I guess the American Journal has been in a slumber itself for referring to the past few years of our city “awakening from a development slumber.” I wonder if they recall the $60 million expansion by Idexx, or the move of many businesses to Westbrook, such as Schlotterbeck and Foss, WMTW Channel 8, or the beautiful new building Robert Mitchell built along the riverfront which is now home to  Ethos Marketing and Design. Add to that the large scale commercial development at Dirigo Plaza which will mark a significant improvement to an important parcel at the gateway of both Portland and Westbrook.

I found it interesting that the editors chose to accuse me of “poor strategy” when referring to the splitting of the Democratic caucus. Historically, the mayor’s decision to seek re-election has happened in September. Together with a number of Democratic Party leaders we met with several interested candidates to determine who had the interest to serve and lead Westbrook as the new mayor.  The good news is that there was interest by several candidates all of whom had questions and discussions regarding what exactly does it take to hold this office.   We knew going into the caucus that there would be at least two strong contenders.  Both candidates were asked early on if they would honor the caucus process.  Both candidates indicated that they would honor the results – one later changed his mind.  If a split occurred in the Democratic Party it was due to one running outside the caucus system.

Michael Shaughnessy was the winner of the Democratic caucus with 56 percent to 44 percent of the vote. He had my endorsement at the caucus and continues to have my support. I find Michael to be exactly what Westbrook needs at this critical time. Having served the city of Westbrook for the past 17 years, 10 on the School Committee and seven as the mayor, I have a very good idea of what is needed to keep the momentum moving forward.

Michael and his wife Malory have been engaged in our city for years.  Several people have said, “I don’t know him.” Maybe the political establishment doesn’t, but many other citizens in Westbrook know him very well – he was the majority winner at the well-attended caucus. They know him to be someone who embraces all walks of life. He is passionate and dedicated to the environment as evidenced by being a founding board member and president of the Friends of the Presumpscot River – he has been leading efforts to restore our river for the past 22 years.  As a professor of art and entrepreneurial studies at USM, he is acutely aware of the needs and challenges of our educational system and the importance of education to our community’s future.

As I reflect upon my seven years serving the great city of Westbrook, I believe some of my most rewarding experiences have been when it is necessary to intervene or address an issue that is affecting a citizen’s quality of life.  That is why I am particularly pleased that Michael Shaughnessy continues to focus his campaign as your next mayor on the importance of strengthening our neighborhoods.  Michael has the passion, the temperament and the clear vision for what our city can be moving forward.  And he has the innate ability and intellect to lead Westbrook to a brighter future.

Please join me on Nov. 8 to select Michael Shaughnessy as your new mayor.

Colleen Hilton
Westbrook mayor 2009-16