WESTBROOK – Amid the appearance of signs and emerging plans for house-to-house campaigning, the three candidates for the job of Westbrook’s mayor are now carving out their positions.
The race marks the first time in recent memory that Westbrook voters will choose among three candidates. They are:
• Democrat Colleen Hilton, the two-term mayor, who is running on her record;
• Republican Ernest Porell, a local businessman, who is running on his vision of a revitalized downtown; and
• Independent James Tranchemontagne, owner of the Frog and Turtle restaurant, who is running on a wide-ranging platform that includes lowered tax rates and anti-bullying efforts in the schools.
The candidates’ first disagreement centers on the impact of the three-way race.
“I don’t think [the three-way race is] a question of helping or hurting,” said Hilton last week. “To serve in the capacity of mayor is a significant commitment, which I certainly embrace. I’m glad that there is interest in the office enough to have two other contenders.”
Tranchemontagne said having three candidates will make the race more demanding, but that having two candidates running in the two-party system might work in his favor because he is running as an independent.
Porell said the three-way race is not likely to cost him votes. But, he said Hilton may lose votes to Tranchemontagne, who, Porell says, “is hoping to get some of the Democrat vote.”
As for where they stand on issues, the candidates are staking out their ground.
Hilton, who’s been mayor of Westbrook since 2009, said she will run on a platform of leadership and accountability based on her past performance growing the business base in Westbrook by selling off key parcels around the city, settling the Pike Industries/Idexx dispute and keeping budgets low and tax bills reasonable.
“I’m running for a third term, primarily to continue the progress and path we are on,” said Hilton, the chief executive officer of VNA Home Health and Hospice in South Portland. “[And] to see through [projects] that are still in the process. And I fear a change in leadership at this time could derail some significant projects in the works.”
Porell, the grandson of Ernest Porell, former mayor of Westbrook, is a landlord who owns Westbrook Armory apartments. He said his priorities rest in the downtown area.
“I believe that downtown is where Westbrook’s tide will come in and lift all of the city economically,” Porell said. “If downtown is a desirable spot to visit and a profitable place to set up shop, businesses will move in, and the city will be a more desirable place to live. Desire equals demand, and increased demand to live here will improve home values.”
By putting up effective signage along William Clarke Drive and Main Street and by increasing parking, he said, it could drive more customers into the downtown area.
Porell said he would also straighten out the city’s accounting systems and make the budget more transparent. He also said he would like to find new opportunities to involve the youth in Westbrook.
Tranchemontagne said he is focused on improving the community in Westbrook by lowering the tax rate and encouraging new business growth by “cleaning up” building codes and the building department. He also cited the need to change the culture of the city by ending bullying in the schools, creating more opportunities for students outside of classrooms and expanding the arts and musical offerings in the city.
“I believe people are looking for someone who has built something like a successful restaurant,” said Tranchemontagne. “Someone who has given up a large sum of his money to help charities, art and music. Someone who leads by example. I feel good about the amount of Democrats that are supporting me and my chances this election.”
All candidates said they will be posting signs and conducting door-to-door campaigns to meet with constituents, and while no debate or community forum has been scheduled yet, all are open to participating.
Hilton said she plans on hosting a candidate night and to run a positive campaign, reminding voters of her accomplishments during the past few years.
On Oct. 14, Porell is hosting a rally at the Eagles Lodge on Saco Street. The rally is open to the public as an opportunity for constituents to hear his plans to change the city.
Tranchemontagne said he is set to appear on Ray Richardson’s radio show soon and will host another candidate night at the Frog and Turtle. He says he is hoping for the opportunity to meet with the candidates and discuss ideas via a debate.
Colleen Hilton
Ernest Porell
James Tranchemontagne
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