Auburn has been my home since 1951, and I have seen many changes through the years, some good, some not so good. But the heart of this good community has never faltered.

As the town grew and as needs arose, citizens stepped up to create organizations and programs like the YMCA, ACAP Child and Family Services, Auburn Youth Resources, Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation, the Auburn Food Bank, and so many more. This is a strong, generous and optimistic community.

Mayor Pete Lewis has adopted Auburn as his home town. He works tirelessly to connect with citizens and neighborhoods, to provide a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for citizens of all ages, to run a tight fiscal ship with careful budgeting and clean audits, to attract strong businesses and good jobs, and to be at the table for regional, state, and national policy and funding decisions so that Auburn’s voice is heard.

More than once he has influenced beneficial policy decisions or been awarded funds for city projects because he was there when decisions were being made.

We have a long history of City government with a strong mayor system. Many other cities have figurehead or part-time mayors. Auburn’s mayor is the administrative manager of the city, i.e. no city manager or administrative leader other than the mayor. Pete Lewis understands the requirements. He has the experience and qualifications to continue to lead Auburn and complete the projects begun on his watch that are revitalizing the downtown and the entire city.

Vote in the primary, and vote for Pete Lewis.

– Nancy Colson