Westbrook is blessed with two strong candidates for state Representative for District 125. Both Ann and Bob are deeply committed to Westbrook and are good leaders. I write to support Ann and to ask the voters to re-elect her. Ann’s public service stems from a deep commitment to community action. Ann first became involved in the early 1980s on the mayor’s cost commission. In the early 1990s, Ann worked intensely to organize a referendum on whether Westbrook should create its own utility district in order to give its citizens a choice besides Central Maine Power.

In 1995, Ann was elected to the City Council from Ward 2, helping Westbrook overcome the loss of significant tax revenues because of Sappi’s downsizing. Ann was instrumental in persuading Calpine to locate in Westbrook. Ann also helped create a new zone for the Dana Warp Mill to permit it to expand its uses beyond simply industrial, leading to its current revitalization. Ann later served on the Planning Board and, again, on the City Council, this time from Ward 4. Ann served on the Metro board for more than a decade and helped found the Frenchtown Neighborhood Association, in which she has remained very active.

Two years ago, Westbrook voters sent Ann to Augusta, where she has worked tirelessly for all of us. Two areas Ann has been especially strong on are promoting energy independence through alternative energy sources and strengthening our troubled economy through green jobs. Over the years I’ve served on our City Council, we have often turned to Augusta for help. Ann has always been there for us. Please re-elect Ann. Please also re-elect two other exceptional leaders: Rep. Tim Driscoll and Sen. Phil Bartlett.

Brendan P. Rielly

Westbrook