Lewiston Mayor Kevin Poole says he made a mistake last week in sending an official letter in support of a grant application for a pro-life organization without going through the full city council.

Councilor Matthew Carlson challenged Poole during a council work session Monday afternoon, saying he was "irked" and that Poole didn't have the authority to offer support without talking to the council.

Carlson said it was a religious organization and different than ones attempting to provide food or shelter because of the political divisiveness surrounding the issue.

Poole told Carlson his comments were noted. But after the meeting, Poole said, "I should have run that through the council. Mr. Carlson was right."

Poole said he was told the organization had three days to submit the grant application and it was for less than $1,000. His initial thought was that the amount was small and the organization provides health care.