LEWISTON, Maine — The Lewiston City Council voted 6–1 to open an investigation into the residency qualifications of newly sworn-in Councilor Iman Osman, a move that intensified criticism over his eligibility to hold office and sparked renewed calls for his resignation.
Mayor Sheline and Councilor Susan Longchamps both called for Osman’s immediate resignation. Osman voted against the investigation and did not recuse himself, drawing outrage from critics who said he should not have participated in a vote directly involving his own qualifications.
During public comment, Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones said Osman had just taken the oath of office pledging to defend the Constitution but “can’t even tell people where he lives,” a remark that drew sharp attention to the residency dispute at the center of the council’s action.
The council’s vote authorizes the city attorney to retain an independent investigator to examine whether Osman meets the residency requirements to represent Ward 5. Mayor Sheline emphasized that the investigation is limited strictly to Osman’s residency claim and does not address his separate criminal case involving stolen firearms.
Osman is charged with receiving stolen property and the unauthorized taking of a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. on those charges.
Questions about Osman’s residency stem from his listed address at 210 Blake Street in Lewiston, a property that has been condemned following a drug raid. City rules prohibit residency in condemned buildings, raising doubts about whether the address qualifies under municipal requirements.
A group of supporters appeared to run interference for Osman, vouching for his character and insisting he would represent Ward 5 well. Some claimed he was being targeted because he is Somali, blaming social media and news reporting rather than addressing the substance of the controversy. But beneath the rhetoric and accusations of racism, the central fact remained untouched and still unexplained: Osman has refused to provide a simple, clear, and credible address, the most basic qualification question now before the city.
At times during the meeting, Osman appeared confused and overwhelmed, further fueling criticism from opponents who questioned his fitness to serve.
Newly sworn-in Councilor Brent Martel said the investigation is “necessary to restore public confidence, citing concerns about integrity and trust in local government.”
Mayor Sheline warned that the controversy risks becoming a distraction for the newly seated council and said the city must resolve the residency question to move forward.
No timeline was discussed on how long the investigation would take. Last week, Homeland Security was at 210 Blake Street, so they are investigating, as well. Will the investigation be completed before a decision or plea on the stolen gun charges is made? Lots of controversy and crime charges still need to be sorted out in Lewiston.
