Westbrook’s mayoral election comes at a crucial time. In the past few years, the city seems to have awakened from a development slumber and is now positioning itself for an unprecedented growth spurt. Managing the impact of these changes, as well as the city’s many other long-term issues, will be an enormous challenge for the next administration. That’s why we think Mike Sanphy is the best of the four candidates to take on the job of mayor.

It’s unfortunate that Mayor Colleen Hilton, who waited until late August to announce that she would not seek another term, split the Democratic caucus in September by backing Michael Shaughnessy, a relative newcomer to the city. That was a poor strategy on her part.

To be sure, Shaughnessy, as well as James Tranchemontagne, an independent candidate, each offer ideas that merit consideration. Tranchemontagne is a downtown businessman and much of his focus is on improving that area. We particularly like his idea for launching a city beautification loan program for downtown businesses wanting to improve facades, signs and landscaping. And we think Shaughnessy, an art professor, would bring a long-missing aesthetic eye to the city. He is on the right track when he suggests that any future residential-development ordinance reforms should focus on outcomes – maintaining certain aesthetic characteristics, for example – rather than the traditional focus on lot size, square footage and such.

But we believe neither Shaughnessy, Tranchemontagne, nor the fourth candidate, Jason Jerrier, is ready to take charge just yet. Stints on the City Council or School Committee would give them the solid experience they need for their future mayoral quests.

Sanphy is the only candidate with both the experience and the long view of the job and the city. A resident of Westbrook since 1968, he’s spent decades in the fire, rescue and police departments. He’s a key member of several organizations, including the Westbrook Historical Society, the Eagles and the Highland Grange. He’s served two terms on the City Council. He’s tenacious when he sees a problem that needs fixing – his years-long effort to get a full traffic light at the Route 302-Duck Pond Road intersection is just one example.

We hope that a Mike Sanphy administration would find a place for new ideas and points of view like Tranchemontagne’s and Shaughnessy’s. Those are sorely needed as the city finds its new footing in the Greater Portland landscape.

No one knows Westbrook, its people, its past and its problems better than Mike Sanphy. On Nov. 8, voters have a chance to give him the opportunity to lead the city into its future. We suggest they do.