Voters on Tuesday chose Republican Bruce Chuluda as Westbrook’s next mayor, defeating Democrat Jim Violette for the second time in two years. With all city councilors regaining their seats, Westbrook’s municipal political battles could be set for a repeat.
Chuluda beat Violette, 2,001-1,755, just six votes more than the margin in the 2005 election.
“This is an especially gratifying win,” said Chuluda after walking in to Profenno’s Pizzeria Tuesday evening to a chorus of applause.
“I wish my wife could be here, I hope she’s watching me,” he said.
Vicki Chuluda died earlier this year.
Violette said he didn’t have much to say except that he “worked hard and the voters spoke.”
“Right now I’m going to enjoy my family,” he said. At the Democrats’ gathering at the American Legion on Conant Street, he pointed out his young son, who had hoped Violette wouldn’t win so he wouldn’t lose his father to Monday night meetings.
The Democrats lost only one other race with newcomer Philip Gagnon’s failure to win a councilor-at-large seat. Incumbent Republican John O’Hara won his seat back with 2,001 votes. Incumbent Democrat Michael Foley won his seat with 1,683 votes. Gagnon received just 81 votes less, with 1,602.
Democrat City Council President Brendan Rielly ran for re-election in Ward 1 and solidly beat out Republican Dennis Welch, 606-175.
Democrat Drew Gattine also won his Ward 2 contested seat against Republican William Holmes, 428-310.
Ward 3’s Republican incumbent Ed Symbol, Ward 4’s Democrat incumbent Dotty Aube and Ward 5’s Democrat incumbent Suzanne Joyce all won their uncontested seats.
School committee candidates Alex Stone, Ward 1; Greg Smith, incumbent Ward 2; Maria Dorn, Ward 5; and Suzanne Bearor, at-large, all won their seats. All four are Democrats.
Westbrook Mayor Bruce Chuluda, right, chats with radio talk show host Ray Richardson at Profenno’s Pizzeria Tuesday night after winning re-election. Chuluda beat Democrat contender Jim Violette for the second time in two years and will be starting his third term.Send questions/comments to the editors.
