The rezoning of the Saunders Brothers mill from Industrial to Gateway Commercial to clear the way for Wal-Mart to possibly come to Westbrook (opposed)

I am not in favor of Wal-Mart coming to Westbrook. I would rather see growth in this area through home grown businesses as opposed to a corporate giant which would impact the quality of life in that area and the whole city.

Pay-as-you-throw trash pickup and curbside recycling (favors)

I am in favor of pay-as-you throw trash pickup as well as curbside recycling. I am concerned about the cost for those on fixed incomes and would need to further research the details of this program. However the long term benefits for the environment are indisputable.

The city purchasing land on Saco Street to market it as the Westbrook Heights Business Park (favors)

I am in favor on the city’s purchase of land on Saco Street I feel this is a good investment in the future as a way to attract business and revenue for the city.

How would you have voted on this year’s school budget? (favored)

I would have approved the school budget. This is an extremely important area in which to invest our money. I was educated in the Westbrook schools and feel I was educated well. I hope that we can continue to provide an excellent education to the children of Westbrook. We should of course be prudent and fiscally responsible in the way the taxpayers’ money is spent, providing the best education possible within the fiscal parameters we have.

The potential redevelopment of Saccarappa Park as a combination commercial building/public park (favors)

I am in favor of some kind of development of the Saccarappa Park area. It is a great spot for a business and/or recreational use. I would need to have much more information on the potential plans for this area as well as information about how this would work logistically. How it would impact the environment as well as the flow of traffic. This is certainly an area of the city which has great potential.

Paper streets have been a major source of contention in the city recently. How would you have dealt with residents’ complaints about old paper streets being used for development?

Paper streets are an issue I have been hearing a great deal about since I decided to run for office. It seems to be a very complicated situation. I can certainly understand the frustration of citizens who look outside and see someone excavating a lot next to them that they have believed to belong to them and in some instances for which they have been paying taxes. I do not feel that I can adequately address this issue without more information. I would make myself available to take information and listen to the concerns of citizens who are in this situation and seek out those who would know more about the laws around this issue and advocate for the best interest of the citizens.

What can be done to help lower Westbrook property taxes?

Property taxes are very problematic for all of us. We are all feeling overtaxed. I think that the budgets within the city government should always be scrutinized and adjusted to provide the most service for the citizens at the lowest cost to them. I think listening to citizens and hearing how they prioritize spending is an essential part of public service.

What do you want to see done to improve parking in the city?

The parking problems in Westbrook are a real concern especially to those of us who live in Ward 4. I know that many options have been explored including opposite side parking, parking bans and the use of the St. Hyacinth’s Parking Lot. I am concerned that the parking issue may become a deterrent to potential home buyers. I am also very appreciative of the job that the Public Services Deptartment does in clearing our streets. I think it is an issue that should not be brushed aside, especially here in Ward 4. I will be going door to door over the next few weeks before the election and plan to address this topic when talking to people in my ward. I am very interested in how they would prioritize the issue, clean strets versus a place to park which is near where they live.

Please comment on any other issues of importance to you.

I am very concerned with what will be happening in the future to the buildings that St. Hyacinths will potentially be selling (the school and the convent). I hope to be closely involved in that process.

I am very committed to maintaining and improving the quality of education in Westbrook. I believe we need to make it clear that we care about our children and their future.

I am very happy about the direction of the city since the loss of the mill. I believe the city has been innovative and proactive. It is very important to me that we continue in this direction by developing commerce. I do hope that the growth is not just growth at any cost however. I have lived in Westbrook my whole life and like that we have a close community and a commitment to our history. I would take this mission very seriously and excitedly if I am elected.