After reading Mr. Violette’s acceptance speech on being nominated to run for mayor, I believe we are in for trouble. First, he wants to put development on the fast track. Probably the first thing he will want is a building on Saccarappa Park. He does not listen to the people, either.
Secondly, he plans on following the tradition of former Mayors Esty and Lefebvre. If people remember Mr. Esty insulted the senior citizens of Westbrook saying “Maybe when I get old I can be rude too.” Mr. Violette has already done that to Mayor Chuluda. He accused him of organizing Brad Lombard’s retirement party, which he had nothing to do with. No apology. Then he embarrassed and humiliated Mayor Chuluda and his family about unpaid taxes. Out of hundreds of people in the city with unpaid taxes, the American Journal chose to publicize only the one that Mr. Violette doesn’t like.
Then also Mr. Lefebvre was the mayor who bought city hall without telling anyone. We must be still paying for this building. He was also the one that wanted to buy Saccarappa Park for a very small price.
So do we need or want people like them running our city? I know there are many people who will vote for the party and not the candidate. This is too bad. I have voted for people of both parties before if I think one candidate is better than the other.
As far as development is concerned, we are overrun with building in the city. As I have said before, residential developments cost the taxpayers lots of money. As for commercial development there are enough empty buildings in the city, so if someone really wanted to locate in Westbrook, they certainly have a variety of buildings to choose from already.
So, please really decide what kind of people you want to run our city before your vote. Let’s try some new people who will listen to us instead of doing what the seven of them want. There is only one on the present council that will get my vote.
Leona Glidden
Westbrook
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