I have lived in this city all my 84 years and this has to be one of the worst administrations I have seen.

They want to control every aspect of people’s lives. People have yard sales every year to make a few extra dollars. Now you people want to pay $10 for a permit to have one in their own back yard. People pay taxes for their property and as long as they don’t bother other people, you have no right telling them what they can do in their own back yard. Soon, we’ll need to have a permit for a barbecue.

Good things are happening. Taxes went down 21 cents per $1,000. Is this just a coincidence that this happens to be an election year? I believe the article also stated there’s a good chance after that they will be going up again. My taxes went down $31.74 and now if I have my once-a-year yard sale you want that $10 back for a permit.

This is as bad as Westbrook Housing stopping a few elderly ladies from having a evening of bingo once a week.

It seems they were not breaking any laws. I guess this shows some people let authority go overboard. They start to think they can control everybody’s life.

If you want more money, take back the $27,000 raise you gave Mr. Baker. And I understand the council never voted on this hiring.

He doesn’t even use the job title he was given. All he used is administrative aid to Jerre Bryant. Also now Mr. Baker needs an aide so the last I knew the city clerk is going to divide her time to be his aide.

The deal made by Mayor Hilton on the Maine Rubber building was not a very smart thing to do. Maybe they didn’t look as nice as she would like, but we had a great business going there for taking people’s unworkable appliances and anything you had at no charge. Also the entrance of Main and Saco streets is a very, very busy intersection. You never go by there without seeing cars going in and out of Saco Street.

I really don’t see why people would want to come here unless they want to eat. Since urban renewal started their great trek through Westbrook, it has been ruined.

I believe you people would put your efforts to better use and look at the empty buildings in Westbrook. Some have been empty a long, long time

but nobody even notices. Also take a ride around town and see how many homes are for sale. That should be a real concern.

Let’s take a turn in the road and stop playing in the Presumpscot River and get to the important issues of the city. This city is getting a bad reputation.

I know you people think it is a great addition having Husson College coming to town, and it really is. Let’s see how long they stay is the next question.

It seems you people are so busy trying to control everyone’s life maybe it’s time to make some changes.

Leona Glidden

Westbrook