Three-term Westbrook Mayor Colleen Hilton will not seek re-election in November.
The city’s first female mayor, Hilton was elected in 2009. In an email statement Wednesday, she cited her family and her work as part of her decision not to seek a fourth term.
Hilton is president and CEO of VNA Home Health Hospice and Eastern Maine Home Care. Since a merger expanded her organization significantly in 2014, she oversees offices across the state.
“My travel schedule has increased significantly, and the demands of my work life are increasing,” she wrote.
Hilton, who grew up in Westbrook, said she also wants to spend more time with her parents and granddaughter.
“As a nurse who has spent my career helping seniors to age comfortably in their home, I want to be sure that I am available to my parents as they age in place,” Hilton said. “I have a 3-year-old granddaughter who has probably been to more city meetings that most people in Westbrook, and I truly want to spend more time with her at the park rather than a meeting.”
Hilton served on the Westbrook School Committee for a decade before her election as mayor. In 2013, a change to the city’s charter extended the mayor’s term from two years to three. In her email, Hilton said she doesn’t know who will run for her seat, but several people have expressed interest. The city’s Democratic Committee will caucus next month.
“I am exceedingly proud of the direction that Westbrook is headed,” she wrote.
Megan Doyle can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:
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