After sweeping the Village of Lewiston elections, Democrats Dan Cota, Tina Coppins, and Leandra Collesano are eager to get to work on their vision of village government.
“I’m excited to get sworn in and get started on the things we discussed throughout the election,” Cota said, who unseated Republican Anne Welch running for her third mayoral term.
Coppins won her second term as trustee while Cota and Collesano are new to the board, also beating out incumbent Victor Eydt and challenger Rob Nichols. This was Cota’s first time running for public office, while Collesano, daughter of former Lewiston mayor Terry Collesano, previously ran for the board in 2024.
All three of the candidates said they believe their reason for winning was simple — they listened to residents who felt their concerns were being pushed to the side. Collesano said their campaigns included going door to door and having a free meet-and-greet, among other ways of connecting with residents, while Coppins said they talked over practical solutions to residents’ concerns.
“I believe many residents realized that their voices truly matter and that positive change is possible,” Collesano said.
“Everyone has a vision of what the Village of Lewiston should look like,” Coppins added. “Many have great ideas about the village, but there is a process we have to follow.”
During his campaign, Cota talked about working to make the village government more transparent for residents and having better support for local festivals and the local fishing industry, things he intends to do. He also wants to go over the village’s master plan, which had not been updated in 22 years.
“Since we’re in the middle of both (seasons), we have to come out of the gate as fast as we can supporting (fishers) and local businesses,” Cota said.
Coppins and Collesano added they would protect local taxpayer dollars, look for grant opportunities, and keep supporting local businesses.
The board members will be sworn into office on July 6.