Westbrook’s mayoral race this year is a replay of the one that took place two years ago.

Democrat Jim Violette is challenging Republican incumbent Bruce Chuluda. In the last contest, Violette lost by 240 votes – a margin that did not convince him it wasn’t worth a second try.

The way Violette sees it, he would have won if he had convinced 121 of the people who voted for Chuluda to vote for him instead, cutting Chuluda’s vote total and adding to his.

Chuluda is in his fourth year as mayor. After just one term as a city councilor, he defeated Democratic incumbent Don Esty in 2003.

Chuluda characterizes his approach to governing as “slow and thoughtful.” He said he wants to continue attracting businesses to the city at a steady pace, rather than a rapid one, and looking for ways to make local government more efficient.

In contrast, Violette wants to the city to be more aggressive about economic development. He believes the city has lost some momentum in its drive to bring new businesses and developments to city since Chuluda was elected.