Election '09: Bruce Chuluda on the Issues

Bruce Chuluda is the Republican Party's nominee for Mayor.

What are your three legislative goals if you are elected?
Keep taxes reasonable, continue to promote good economic development, and maintain open and transparent government.

How do you plan to implement those three legislative goals?
I plan to continue the work and follow the path that I have been on for the past 6 years. I'll look to consolidate and eliminate where practical and do things more efficiently. I'll continue to solicit good businesses to come to our city and provide incentives only if it is necessary to attract the very best businesses. And I'll continue to be accessible and ensure that all city departments are responsive to residents' concerns, as well as making sure we keep people informed of what is going on in our city.

Which city services do you think should be maintained or expanded?
Our Public Safety services are the most critical to maintain and augment where affordable. Apart from those, we should consider expanding services to any great degree only if it is affordable to do so. Of course, I continue to look for ways to collaborate with other local communities in an effort to expand some of what we do and save money in the process.

How will you make Westbrook a better place in which to live and work?
I will continue to promote the spirit of community within our great city and work to make it economically vibrant and affordable.

Which city services do you think should be cut or eliminated?
I have consolidated and, even in some cases, eliminated several of the services we provide. Moreover, I will continue to look for other programs that make sense to either reduce or eliminate. At this time, I would have to say that we provide the basic menu of things that taxpayers and residents have come to expect and that, without much public discussion and debate, I would find it difficult to go on record at this time with specifics for cuts or elimination. Rest assured, I am always in the planning mode.

What are your thoughts concerning a Charter Commission?
I strongly oppose the need to create a Charter Commission. No one has articulated what in the Charter needs to be changed or eliminated, and my sense is that this is simply political posturing. Apart from those that are elected, my discussions with the average citizen are that they couldn't care less about the Charter and what it says. All our residents want is government that is open, inclusive, and honest with them. It sounds good to many when someone says, "Let's look at changing the Charter." I think what we have works, so until someone tells me what doesn't work, I will continue to be opposed to the need for a Charter Commission. The City's legal counsel has already stated that there are many things residents can change about our government, without the need for the creation and expense of a Charter Commission.

Do you plan to vote "Yes" or "No" on Question 2 on this year's referendum ballot?
I will be voting no on this question because I do not believe it will benefit the majority of Westbrook residents. I think most of us own vehicles that are either more than 6 years old and/or not of the hybrid variety--thus no benefit. The harm it will do to local revenue will either shift the burden to the property tax or mean a possible reduction in services, or both. I'm all for lower taxes and think the State should spend the effort in fixing the income tax instead.

What are your thoughts concerning the zoning conflict between Pike Industries and Westbrook Works?
I was the first to propose a re-zoning of the Five Star Industrial Park and believe it to be in keeping with the long-term vision the city has for that area. We want to attract and retain high- tech businesses and jobs. The Pike and IDEXX (Westbrook Works) conflict transcends the City's efforts, and I hope they can settle their issues.

Do you plan to vote "Yes" or "No" on Question 4 on this year's referendum ballot?
I will be voting no on this question. Once again, I believe Westbrook has been fiscally responsible in its spending and I do not want the State or anyone else telling our City how it should be run. We have elctions every two years, so if the voters don't like the way thing are going, they have the ability to vote people out of office.

Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
I created a non-partisan Trash and Recycling Committee, and it was chaired by a Democrat. I've worked with our Democratic legislative delegation in an effort to speed up the William Clarke Drive construction project. I will work with anyone when it is in the best interst of the majority of our residents.

What are your thoughts concerning the proposed Stroudwater Place development?
I was supportive of this venture from the beginning and, while not an outward cheerleader for it, I worked for a couple of years with the developer to ensure that the proiject he unveiled and wanted to bring forward would have the greatest liklihood of acceptance and support from residents. Much of the work of a Mayor is behind the scenes, such as ensuring things that are brought to the public are crafted in such a manner so as to garner the most support from not only the Council who might vote, but, most importantly, the people of our city.

Cite at least one example in which you differed with your own political party.
Since my party is in the minority, I cannot specifically recall much. But I am sure there are many things that I support or object to that our two Republican City Councilors feel differently about. We are not in lockstep, nor should we always be. I'm okay with that.

What are your thoughts concerning the fire department’s problems with sexual harassment lawsuits?
I am certainly not pleased that we have such a stigma surrounding us and I hope we can resolve matters soon. Apart from that, I cannot comment except to say that I will not tolerate any future matters and those that do not play by the rules will be dealt with appropriately.

Cite at least one instance in which you’ve agreed with your opponent.
Since I do not know what my opponent's position is on anything, I cannot comment.

What are your thoughts concerning the Downtown Streetscape Plan?
I think the plan is a good one and I want to see it implemented over time. Much work went into it, and I credit those who worked on it.

What policy issue have you changed your mind about since becoming a politician?
I can't really think of anything off-hand. I ran for Mayor because I did not care for the way our local government was being run. I have tried to maintain an openness with the public and an open mind when dealing with issues. There are many things that affect our city, and I have tried to ensure that we communicate with residents and inform people. I firmly believe that if people know what's going on, they will be more supportive than if left in the dark.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
I think I've said it all!

- John C.L. Morgan

Related: Election '09: Introducing Bruce Chuluda (October 23, 2009)
Related: Election '09: Introducing Colleen Hilton (October 23, 2009)
Related: Election '09: On Chuluda v. Hilton (October 15, 2009)

Election '09: Michael Foley on the Issues

Michael Foley is one of the Democratic Party's two nominees for the At-Large City Council seat.

What are your three legislative goals if you are elected?
N/A

How do you plan to implement those three legislative goals?
N/A

Which city services do you think should be maintained or expanded?
I feel we should maintain all the City services we currently have. The taxpayers expect and deserve these services, and, if possible, we should combine with others where appropriate and only expand if absolutely needed.

How will you make Westbrook a better place in which to live and work?
Continue to maintain the excellence and growth our city as seen for some time and ensure it will continue to always be a great place!

Which city services do you think should be cut or eliminated?
I feel we should maintain all the City services we currently have. The taxpayers expect and deserve these services, and, if possible, we should combine with others where appropriate and only expand if absolutely needed.

What are your thoughts concerning a Charter Commission?
I feel it is always important to review the structure of your organization. Westbrook has not done a review as long as we know and allowing the citizens the opportunity to choose if they want a review is important. I will support the issue, as I feel it is greatly need for a number of issues.

Do you plan to vote "Yes" or "No" on Question 2 on this year's referendum ballot?
I plan to vote no for the sole reason that it will have a significant impact on our municipal budget and the taxes in our city that we have worked too hard to manage.

What are your thoughts concerning the zoning conflict between Pike Industries and Westbrook Works?
I am undecided on that issue as it has not come before the city council for debate and I feel it would be unfair to state before hearing from all sides.

Do you plan to vote "Yes" or "No" on Question 4 on this year's referendum ballot?
I plan to vote no for the sole reason that it will have a significant impact on our municipal budget and the taxes in our city that we have worked too hard to manage.

Cite at least one example in which you cooperated with a member (or members) of another political party.
On the City Council, I feel we have all worked greatly together to achieve goals in many issues. Though we may feel different about it, we all want what is best for the citizens. An example is trash and recycling. We have been at odds on that issue for some time and have finally worked together to accomplish what we have today. On the issue of the Mayor, I have proposed on numerous occasions to work together with Mayor Chuluda with very little, if not any, cooperation.

What are your thoughts concerning the proposed Stroudwater Place development?
My thoughts are that it is a great project for the community and region, and when the economy turns around, we will see it happen.

Cite at least one example in which you differed with your own political party.
I have been on the opposite sides of my party on many occasions. I do not sit in that seat to represent my party, I represent the citizens and what is good for the community.

What are your thoughts concerning the fire department’s problems with sexual harassment lawsuits?
I feel it is an unfortunate issue on all sides and hope that someday we may see resolution.

Cite at least one instance in which you've agreed with your opponents.
N/A

What are your thoughts concerning the Downtown Streetscape Plan?
I feel it is important to improve the downtown and this is an important step to do so.

What policy issue have you changed your mind about since becoming a politician?
N/A

Is there anything you'd like to add?
N/A

- John C.L. Morgan

(Editor's Note: Michael Foley's opponents, Michael Lawson and John O'Hara, did not respond to my queries for their perspectives on policy.)

Related: Election '09: Introducing John O'Hara (October 22, 2009)
Related: Election '09: Introducing Michael Foley (October 22, 2009)

Some Condos and Apartments Could Lose Trash Pickup

AJ:

The agreement proposes to stop picking up trash at
buildings or complexes with more than six units, which will affect 85
condominiums and 237 apartments that currently receive trash removal service
from the city. City Administrator Jerre Bryant cited difficulty of access to the
units, lack of room on the street to accommodate the 64-gallon trash and
recycling bins and cost of providing the service as the reasons behind the
changes.

- John C.L. Morgan

Full disclosure: My wife and I are among the condo owners who'd lose public trash collection under the policy changes, and we voiced our concerns during Monday night's Committee of the Whole meeting.

Related: Some Details on Recycling Program (June 4, 2009)

Some Details on Recycling Program

In a June 2 memorandum addressed to condominium and apartment house owners, City Administrator Jerre Bryant has outlined some of the details involved with the new trash pickup and recycling program scheduled to begin this fall. A few highlights (or lowlights, depending on your point of view) of the new program:

• Collection will continue to be weekly and will include the use of one green 64-gallon container devoted to recycled materials and one blue 64-gallon container devoted to non-recyclable rubbish. The containers will be paid for by the contractor (Casella Waste Systems) and will be distributed to eligible households. Trash placed outside of the blue 64-gallon container will not be picked up and will become the responsibility of the owner.
• In the case of multi-family housing units, trash collection will be limited to buildings with six or fewer units. Buildings containing seven or more units will be required to pay for private trash collection, a policy change that lowers the threshold for private trash collection down from the current 10-unit building minimum. According to the memo, such a change in policy will directly affect 261 units and 23 property owners.
• Encoded with a serial number assigned to a property's address, the containers are the property of the City of Westbrook and will remain with the property in the case of a tenant or homeowner selling or moving from the property.
• Besides continuing the policy of requiring condominium complexes to pay for the collection and disposal of their trash, the memo also recommends three unidentified "grandfathered" condo complexes now assume responsibility to collect and dispose of their trash.
• Forty-five unidentified narrow or dead end streets or portions of streets will be required to place all trash on one side of the street to enable the automated truck to back onto the street and collect trash and recycables when driving forward.
• Factoring in Casella's agreement to pay for the automated pickup trucks and 64-gallon containers, Bryant estimates the City of Westbrook will save $56,283 in annual costs, despite the increase in services (e.g., curbside recycling). The costs of advertising and promotion (from $4,006 to $11,500) and collection (from $300,903 to $623,191) are expected to go up under the new program, while the costs of rentals (from $64,040 to $54,845) and disposal (from $638,820 to $300,903) are expected to decrease.

- John C.L. Morgan

Related: New Recycling Program to Include Automated Pickup (April 3, 2009)

New Recycling Program to Include Automated Pickup

Instead of merely consisting a curbside pickup program, the new recycling program negotiated by 2 York Street will involve automated trash pickup:

Each home will receive two wheeled carts--one for trash and one for
recycling--which will be dumped into a single truck equipped with an automated
arm that is operated by the driver to pick up the bins. Such programs are
already in place in Scarborough, Saco and South Portland. Casella signed on to
providing recycling in Westbrook in September as part of a 20-year agreement
between the city and the waste management company, which plans to build a
construction and demolition processing facility, as well as a recycling drop-off
station for residents and businesses, off County Road.

Count me among those who are counting down the days until packing a car full of recycables, trudging through the muddy Armory parking lot, and battling an overflowing recycling bullet are no longer required to improve Westbrook's relatively paltry recycling rate.

- John C.L. Morgan

Related: A Closer Look at the Casella-Westbrook Agreement (September 16, 2008)

James Tranchemontagne's Ideas for a Better Westbrook

(Editor's note: I've invited a diverse collection of Westbrook residents to share their thoughts on how Westbrook can become a better place to live. James Tranchemontagne shares his ideas.)

In the four years that I have lived and worked in Westbrook, I am very proud to see what the city has accomplished. While we face some tough choices ahead, the biggest concerns are: Does City Hall have a clear vision anymore? Will Westbrook’s image of being pro-business start to tarnish?

The stories in our great city are changing. We deal with whether or not the city can work with Pike, Idexx and others to come up with a comprehensive plan for Spring Street. We wonder, Why was the Skybox really shut down? Will the Mayor finally hold its elected officials and city workers to an ethical and moral standard? Is licensing a needle exchange business for drug addicts what this city needs? Finally, will the City take the necessary steps to clean up Brown Street and surrounding neighborhoods once and for good, while inviting business development to both sides of the river? While small issues now, let them not be the first cracks in the dam that go unnoticed. I’m proud to live here with my family and run my business here. As the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” says, “Don’t tell me this town ain’t got no heart. All you got to do is poke around.”

Here are some of my ideas for a better Westbrook:

Keep Up the Good Work at City Hall
The Mayor's Office and City Hall have done a great job for the city. The Mayor, Bruce Chuluda, and City Administrator, Jerre Bryant, are a well-oiled machine. Having spent years dealing with Portland, it is amazing how fast Westbrook works for its small businesses. I wish this story got more press. They have done a great job replacing Erik Carson as the Director of Economic and Community Development, as Keith Luke seems to be answering the challenge. And under the Mayor’s direction, there has been an overhaul of city laws and regulations. These laws have eliminated numerous red tape issues and cleaned up the language for better understanding and moved the city to the 21st century.

Redesign the City's Web site
This is a huge piece of marketing to get new companies to move to Westbrook. There are a lot of reasons companies hate the State of Maine for business and thus make it more difficult for the city to attract out-of-state companies to relocate to Maine. A Web site that shows the positive aspects of relocating businesses to Westbrook may dispel some myths about doing business in the state. Why don’t we have a list of companies--big and small--which have relocated here, matched with the benefits each company has found?

Also, the information and navigation of the site is poor: The police section--actually most sections--is useless and not up-to-date. The Web site wasn’t even built by a Westbrook company, let alone a Maine one. The city is essentially saying, “Westbrook is where artists live…we just won’t employ them.”

Another idea is to put City Hall’s checkbook on line! We pay our taxes to run the city, now let us see where the money is going. Don’t just post the budget, let’s allow every citizen to see if it is being followed and balanced. Also, all documents should be in .pdf format as well as Microsoft word.

Six Ways to Become a Model for Environmental Policy
1. Establish a community garden. Let people have a space to gather and grow food. We have the land to do it off the Riverwalk, and the fees to have a spot would offset costs. Besides giving people one more reason to come to the river, residents could donate excess crops to churches and food relief groups in Westbrook. I know a lot of people have yards and small gardens, but a community effort to help feed its own would send a great example on how government should work. Compost sites and extending the city’s recycling program would be great as well and could help save money on our parks and recreation budgets.
2. Give tax breaks for homeowners who are remodeling older properties, restoring them, and upgrading them with green technologies.
3. Require a minimum for implementation of green technologies for all new construction in Westbrook. Residential, commercial, and industrial developers should be using the latest in tankless water heaters, solar technologies, rain collectors, wind, and energy-efficient lighting. Developers should have to put a certain percentage of these technologies into new construction.
4. Utilize biofuels. There are enough restaurants that could supply the city with used oil to convert certain town vehicles over to biofuel. A fair dollar-to-dollar exchange for oil to property tax would be a great start.
5. Eliminate one police car in exchange for a 2-officer bike patrol for two shifts a day. This would provide the police additional access to hard-to-reach areas and trails, set an example for health, and eliminate the cost of one car, as well as its associated fees.
6. Eliminate the Cumberland Mill dam and build the fish passage. This can become a great legacy to Westbrook’s image, Sappi’s social responsibility, and can help draw tourists to town.

Build community, while also revitalizing Westbrook's economy
As touched on before, our revitalization of the downtown must continue. The City needs to keep working to get new businesses to come to town. The real estate market has helped young families move to the city, and I feel we could also become a nice retirement community. As Westbrook promotes a safe night life, festivals and family events, it helps to build community. The Mayor and City Councilors need to make sure the image they are projecting is achieved. It is always nice to see our Mayor at different events, the cleanliness of our city, and the pride that is being restored. Through community-building we all become vested in making our city great.

Expand the Riverwalk to both sides of the Presumpscot River
Our parks, Riverwalk, and ball fields are great--but more can be done to help link them. The Riverwalk must be completed on both sides of the river. It has to be safe for all and it must represent the balance of wildlife, city life, and the arts. It would be great to see a sculpture garden, more family performances at the gazebo, and recreational use of the river.

Rebuild Frenchtown
The City should market the areas between River Street, King Street extension, Knight Street extension, High Street, and Garfield Street to be developed for business and recreation. The houses are old and out-of-date, do not have historical value, and could be rebuilt facing the river. It should be rezoned for commercial use only. Give property owners the chance to sell their homes at market value, with possible offsets from the City. A stone bridge for foot traffic from King Street to the park would be a major accomplishment to link the two sides of the river and help develop pedestrian passage.

Clearly define how Stroudwater Place would affect Westbrook's downtown
If the Stroudwater Project is built (and I hope it is), we need the City to provide a clear vision of what that major commercial development will do to our downtown. This includes maps, drawings, and artistic renderings. We need to make sure our downtown stays practical and open in space. I praise the City for working fast with the developers of the project (one only needs to look at Portland’s City Council and the many missed opportunities they have created for themselves because of slow-moving government), but let’s make sure we are not selling out our city. Let’s make sure we are doing our homework and dotting all i’s and crossing all t’s along the way.

Move the farmers' market back to Riverbank Park
I believe if we move our farmers' market to Saturday in the park with a mixture of City-sponsored activities, craft vendors, and ethic food vendors, we would generate additional revenue for businesses and exposure for the city. Make a Hay Market Square here in our park. What a tourist draw.

My dreams for this great city are strong, large, and attainable. We cannot become negative about change and growth, but be steadfast and smart how we grow. My Pepere taught me long ago not only to work hard but also to work smart. I believe Westbrook will come a city unto itself and a model for all of Maine. I feel we must continue to market our strength of urban living with a rural feel.

James Tranchemontagne is the chef/owner of The Frog and Turtle.

Related: Taylor Smith's "Ideas for a Better Westbrook."

What Say You, Magic 8-Ball?

After consulting his crystal ball Magic 8-Ball, the American Journal's editor Brendan Moran has the following answers to what he thinks are Westbrook's most pressing questions for 2009:

1. Will the Stroudwater Place center ever get built? My reply is no.
2. Will Pike Industries and Idexx learn to live as neighbors? As I see it, yes.
3. Will curbside recycling be popular in Westbrook? My sources say no.
4. Will Skybox reopen? YES.
5. Will Dunkin' Donuts honor Westbrook's mayor with a new drink called Coffee Chulatta? Without a doubt.

For what it's worth, I consulted my very own Magic 8-Ball and received the following answers: (1) Maybe (2) No way! (3) Definitely (4) No way! (5) No way!

I guess that makes me pessimistic.

- John C.L. Morgan

Greenjack

Avery Yale Kamila on Bistro 21's efforts to become more environmentally-friendly:

After mastering the ancient art of composting, the restaurant moved on to
recycling. The team revamped the trash area in the kitchen, allowing the
waitstaff to sort out recyclable glass, cardboard, paper and metal. “We’ve gone
from two 30-gallon trash bags a day to one13-gallon trash bag a day,” Cindy
[Dalphanso] says.

Dalphanso, a co-owner of the County Road restaurant, presented at a workshop on practical steps toward sustainability at this month's ecomaine's Green Symposium.

- John C.L. Morgan

Fine Print

Though the City of Westbrook's agreement with Casella on recycling received prominent attention in today's PPH, there was an equally intriguing piece of Westbrook news, even if it was buried in today's Business section.

According to the brief write-up, Idexx announced yesterday that they're now planning to "invest more than $168 million into its Westbrook facility over a 20-year period," a figure which would represent a 31% increase over its initial projected investment of $128 million in 2006.

Considering Idexx had halted its expansion on Eisenhower Drive in early spring and that a company spokesman had ruminated about there being "lots of business parks in the Greater Portland area," could such a bullish investment be a hint of a resolution to the Idexx-Pike conflict? Or perhaps this is an attempt by Idexx to increase the size of the carrot dangling in front of York Street's eyeballs.

- John C.L. Morgan

Full Disclosure: My wife is employed by Idexx.

A Closer Look at the Casella-Westbrook Agreement

Courtesy of Leslie Bridgers's fine article in the American Journal and an informative e-mail from Westbrook City Administator Jerre Bryant, here's a quick review of the agreement between Casella Waste Systems and the City of Westbrook:

- The free curbside recycling program Casella Waste Systems will provide for Westbrook residents slated to begin next October will cost the company $540,000 each year over the next 20 years.

- The City of Westbrook's municipal solid waste tipping fees, described by Bryant as the cost of disposing the city's trash, will be reduced from $94.50 per ton to $68.50 per ton. According to Bryant, the $55,250 savings this reduction in tipping fees will generate is an estimate based on the city's current volume of trash (6,500 ton), coupled with the anticipation that the city's volume of waste will be reduced by 20-25% as a result of the recycling program.

- Casella Waste Systems has agreed to fund the construction of a left-turn lane and related road improvements on County Road. Westbrook City Engineer Eric Dudley estimates the cost of the construction to be $317,483, according to Bryant.

- The City of Westbrook has agreed to pay for an extension of the public sewer line on County Road. According to Bryant, the sewer line currently ends at Ledgeview Drive, so the City will extend it 850 feet to the current entrances of Winward Petroleum and to the proposed entrance of Casella's proposed development at 610 County Road. Bryant writes that City Engineer Eric Dudley has estimated the cost of the sewer extension to be $258,063.

- And finally, according to Bryant, all the buildings, equipment, and land involved with the Casella project will be taxable. Moreover, Bryant writes, "[t]he 70+ acre parcel is currently assessed at $841,500 with a 2008/09 property tax bill of $12,984.35," but he's unable to project what the new property value and tax bill will be after construction.

The Westbrook City Council will vote on final approval for the agreement on Monday, September 22.

- John C.L. Morgan

American Journal One-Liners

Gloria Noyes, a fifth-grade teacher at Congin School, was named the 2009 Maine Teacher of the Year.

Agreement between the City of Westbrook and Casella Waste Systems would bring a solid waste transfer station to County Road and a curbside recycling program to Westbrook residents.

City of Westbrook and its employees agree to a labor contract.

- John C.L. Morgan

Three Cheers for Flannery

Tim Flannery, the developer responsible for the the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of Dana Warp Mill in 1997, has evidently done it again. Per this week's American Journal, Flannery's plans to construct 66 loft-style apartments on the fourth floor of the mill are receiving nearly unaminous praise from city officials.

And why not? Echoing City Councilor Michael Foley's affinity for an 18-hour downtown, and considering the late great urban planner Jane Jacobs's requirement of mixed uses (not only does this idea satisfy Jacobs's preference for a blend of residential and commercial development, it also incorporates her belief in the recycling of an old building for a new use) for thriving cities and neighborhoods, I think Flannery's idea is a great one.

The apartments--which will consist of studio apartments and 800-foot rentals--will probably attract childless tenants, so there shouldn't be a great uptick in education costs. And, of course, the beautiful (and quirky) mill alongside the Presumpscot is located close enough to Westbrook's downtown to enable the city's merchants to receive an economic spark from the mill's residents, without the usual trade-off of clogged streets and limited parking.

- John C.L. Morgan

On Location: Siam Square

Buildings, like one-dimensional actors, are vulnerable to typecasting.

Take 1 Cumberland Street as an example. Before it replaced the charred Thai takeout trailer on 468 Main Street and became Kobe's Place, the last thing it was ever expected to house was a Thai restaurant. Since then, however, the former convenience store has undergone two more ownership changes (Saeng Thai House and Siam Square), yet it remains a building that matches the physique, manner, and personality (all symptoms of typecasting) of a Thai restuarant.

Unlike a boring actor who plays the same type of role again and again, though, the static recycling of 1 Cumberland is not unfortunate. It represents one of the first expansions of the international palette of Westbrook. And Siam Square--which I think is one of the most underrated eating establishments in the city--continues the legacy of rich Thai food, but has improved it with better customer service than Saeng Thai House (after a couple unbearable sit-down experiences, Saeng Thai became an exclusively take-out spot for my wife and me).

Anyway, I heartily recommend the Pad Thai, even if I always anticipate a slight giggle whenever I obey my Yankee taste buds by ordering it with zero stars.

- John C.L. Morgan

On Location: Riverbank Park

Seven ideas for a better Riverbank Park:

1. Provide better public restrooms

I'm not asking for hi-tech Washlet toilets. Just something a little better than the one porta-potty currently offered.

2. Improve public perception of the Presumpscot River

In June 1997, then-Gov. Angus King and State Senator John Nutting dove into the Kennebec River to publicly vouch for the cleanliness of that river. In the case of the Presumpscot, though, it'll take more than BruChu and Johnny O'Hara donning Speedos and cannon-balling off the Black Bridge to convince Westbrook folk to think of the Presumpscot as a viable recreational river. Sure, Chief Bill Baker et al. did their part last December. But discarded bicycles and shopping carts plague both the river's bottom and the public's perception of the river. The cleanup being organized for May 10 will help rid the river's bank of the litter strewn about, but more needs to be done.

3. Construct a barrier that separates the park from Main Street

Though a natural barrier (trees, bushes, etc.) is preferable, any aesthetically-pleasing barrier that cuts down Main Street's noise pollution and encloses the sprawling park would be accepted. Another bonus: No more rust-orange glow from Main Street streetlights leaking into the white-light atmosphere of the park.

4. Book one (or more) of these bands for a Wednesday evening concert

The storyline is a little stale, but still true: Westbrook provides the proximity to Portland life, but not the Forest City's relatively high rents or mortgages. Therefore, book some musicians such as Samuel James, Hiss & Chambers, Phantom Buffalo, or (fill in another band or two here) that might attract some of the P-Town youngins to Westbrook. It's a win-win-win situation: Westbrook can market itself as a hip-enough alternative to expensive Portland, the musicians can market themselves to a suburban audience, and I will be within walking distance of a concert by some of my favorite bands.

5. Restrict primary parking to outside the park

Since Riverbank is Westbrook's primary park (not to mention the fact that we live in a car-dominant culture), there are many cars that need to be, well, parked. Unfortunately, that means the backbone of the park--the thoroughfare that runs along the playground from Main Street--is often clogged with an orgy of metal. Therefore, parking should be limited to the American Legion parking lot abutting the park, as well as Dunn and Main Streets. A corollary benefit to the restricted parking is that the park may experience more diverse uses, as people would be forced to interact with it, instead of simply stepping out of their minivans and hopping onto the playground.

6. Revise the park's rules and regulations

There are currently eight rules posted in the park: Park hours are dawn to dusk, alcoholic beverages are prohibited, no loitering between sunset and sunrise, pets must remain in vehicles, no smoking, no drugs, keep the vehicles off the grass, and throw away your trash. Five of these eight rules, however, should be revised or chopped out altogether. Closing time, for example, should be mandated by a time, not the lack of sunlight (see here for an earlier argument) And smoking cigarettes and the responsible consumption of alcohol should be allowed beyond a certain distance from the playground. Moreover, leashed pets should be allowed to roam the park (slap their owners with a huge fine for not picking up after them, if that is the concern).

7. Complement the trash receptacles with recycling containers.

We have to improve the city's pathetic recycling rate somehow.

- John C.L. Morgan

Westbrook Republicans Nominate Cramer

The Westbrook Republican City Committee unanimously nominated Lyle Cramer to fill the Ward Three seat on the Westbrook City Council, which was vacated when Ed Symbol resigned in early March to fill a vacated seat on the Westbrook School Committee.

Speaking before the twenty-four members present, Cramer stated his three priorities as City Councilor would be the city's budget, the proposed Stroudwater Place development, and recycling. Cramer pointed to his considerable experience dealing with budgets (he's a former City Councilor and Cumberland County Commissioner); supports the proposed Stroudwater Place, but wants to ensure it's aesthetically-pleasing; and said he wants to study the recycling issue further before he declares a preference for either pay-per-bag or automated pick-up. Cramer is also skeptical about a commission instituted to study the City Charter, because he thinks the City Council is too busy to take on such a labor-intensive and potentially divisive issue.

Now that he's been nominated by Westbrook Republicans, Cramer will either be approved or opposed by the Westbrook City Council at tomorrow night's meeting. To give an idea of how that might go, Committee Chairwoman Martha Day said that the City Council's never rejected the preference of a political party before.

- John C.L. Morgan

Recycling in Westbrook, Continued

A couple days ago, I outlined the positions of Westbrook's public officials on the issue of recycling in Westbrook. Mayor Bruce Chuluda and City Councilor John O'Hara favor a pay-per-bag system, whereas I had City Councilors Brendan Rielly and City Councilor Michael Foley pegged as supporters of an automated system.

Add City Councilor Drew Gattine to the latter list.

In an e-mail Councilor Gattine sent to me on Friday, he acknowledged Westbrook "need[s] a better system than the one we have now, for sure." He then pointed out that recycling rates of Scarborough and Saco, two towns with an automated curbside pick-up program, have approached those of towns who use a pay-per-bag system. And then he subsequently offered the following critique of a pay-per-bag program:

"My primary objection to pay per bag is the economic cost shifting to the residents, especially low and moderate income citizens. If you want to look at it in terms of winners and losers here is how it breaks down: Business property owners are the big winners. They benefit from an offset in the mil rate and don't have to pick up any additional cost. Owners of rental properties are winners. The (sic) benefit from an offset in the mil rate. They can decide whether to pass this benefit on to the tenants. Residential taxpayers lose. For the vast majority, the impact on the mil rate will not offset the increased cost of the bags. People who rent lose biggest. They will need to start purchasing bags (unless they have very benevolent landlords) and will realize no savings."

This whole pay-per-bag v. automated curbside pickup debate may be a moot one, however, as Councilor Gattine is skeptical that the City Council will actually be able to enact any program this year that will improve Westbrook's anemic 8% recycling rate. First, he points out that any program--including a pay-per-bag system--will require an increase in current funding and predicts "it will be very difficult in this budget year to add any new programs that cost money." Moreover, despite his assertion that there is "strong interest in an automated curbside pick-up plan like Saco and Scarborough," and that "the current Council does not support pay per bag," Councilor Gattine won't venture a guess as to whether the Council would be able to override Mayor Chuluda's likely veto for a budget that includes an automated curbside system.

The positions of City Councilor Dotty Aube and City Councilor Suzanne Joyce on this issue are still unknown to this writer. And the Westbrook Republican Committee will be nominating a Republican to fill the vacancy in Ward Three tonight.

- John C.L. Morgan

P.S. Councilor Gattine also took issue with my description of the Committee of the Whole's action on Monday night regarding recycling: "We didn't ask the administration to 'to look into this issue' again. We requested that they go out finally and solicit bids to get us numbers that are more than estimates. We need hard numbers."

On Recycling in Westbrook

Recycling--or more accurately, the lack of recycling in Westbrook--is creeping closer to becoming a big issue in city politics. Again.

Michael Miles, a Wesbrook resident and a member of the Recycling Task Force, penned a column in the March 20 American Journal that begged the city's solons to implement a program that improved Westbrook's recycling rate, which was last reported to be 8 percent. And this week, the Committee of the Whole, a committee of the City Council, requested the folks at 2 York Street to look into this issue (apparently this report drafted in February 2007 by the Ad Hoc Committee on Solid Waste and Recycling wasn't good enough for them) again and get back to them.

Considering even the most mealy-mouthed among us can declare Westbrook's recycling rate to be relatively pathetic (most of our neighbors have recycling rates in the 30-40% range), here are the current positions of City Councilors and the Mayor, as best as I can tell:

Mayor Bruce Chuluda
In an e-mail, Mayor Chuluda wrote: "I firmly believe that since we are still in the infancy of recycling in the city that a pay per bag program is the way to bring about the required change of habits to the user base." Moreover, BruChu vetoed a $250,000 expenditure that would've instituted curbside recycling without a pay-per-bag system. In short, in favor of pay-per-bag, but very much against using substantial city funds to institute a new system.

City Councilor Brendan Rielly (D-Ward 1)
Prefers an automated curbside pick-up system. As for his opinion on the pay-per-bag program: "I hate pay per bag. I think it's the worst of all possible choices."

City Councilor Drew Gattine (D-Ward 2)
Did not return an e-mail asking his position or generate quotes interesting enough for the American Journal to print.

City Councilor Dotty Aube (D-Ward 4)
See City Councilor Drew Gattine, (above)

City Councilor Suzanne Joyce (D-Ward 5)
See City Councilor Dotty Aube (above)

City Councilor Michael Foley (D-At Large)
In an e-mail, Councilor Foley wrote: "I am in favor of the automated trash program like in Scarborough & Saco."

City Councilor John O'Hara (R-At Large)
Apparently calls himself a "pay-per-bag guy." So, yeah, I'd say he prefers a pay-per-bag system.

Finally, for what it's worth, this taxpayer and generator of trash (now that would make a good tombstone epigraph) prefers a pay-per-bag system.

- John C.L. Morgan

American Journal One-Liners

Here are the main stories in the April 3 edition of the American Journal:

Developers of the proposed Stroudwater Place presented their project to the Planning Board.

Veteran sergeants of Westbrook Police were treated to surprise celebrations.

Committee of the Whole requested more information regarding possible recycling programs.

City, Pike Industries, and Idexx Laboratories are negotiating about the conflict between each company's expansion plans.

Students at Wescott Junior High School raised more than $2,700 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

- John C.L. Morgan

City Council Sets Priorities

City Council President Brendan Rielly (D-Ward 1) told the Portland Press Herald's Ann S. Kim after last night's inauguration that the City Council's priorities for the next two years will be trash pickup, recycling, land issues, economic development and a "best practices" review of neighboring communities.

In his inaugural address last night, Mayor Bruce Chuluda listed economic development and the balance of economic development and the preservation of Westbrook's community as some of his administration's priorities. However, BruChu failed to mention either trash pickup or recycling as issues worthy of discussion. The recycling issue in particular has been an area of disagreement in Westbrook politics for a couple years now.

- John C.L. Morgan