Lewiston Ward 5 Community Mixer Draws Sparse Crowd, Little Public Engagement

LEWISTON, Maine — A community mixer hosted Wednesday evening by Lewiston Ward 5 City Councilor Chrissy Noble offered residents a chance to connect with city officials and neighbors, but for at least one attending reporter, the event delivered little in the way of actual public dialogue.

Held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Bates Street, the April 1 gathering was billed as an informal community conversation for Ward 5 residents and others in Lewiston. This reporter attended on behalf of The Maine Wire to speak with residents, hear concerns from the community, and take part in what was presented as an opportunity for open conversation.

At the church entrance, Lewiston City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath greeted this reporter in a friendly and professional manner, offering a smile, a handshake, and a “thanks for coming.” Kaenrath’s brief welcome was one of the few direct acknowledgments received during the evening.

This reporter then explained to Kaenrath and a city staff member Joe Grochmal that the purpose of attending was to engage with members of the public and discuss issues affecting the community, including concerns surrounding the perception that Maine Wire reporting targets certain individuals. The goal, as always, was to have a conversation, hear different viewpoints, and better understand the concerns of residents.

Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline later walked by but did not respond when greeted with a “good evening.” He appeared to pace briefly, look at his phone, and leave shortly afterward without offering any welcoming remarks or public comments. For an event centered on community connection, the absence of engagement from the mayor stood out.

Councilor Chrissy Noble, who hosted the event, was speaking with Kieran Majerus-Collins when this reporter approached and offered a greeting. That greeting also went unacknowledged. Afterward, this reporter sat down and waited for a formal introduction, welcome, or explanation of how the evening would proceed. None came.

During the roughly 45 minutes this reporter remained at the event, attendance appeared light, with fewer than eight people present. There was no broad greeting to attendees, no structured discussion, and no clear public-facing conversation. Instead, those in attendance remained in small groups, standing and talking among themselves.

During the event, Melissa Dunn was observed filming this reporter. That added to an already tense dynamic. Earlier this year, this reporter says Dunn physically assaulted this reporter in the Lewiston City Hall chambers, an incident that remains part of the broader backdrop to ongoing friction surrounding Maine Wire coverage and public meetings.

But while cameras may have been rolling Wednesday night, actual dialogue was notably absent.

That lack of engagement stood in contrast to a recent appearance by Duke Mann on Friday’s edition of Maine Wire TV, where a live conversation, though not marked by complete agreement, was direct, civil, and productive. It was the kind of back-and-forth that helps move public discussion forward. Wednesday night felt like a step in the opposite direction.

The Maine Wire’s mission remains unchanged: show up, ask questions, report facts, and pursue investigative journalism, particularly when it comes to fraud, accountability, and government transparency. That work is not partisan, nor is it personal. It is journalism.

This outlet’s reporting is aimed at informing the public, not targeting individuals. It is rooted in facts, records, and scrutiny of issues that affect Maine people. That requires conversation and engagement from all sides, especially from public officials and community leaders.

On Wednesday night, The Maine Wire showed up ready for that conversation. It did not happen.

But the effort will continue.

The Maine Wire will return, keep asking questions, and remain open to speaking with anyone willing to engage in honest public discussion about how to make Maine better.