March 1982
In a strong endorsement of Westbrook’s mayor-council system of government, Mayor William B. O’Gara sent two statements to area news-gatherers concerning misunderstandings between Westbrook and its neighbors when it comes to the mayor. Westbrook, alone in the area, elects its mayor and whole city council on party tickets every two years. The misunderstandings came to the surface several times in news discussion of the recent decision by Westbrook not to withdraw at the end of this year from the Metro bus system.
The council voted to pull out, but O’Gara vetoed the resolution and the council fell one vote shy of the five votes it needed to override the veto. Westbrook’s mayor is not a councilor, but stands for the office of mayor and is elected by the voters of the whole city every two years.
Westbrook aldermen have voted 6-1 to pay $7,734 annual dues to the Maine Municipal Associal. The no vote was cast by City Council President Charles Roma. Alderman Norman Conley asked: “What are we getting, other than subscriptions to he magazine?” Administrative Assistant Carter listed some benefits, including a spokesmen at the Legislature who represent the city’s viewpoint on legislation and fringe benefits such Blue Cross-Blue Shield.
Westbrook High’s Sock and Buskin Society will present Noel Coward’s “Weatherwise” and “Songfest ’82” at the high school auditorium. “Weatherwise” will be Westbrook’s entry in the regional play competition.
Westbrook School Superintendent Carl Knowlton has written to Mayor William O’Gara praising George Googins, the city’s acting public works director, for his help this winter. Googins, the street superintendent, is filling in for Kenneth Eastman, who suffered a heart attack. Knowlton wrote that he has had “fine cooperation” from Googins and also that he has been “most helpful” in giving advice on whether or not to cancel classes for storms, a decision that has to be made “at most unconventional hours.” O’Gara read the letter aloud at a city council meeting.
March 1992
Westbrook is offering its planning consultant, Barbara Barhydt, a one-year contract that expires June 30. She has been working without a contract since July 1 under the terms of her previous contract. The new contract raises her pay per hour $1 to $28 and guarantees her at least $20,000 a year. Mayor Fred Wescott said her half-time service is all the city needs.
With Joan Reed out on sick leave and the recession hanging on, Westbrook is looking for a temporary, full-time welfare director to handle a lengthening line of welfare applicants. For the year that ended June 30, 1988, the number of welfare applicants was under 500. The next year’s total was nearly 900, and last year’s total was close to 1,400. The council agreed to advertise the job at $480.77 per week.
The Westbrook City Council voted itself into a secret meeting on a legal question. Peter Eckel, the mayor’s administrative assistant, said, “It’s a tax issue at S.D. Warren – same old story”
Lewiston-based boxer Joey Gamache, World Boxing Association junior lightweight champion, will be in Westbrook to meet folks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at former boxer Steve Lampron’s Steve’s Variety, 543 Main St. Steve’s cousin, Tony Lampron, is Gamache’s trainer. Steve has known Joey since he was a kid.
Rejecting Don Richards’s idea of buying used instead, the council voted to seek bids on a new pickup truck for the Westbrook Recreation Department.
The St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop of St. Hyacinth Roman Catholic Church, Westbrook, is moving to the old St. Hyacinth School, 22 Walker St., from the parish hall on Brown Street. Parking will be available on Pike and Walker streets. The thrift shop will open March 11, and here will be an open house.
Judith Rickett, Westbrook, Department of Maine state president of the American Legion Auxiliary, was honored at a testimonial by Unit 197, her home unit, in the Westbrook Memorial Post’s hall, 300 Conant St. Rickett has held every office in the unit. She is a past president of the Legion Auxiliary’s Cumberland County Council and 1st District Council.
Antioch Baptist Church of Westbrook has purchased the property formerly owned by the Gorham Christian Assembly at 410 Main St., Gorham. Antioch Baptist Church started in January 1988 as a home Bible study at a home in Westbrook with three people, sponsored by Trinity Baptist Church of Portland and affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.
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