As the chairman of the Westbrook Housing commissioners, I need to respond to Leona Glidden’s Oct. 25 American Journal letter, in which she gave Mayor Bruce Chuluda credit for the numerous housing projects that have come to Westbrook in the past few years.

As one of the seven-member committee that oversees the Westbrook Housing organization, I want to be sure to acknowledge the dedicated members who are working tirelessly every day to bring decent, safe, affordable housing options to families in Westbrook. The accolades that this fine organization is deserving of should be given to the outstanding staff of Westbrook Housing and, in particular, John Gallager, the executive director. John has been instrumental in pursuing development opportunities to serve not only low income families, but also seniors living in communities from independent housing to congregate supportive living facilities like Larrabee Village.

I’ll mention just a few: Golder Commons, Forest Street School project, the Hay Property conversion and the Riverfront Lofts that are currently under construction.

One only has to look around and see how effective Westbrook Housing, under John’s leadership, has been in turning old abandoned buildings into much-needed housing. As funding from our federal government has dried up, John has led us to look at alternative financing options that have allowed us to continue to meet the housing needs of the city.

I also want to be sure to acknowledge and give credit where credit is due – to the following volunteers who serve on the committee: Bev O’Gara, Jacqueline Giles, Stacy Symbol, Martha Brackett, Joan Harmon, Carolyn Bellerose and George Wilcox.

When you go to the polls on Nov. 6, please vote for Jim Violette for mayor and all the other Democrats who have been working hard to better serve Westbrook residents. Jim and the current city council fully understand the need to continue to support affordable housing options in the city of Westbrook.

Malcolm Noyes

Westbrook