Hasenoehrl says he’s in Lewiston for the long haul

By Matt Loveless

Story
Video

Summary

22-year-old council candidate says city should do a better job of attracting new employers.

Story Published: Oct 28, 2009 at 8:23 AM PST

Story Updated: Apr 20, 2010 at 11:23 AM PST

LEWISTON - Born at St. Joes, Lewiston City Council candidate Zach Hasenoehrl has spent all but two years of his life in the Valley. He went through Lewiston's school system before spending two years at Carroll College in Montana, and is now attending LCSC and working for State Farm Insurance in Lewiston.
"Lewiston's always been a special place for me," said Hasenoehrl. "My family lives here, I've grown up here. I'm 22, but I've been part of Lewiston my whole life, and I feel like I can make it even better."

Hasenoehrl said he sees a lot of potential at his current school, and said as a city councilor, he'd hope to capitalize on those minds for the sake of business in Lewiston.

"It'd be nice to bring in places like Schweitzer and Boeing," said Hasenoehrl. "Those kind of businesses would be really nice because they're manufacturing. We have really cheap labor here, and it's not as bad as Seattle, and our land taxes aren’t bad compared to Washington's and to invite them over here. Those are our two big components."

He said it's a lack of jobs that's driving people his age away from the Valley. With no intention to leave, Hasenoehrl said the best way to bring them back is to boost Lewiston's business scene.

"I want to make it right for a lot of people," said Hasenoehrl. "A lot of my buddies have had to leave, a lot of my friends, and I don't want to be one of those that has to leave. I want to raise a family here, retire here. I like it here."