Recalling some recent history

Mayor Hilton doesn’t understand why Westbrook is becoming known as having “bad politics.” Let me give a few examples:

I know Councilor O’Hara doesn’t want to hear about urban renewal, which destroyed this city. I had an armful of petitions to present to the council signed by people who wanted to save the Scates Block. That afternoon a big hole was made in the back of the building so they could say it wasn’t worth saving. I believe I could tell you who was responsible but I won’t mention names.

Two elections ago the city clerk position was up for election. The present clerk did not get nominated at the Republican caucus. Then she changed parties and got elected. Now Councilor Foley and Mr. Gattine want to get this position appointed, which we have already voted this down once. How many times do we put the same thing on the ballot?

It is the only position we have anything to say about.

Why don’t we get to vote on the municipal budget? They make the school department cut, cut to bring their budget down to no increase. Maybe the city should do the same thing. This will never happen as long as they can spend out money any way they want to.

How long have we been in the real estate business? We have given $4,000 toward drawing up plans for the building on the corner of Saco Street. We don’t even own that building. Also Westbrook Housing is also donating money to this building.

Rep. Peoples is working on a new project in Prides Corner for traffic changes. I believe she made the announcement of $5,000,000 in “free money” for William Clarke Drive. We did not get that amount. I believe we have to pay $1.4 million because we didn’t get the whole $5,000,000.

The law firm representing the city should be paying the balance of, I believe, $320,000 the fire chief the mayor didn’t appoint at her [first] inauguration. Why isn’t the law firm liable for that? Also I believe we have a conflict of interest here. Our City Council president works for that law firm and also represents the school department. in a legal matter.

If any of these figures are incorrect, please let me know and I stand to be corrected.

Leona Glidden

Westbrook