Two widely known figures in Westbrook are running for the available at-large, three-year seat on the City Council in the municipal election on Nov. 4.

Gary Rairdon, a former city councilor, and Elizabeth Eisele McLellan, a community advocate, are hoping for voters’ support.

The at-large seat is now held by City Council President Claude Rwaganje, who is not seeking reelection.

ELIZABETH MCLELLAN

McLellan, 48, is a familiar figure at City Council and Planning Board meetings and says she frequently speaks on issues. McLellan is the parent of two teenagers.

She works as an eviction prevention program coordinator
and marketing manager.

She has been active since 2022 in the Westbrook Community Housing Coalition and currently its chair. McLellan was the planning chair of Westbrook Juneteenth Celebration from 2022 to 2024 and also served three years in the Equity in Sports initiative.

What is the No. 1 issue facing Westbrook?

“I’m hearing about two (not one) top issues from Westbrook residents: housing and safety,” said McLellan. “Prioritizing housing means that we need to address the tax burden on residents, many older, so they can stay in their homes, work to make rents affordable for our local workforce and those starting out, and continue to address the homelessness experienced by children in our school system. Everyone deserves to feel safe and stable in their home.

“Once residents leave their home, they also want to feel safe on our streets. From stop signs to busy intersections, the risk of an accident has increased. When children run outside to play, go for a bike ride or walk to school, we want to know that our neighborhoods are safe, and that everyone is looking out for them. Safety for others means not being targeted for the color of their skin or the languages they speak.”

Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

“When Mayor (David) Morse asked if I would run, my initial response was, ‘But I’m not a politician,'” said McLellan. “And that is the reason I’m running. I’m a problem solver and challenge accepter. I listen to those closest to the problem, gather information, look at the big picture, and believe that when you hit a wall there is always a way over, under, through or around. Often it takes a different perspective to see all the options. Communication, compassion and curiosity are the tenets that I lean into and believe are vital to being a thoughtful and effective city councilor, especially when there are many voices, challenges, thoughts, perspectives and needs present. The strength of a community comes from its people and its neighborhoods, rich with humanity, brimming with the curiosity of youth and the wisdom of elders. I’m running because I want to tap into that strength and help my community thrive.”

GARY RAIRDON

Rairdon, 61, is married, has raised seven children and has five grandchildren. He has been assistant store manager at Hannaford for 35 years. He was the Ward 4 city councilor for 11 years, from 2013 to 2024, and previously was the board president for three years.

Last year, Rairdon narrowly lost a City Council reelection bid in a Ward 4 recount to Amy Faulkingham.

Rairdon is also the trustee chair at Portland Elks Club and is president of the Westbrook Strong 5K/Matthew Rairdon Scholarship Foundation.

What is the No. 1 issue facing Westbrook?

“Westbrook continues to grow at a very fast pace, but the taxes continue to increase at an unsustainable rate,” said Rairdon. “When elected, I plan to work with the City Council and the administration to come together to find other sources of revenue other than the current tax payer. We have the opportunity to execute and develop formulas that will help offset the tax burden. If development and creation of affordable housing is needed, then impacting fees need to be in place and collected to help offset the needs of the city expenditures.

“New developments are being approved by the Planning Board. Why aren’t the taxes going down? Implementing impact fees will drastically help reduce the tax burden.”

Why do you want to serve on the City Council?

“In 2013 I was elected to my first of four terms as Ward 4 city councilor,” said Rairdon. “Throughout those 11 years, I have held the city of Westbrook and its citizens to the highest priority. I have sat on many of the committees, chairing the Committee of (the) Whole, Finance Committee, streets and facilities. When elected, I will be able to hit the ground running while continuing to work for the citizens of Westbrook on their needs and issues. I have established solid relationships with the leadership and department heads to work toward a cohesive and professional transition.”