On May 22, we will all have the opportunity to make a major investment in our community, the building of a new middle school.

The citizens of this community understand the importance of a first-rate educational system and over the years have been supportive of providing our children just that.

My wife and I moved here 17 years ago and one of the major reasons we moved to Westbrook was because of what we had heard from educators who worked outside of the city – that Westbrook had an exceptional educational system and was a community that believed in providing its children with the best education possible. We believe that is true today as well.

The Middle School Building Committee, co-chaired by Renee Daniel and Councilor John O’Hara as well as Mayor Bruce Chuluda, Superintendent Stan Sawyer and many others, have worked hundreds of hours to facilitate an open and transparent process with frequent updates and individual ward meetings to provide all citizens with as much information as possible and to provide multiple forums for discussion and sharing of ideas and concerns. I appreciate their dedication and service and thank them for their willingness to sacrifice their family time for the betterment of our community and for the enhanced educational infrastructure that will be afforded our educators and students.

For some, the wealth of a community is measured by its per capita income. I believe that more importantly, our community’s wealth is measured by the educational opportunities we provide our children.

I encourage you to vote on May 22 and to support the construction of the new middle school.

Rep. Tim Driscoll

District 126, Westbrook