City Council and the public as I have been on all of my appointments. I want this issue settled prior to tomorrow nights meeting even if it requires an opinion from the city attorney which I believe is not necessary as the Charter is clear. Please advise ASAP.”

Denis Jean sent City Attorney Martin Eisenstein my e-mail which read as follow: “Your thoughts, please???” Eisenstein’s response was “If this is an ad hoc advisory committee—which it appears to be—then the Mayor has sole authority under Section 2:03 of the Charter to appoint members.”

Here is the wording: Sec. 2.03. Mayor.
The Mayor shall be the presiding officer of the Council and shall be entitled to vote only
to break a tie. The Mayor shall be recognized as the head of the city government for all
ceremonial purposes. He shall solely make appointments to committees and boards created under this Charter, to statutory boards and commissions as are required by the Statutes of the State of Maine to be made by the municipal officers and shall solely appoint citizens to ad hoc advisory committees

The local daily newspaper never reported what the opinion of the city attorney was nor did it report the wording of the charter provision above, hence my reason for reporting it here. As a matter of fact, it took the daily newspaper’s bloggers to finally have to ask what the wording of the Charter was before they finally put it on their website, but never in their print version.

When I brought up the issue the following night at a City Council Workshop, Councilor Tom Peters became very upset in his little tantrum and said this is “bull shit.” I had to caution him to watch his language and told him he was acting like a child. 

Mayor’s Corner: Ted Kennedy Remembered – Congratulations Chief Bussiere

Twin City Times- Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
Mayor's Corner #102

The year was 1960; five years after our family had arrived in California from Lewiston, Maine. The Democratic Convention was being held at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

One day, at the time of the convention, we were in a car on Century Blvd., heading to Los Angeles Int’l Airport, when suddenly we looked at a car next to us and we said “hey, there’s Ted Kennedy in that car next to us”. I remember it was a station wagon and if I remember correctly he and the others in the car were going to the airport to pick up then Senator John F. Kennedy.  As Democrats we were very impressed to see Ted, and the fact that our convention was being held in L.A.

Where our family hailed from Maine and the fact that a candidate was from New England, loved to rock in a rocking chair as a New Englander as well as being a Catholic as we were, we were supportive of all the Kennedy’s and in particular John.

During the campaign, our family attended a rally for the Presidential Candidate John F. Kennedy at the East Los Angeles College football stadium. There were 25,000 of us inside the stadium and another 10,000 people outside who couldn’t get in as the stadium was full to capacity. He first spoke to the 10,000 outside and then came in to speak to the enthusiastic crowd.

The next encounter I had with Senator Edward M. Kennedy was in 1984, here in Lewiston, when I was serving as Captain of Detectives on LPD. For some strange reason he had U.S. Secret Service (USSS) protection. I can’t remember why. I worked closely with the agent in charge of the detail to prepare for the visit and as a department we participated in assisting the USSS.