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A Treasure for Our Town

I am writing to ask your readers to reelect Bill Neale for Westbrook’s Planning Commission. Bill’s decades of experience and leadership as vice-chair have resulted in huge accomplishments moving the Town forward, including two Plans of Conservation and Development - the first 100-plus page document ever to guide Town Planning, done every 10 years; two Hazard Mitigation Plans to keep Westbrook current and eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster funding, the first ever Affordable Housing Plan, and Town-wide Sidewalk Plan to get sidewalks in the town budget and offer support for grant writing for funding.

Bill has acted as our Town representative on the 18 Town Regional Planning Commission, guiding the Regional Plan of Conservation, and has been instrumental in initiating the Regional Resiliency Plan. Bill’s interest in Conservancy and Historic Districts has led all to consider moving forward in the preservation of greenways, historic buildings, and the character of our beautiful small town.

The Westbrook Planning Commission has always worked in a cooperative, non-partisan manner under Bill Neale and Chair Marilyn Ozol’s leadership; they act in bipartisan cooperation, though that is unheard of today. Most decisions rendered "Supports The Plan of Conservation and Development and Economic Development" and offer prompt action, never having delayed an application due to indecision. These two have led a very active commission that effectively implements plans, seeks grant opportunities, and is involved to the finish of projects. Often, when the Town has been without a planner, Marilyn has voluntarily filled the position, and Bill has taken the lead on the commission. What a treasure for our town! I urge you to join me and vote for Bill Neale for Westbrook’s Planning Commission!

Marie McCarthy Farrell

Westbrook