Pete Lewis said that creating a climate where residents can shop, dine and find local entertainment, especially in the downtown area, drives his planning and economic development efforts.

And putting Auburn residents first, Auburn’s mayor added, is a top priority.

The prospect of doing more of the same has prompted him to seek a third term.

“This is a great city with wonderful people who have big hearts,” the 62-year-old Lewis said. “I love being part of this community. No one cares more about or believes more in its future than I do.”

Lewis believes there’s much to be proud of his in two terms.

Like the 32 miles of resurfaced streets in the city’s neighborhoods, made possible by the citizen-promoted “Save Our Streets” initiative.

And the hiring of 36 new police officers to increase the level of service in the city and improve public safety for the recently annexed West Hill and Lea Hill neighborhoods.

“I am committed to protecting our citizens and maintaining our infrastructure,” Lewis said.

But Lewis said he also is committed to supporting the arts and community activities to strengthen the city’s ability to attract desirable new businesses.

“A vibrant and vital Auburn is also an entertainment destination, bringing more jobs and visitors’ tax dollars into the city,” he said. “We are finally at the point where we can significantly develop our downtown into the interesting, exciting and fun place to gather that it was years ago. It’s a cornerstone of the city’s revitalization.”

Born in Boston, Lewis grew up in a military family and lived in many places throughout the country. He and his wife, Kathy, and their daughters moved to Auburn in 1980. For 20 years, he managed Sterling Savings Bank in Auburn.

Elected to the Auburn City Council in 1998, Lewis served for four years before voters made him mayor in 2002.

Lewis said he believes his business background and record of community service make him the most qualified to lead Auburn through tough times.

“Our careful management of the city’s government and services has put Auburn in a better position than many other cities,” Lewis said. “We take very seriously our public trust to manage the city’s resources and provide service at the best value possible for our fellow citizens.”

Lewis said he believes strongly in the City having a voice in regional organizations and governing bodies that influence its future. He and City Council members participate on a long list of regional agencies and organizations to ensure that Auburn is heard when decisions about policy planning, regulation, and funding are made.

As a Navy veteran, Lewis said he has worked to provide service for veterans and has made recognition of their service to the country a high priority.

The general election is Nov. 3. The filing period for public office is June 1-5.