I met James Tranchemontagne, candidate for mayor of Westbrook, in 2010 at a Westbrook Taxpayers United meeting. It shows where his concern has been for more than six years, but he is a many-faceted and talented man, uniquely qualified to be the next mayor of Westbrook.

James is a self-made businessman, having successfully founded Seacoast Investments, including the well-known Frog and Turtle Restaurant of which he is the renowned chef.

He hires, fires, negotiates and meets a payroll. He must plan, purchase ,cook and meet deadlines. James sets the standard. He is an active member of the Westbrook business community.

James promotes Westbrook by word and deed. An entrepreneurial patron of the arts with music as his forte, he has brought excellent entertainment to Westbrook to perform at his restaurant .

James Tranchemontagne is a community leader who leads by example. He donates his time and talent as a professional chef to teach local teens cooking skills.

James is a family man, married with two small children, one school age, and very involved in Westbrook fun activities in the park. Nighttime movie screens, music and crowds of families and a Saturday market in the summer, James is there doing his part to make Westbrook a great place to live.

Clearly he is a young man who is dedicated to the city of Westbrook and an advocate for all the people of our city.

James, as a businessman, knows that in spite of his support and that of many others in the community, it is the decisions of city government and the bottom line that count.

For all the points above, I will be voting for James Tranchemontagne for mayor of Westbrook on Nov. 8.

Rose Marie Russell

Westbrook