Alright guys, new theory:
Clint is embezzling gold from his shop to help Lewis build his statue, or Lewis is extorting Clint for it.
Okay okay, hear me out. Lewis visits every town shop monthly. Most shops are once, but Pierre's is several times a week because he does his shopping there, and Marnie's is twice for...reasons.
But he visits the blacksmith twice to "collect taxes".
But this also brings up some follow up questions about his statue. I don't think Lewis has either the equipment or skills to create one himself. I don't think Leah would help him out with the sculpting of it either, but it's not outside the realm of possibility.
However, out of everyone in the valley who doesn't have Gold Bars as a universal dislike, there are 5 villagers. Out of the Loves, there is Maru who uses it as an ingredient for her experiments; Willy, who probably uses it for lures or something?; and Clint. Blacksmith gonna Blacksmith.
Krobus likes it, and Sam Hates it (my boi).
But this brings up another point, why is Krobus locked in the Sewers? Is Gunther part of the Resistance? Did he realize that we are trying to change the Valley for the better and gave us the key to the sewers so that we could rescue Krobus? Did Krobus magically help sculpt the statue because nobody else would help, and Clint lacked the skill to do it himself?
If Clint is being extorted, what dirt does Lewis have on him? Is it related to Emily? (i hope not)
Is Lewis the secret head of the Pelican Town Mafia (PTM)? Is Pierre in on it? Is that what his embarrassing stash is related to? Is there a REASON nobody has challenged Lewis for mayor for 20 years? What EXACTLY happened to Mona, and why EXACTLY is the museum collection gone? Why does he suck up to the governor so much?
I have questions that need answering.