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Jeff Harmon is the mayor of Auburn.
As mayor of Auburn, my focus is on the work that keeps a city strong and functioning. Housing. Homelessness. Infrastructure. Economic growth. Public Safety. Property taxes. These are the issues residents ask us to address, and they are the responsibilities local leaders take seriously.
But cities and towns cannot meet these challenges alone. We need strong, reliable partnership with the State of Maine.
That is why I am proud to endorse Hannah Pingree for governor.
I have spent my life in public service. I am a lifelong Mainer, and my wife Lisa and I moved to Auburn 37 years ago and raised our two children here. I served 25 years in law enforcement, starting with the Auburn Police Department and later with the Maine State Police, where I worked my way up the ranks to deputy chief.
That career taught me the importance of clear leadership, collaboration, and follow-through. Those lessons continue to guide my work as mayor.
In recent years, Auburn has made meaningful progress by focusing on practical solutions and working cooperatively with our partners. We have invested in our community by addressing long-standing infrastructure needs, protected our natural resources including our drinking water, collaborated with our local businesses to help them be successful, strengthened public safety services, and supported responsible development to achieve our housing goals.
We streamlined permitting and planning processes, and as a result Auburn has issued a record number of building permits, creating new housing opportunities for families, seniors, and young people who want to call Auburn home.
We have also taken steps to address homelessness in a coordinated and compassionate way. The Auburn Resource Center now brings city services and community partners together under one roof.
In partnership with the state, MaineHousing, the Auburn Housing Authority, and others, we are also constructing a 30-unit Home for Good facility that offers stability and dignity while addressing chronic homelessness. These efforts reflect what can be achieved when local and state leaders work toward shared goals.
These successes did not happen by accident. They required thoughtful planning, steady leadership, and a governor willing to work with municipalities rather than around them. That is the approach I believe Hannah Pingree brings to public service.
I have known Hannah’s work for many years. She understands how state policies affect cities like Auburn. She respects local decision-making and recognizes that communities are strongest when solutions are shaped by those closest to the work. Her experience in state government has been defined by collaboration and an understanding that progress requires listening as much as leading.
Housing remains one of Auburn’s most pressing challenges. I saw Hannah’s approach firsthand when she visited Auburn as part of her Housing Tour and held a stop at the Auburn Public Library. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, she listened to local leaders, residents, and housing advocates about what is working and where the gaps remain. She has consistently supported policies that help communities plan responsibly and grow in ways that reflect local needs.
Economic opportunity matters just as much. After retiring from law enforcement, I spent 15 years managing private-sector businesses that work with state and local governments. That experience reinforced what I have seen here in Auburn: communities do best when the state is a true partner. When state leadership supports local efforts, cities can grow responsibly, attract new businesses, and help existing employers succeed.
I believe Hannah Pingree understands that strong economies are built locally. She values small businesses, workforce training, and the infrastructure investments that allow cities and towns to create real, lasting opportunity for their residents.
Ultimately, what sets Hannah apart to me is her approach. She is prepared. She is collaborative. And she focuses on results. At a time when communities face complex challenges, Maine needs a governor who understands how government works and how to make it work better for the people it serves.
Auburn’s future is closely tied to the strength of our partnership with the State of Maine. We need leadership that respects municipalities, values collaboration, and understands that local success drives statewide success.
I believe Hannah Pingree is that leader. For Auburn, for communities across Maine, and for our shared future, I am proud to support her for governor of Maine.