Following a turbulent few weeks in which state political controversies have put Westbrook in the spotlight, local Democratic party leaders say there is intense interest from potential candidates for municipal seats heading into its caucus on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The results of the Democratic caucus will put the local election in focus, with eight seats, including mayor, up for grabs. Last week, three-term Mayor Colleen Hilton said she would not seek re-election, ending months of speculation. She said she will instead put her focus on her family and career.

That annoucement, and Councilor Mike Foley’s decision not to seek re-election for his at-large seat, has led to some manuevering among potential mayoral candidates, leaving many seats up in the air.

The current political atmosphere, on both local and national levels, has also piqued new interest. Brendan Rielly, the City Council president and organizer of the Democratic caucus, said this week he expects a big turnout on Tuesday.

“I’m sure it will drive even more interest in the caucus, but there already was very high interest separate from the events with the governor,” he said, referring to Gov. Paul LePage’s recent controversy involving Westbrook State Rep. Drew Gattine, who also serves as president of the city’s Democratic Committee.

Rielly said he expects many contested races at the caucus.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the caucus will be a very lively, energetic one and that it will produce a great crop of candidates,” he said.

At least two people want the Democratic nod for mayor. City Councilor Mike Sanphy and Michael Shaughnessy, the president of the Friends of the Presumpscot, both confirmed this week that they intend to seek the nomination.

“I’m determined to run,” Sanphy said Wednesday, adding that if he doesn’t receive the nomination, he’ll most likely proceed with collecting signatures to run unenrolled.

While Tuesday’s caucus will decide who is running for Democrats, anyone interested in running independently has until Sept. 26 to file nomination papers to appear on the Nov. 8 ballot. Independent James Tranchemontagne, the owner of the popular Frog & Turtle restaurant, has already submitted his papers. He lost to Hilton in 2013.

Hilton said she will be endorsing someone at the caucus, but will wait until then to announce the endorsement.

“I think I have a lot of support,” Sanphy said. “A lot of people are urging me to run. I’ve paid my dues. I think I’ve earned it.”

Sanphy has served the city for some 50 years among his roles at the police, fire and rescue departments and on the City Council. He’s also president of the Westbrook Historical Society.

Shaughnessy, a longtime art professor at the University of Southern Maine, said he understands government and local politics “having both served on the Town Council in Windham and in many leadership capacities at the University of Southern Maine.”

While he is a relatively new resident of the city, Shaughnessy said, he is “attuned to Westbrook’s vast potential and can bring a fresh set of eyes and sense of collaboration to moving it forward.”

Hilton also said there may be a few others putting their name in for mayor, including someone contemplating withdrawing from their political party and running as an independent. But, she said, she did not want to give out names without their permission.

“I fully expect a good turnout at the caucus due to the many open seats, and yes, I do think the recent controversy will spur others to get involved,” she said.

Tranchemontagne, who launched a crowdfunding site last week to raise funds for his campaign, said Wednesday he wishes Hilton “the best of luck” in her career and understands the balance of family.

“She has spent a long time in political life for the city and I’m sure it will be a welcome break for her,” he said.

Four Westbrook City Council seats and three School Committee seats – all for three years – are up for election. On the council, wards 1, 2 and 5, held by Rielly, Victor Chau and Sanphy, respectively, are on the ballot, as well as an at-large seat held by Foley. All incumbents are Democrats.

On the School Committee, wards 3 and 4, held by Noreen Poitras and Mike Popovic, respectively, and the at-large seat held by Suzanne Joyce, will also be on the ballot.
School Committee member Veronica Bates said Monday that she would be seeking the Ward 2 council seat, setting up a contest with Chau at Tuesday’s caucus.

The Westbrook Republican City Committee caucused on Aug. 16, but did not bring forward any candidates for mayor, City Council or School Committee.

A CLOSER LOOK

The Westbrook Democratic Committee will be caucusing to select candidates for open municipal seats on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m., at the Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St. Voter registration will begin at 5 p.m. Open seats include mayor, City Council wards 1, 2, 5, and at-large, and School Committee wards 3, 4 and at-large. For additional info, email Drew Gattine at [email protected].

Mike Sanphy

Michael Shaughnessy