Over the years, City Councilor John O’Hara has proven to be one of the most eminently quotable politicians in the city. Here are a few of his more memorable statements.
On the Skybox Bar & Grill: “The spots on the leopard have not changed.”
On the transition of Westbrook from mill town to city: “Build it and they will come. This city is my ‘Field of Dreams.'”
On realizing he needed to contribute to Westbrook: “You can’t live somewhere and take. You have to give back.”
On his job as Portland International Jetport facilities manager: “There are moments of grandeur and moments of complete and utter failure.”
On fixing a step in front of his home: “It’s on the list, but I have to wait until the hole gets bigger.”
On his vote against the 2004 proposed Westbrook budget and its tax hikes: “If we take away people’s disposable incomes, how happy are people living in this community going to be?”
On Mayor Bruce Chuluda’s surprise veto of a part of the budget: “I don’t call the mayor and let him know how I’m going to vote on an issue. Why should I expect him to do that for me?”
On Wal-Mart: “Wal-Mart will crush this neighborhood. It will have a field day with Westbrook and chew us up and spit us out.”
On a citywide revaluation proposed in December 2004: “The timing of this is absolutely terrible. Merry Christmas, and here’s your lump of coal.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
