Westbrook voters face a difficult decision when they go to the polls Nov. 3 to elect a mayor.
For the past six years, incumbent Republican Bruce Chuluda has for the most part been a competent mayor with a vision for Westbrook, pushing for downtown redevelopment, initiating the rezoning proposal for the Five Star Industrial Park in order to attract more high-tech businesses, and keeping the municipal budget in line during difficult times. He is straightforward and strong-willed, two qualities that no doubt endear him to many Westbrook voters.
But a few issues have popped up in his last term that call into question Chuluda’s leadership, his willingness to push for reform at City Hall when necessary, and his ability to work well with the School Committee.
The problems at the fire department, which for the past year has had two women firefighters on paid leave following lingering problems with sexual harassment, lead one to wonder who is minding the shop.
Also troubling is Chuluda’s attitude toward the school side of the municipal budget. He seems to treat the schools as just another department that he controls, even though it accounts for over half of city spending. The School Committee is charged with delivering to Westbrook students a strong education. It is a difficult, complicated job, and the committee should not be held back or diminished by the person holding the city’s top position.
That is one area where the challenger, Colleen Hilton, a Democrat, could make a difference. A 10-year veteran of the School Committee who served most recently as chairwoman, Hilton is intimately familiar with the school budget and how it translates into the day-to-day activities at city schools, which can only add valuable perspective as the city faces tough budget decisions in all areas over the next year.
She is also a proven leader, not only from her time on the School Committee but also as the chief executive officer of a healthcare organization with a multi-million-dollar budget and many employees. In her nine years in that position, Hilton has made her company a success.
It is easy to see how she could replicate that success in city government. Though Hilton’s lack of municipal government experience could be seen as a detriment, it may actually benefit the town. If elected, she would have to review each and every city position and department, putting a new set of eyes over old problems that have long gone unaddressed.
Hilton has proven herself to be an intelligent, flexible and determined leader in both her civic and professional lives. She would hold city employees accountable, and not take the status quo for granted. She would offer new, bold ideas, and seek compromise with other city leaders when necessary.
For those reasons, Hilton should be the next mayor of Westbrook.
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