Michael Dobkowski, the CEO of Glacial Multimedia in Westbrook, will challenge 18-year council veteran John O’Hara for a Westbrook City Council at-large seat this November.

Dobkowski, a Democrat, said he is running as a Westbrook business owner who would advocate for more economic development. O’Hara, a Republican and the longest-serving councilor, pointed at issues such as local infrastructure and school building projects.

The three-year term will be decided at the polls on Nov. 3. Leading up to the election, the American Journal asked the candidates about the top issues facing Westbrook.

Michael Dobkowski

55 Perry Court

Age: 42

Occupation: CEO/president at Glacial Multimedia Inc.

Political Experience: None

Q: What do you think are the top three issues facing the city and how would you solve them?

A. 1. Creating a positive business climate and recruiting of new businesses. This is a main passion of mine. I would work through existing city employees who have already done a great job getting this started and really put some emphasis on the benefits of getting more businesses in Westbrook. As a Main Street business owner, I can see this coming to fruition with the right amount of commitment and people involved.

2. The impact of new housing on the school system. This is a tough issue facing housing planning and the ability of the school department to react to changes. The issue is too big for one person, but we need to work through the School Committee, improve communication between the City Council and School Committee and form a unified vision of the future direction. Once all sides are on board, we need to move forward in a positive direction.

3. Transportation for seniors. I would like to use existing city resources to develop a program to pick up seniors and get them more involved at the community center.

Over the past few weeks I have done a lot walking around through neighborhoods and talking with the people of Westbrook. It is amazing what you will learn when you do this. I have seen desparation, people in need, angry people and happy people. Many people in Westbrook want a voice that they can speak with about the issues, and many do not feel that they have that. I was thanked by many for listening. I intend to do more of this over the course of October.

John O’Hara

80 Cottage Place

Age: 57

Occupation: Facilities maintenance manager for the City of Portland at Portland International Jetport

Political Experience: Westbrook city councilor for 18 years

Q: What do you think are the top three issues facing the city and how would you solve them?

A: In order to provide the consistent level of service that this community desires, the council as a body must reinforce to our legislators that a loss of revenue sharing from the state of Maine would have disastrous consequences. We cannot move forward with our strategic plans and keep services high and taxes stable if the administration in Augusta decides to place revenue sharing on the cut list. Therefore, it is key to have our lines of communication to our legislators open.

Over the years, we have worked diligently to bring consumers, new businesses, and new ideas to our downtown corridor. The ever-changing business climate has provided us with mixed results. The recent loss of a major tenant in our downtown core will surely be felt. This also provides us with an opportunity to go back to the beginning and try to fill the vacant space that now exists with a new approach and a new start.

One of the greatest challenges that we face as a community is when to expand public infrastructure, and how to finance it. The recent bond approval to construct a new public services facility was long overdue and sorely needed. With this project approved and soon to be under construction, we now must turn our attention toward the two expansion projects that the school department has brought forward. The two projects, respectfully, are a Saccarappa School addition and a middle school addition. The most urgent of these projects is the Saccarappa School. The facility needs major updating, classroom addition, cafeteria and gymnasium construction, and to become American Disabilities Act compliant in areas where we are not. Our children need a first-rate educational experience, and at this time this building does not provide it.

The council must continue to spend our dollars wisely on our streets, parks, and public spaces. I will continue to see, if re-elected, that this takes place.

John O’HaraMichael Dobkowski