By Melanie Creamer
The Portland Press Herald
WESTBROOK, Maine — In her first full day as Westbrook’s mayor, Colleen Hilton defended her decision to fire three top administrators, including the fire chief.
Hilton, who was sworn in Monday night, said Tuesday that the Fire and Rescue Department could face layoffs, and that she will explore opportunities to consolidate its services with surrounding communities.
Hilton’s decision not to reappoint Fire Chief Daniel Brock left some of the city’s fire and rescue workers leery of the imminent changes.
During her inaugural address, Hilton said the Fire and Rescue Department’s difficulties in dealing with ''diversity and conflict’’ convinced her not to reappoint Brock. She appointed Police Chief William Baker to step in temporarily and oversee Westbrook’s public safety services.
After meeting with fire personnel Tuesday, Hilton said she is considering hiring a management company to oversee the department. She said her long-term goal is to explore ways the department can consolidate services with nearby communities.
''It was my opinion that (Brock) wasn’t the right leader at the right time,’' Hilton said after the meeting. ''He is a fine gentleman and a very talented firefighter. I think he was in a no-win situation. The issues within the department are going to require a different style of leadership.’'
Brock did not return calls seeking comment.
On Oct. 21, two female firefighters sued the department, Mayor Bruce Chuluda and City Administrator Jerry Bryant, alleging sexual harassment and discriminatory behavior within the department.
Brock became chief in January 2009, replacing Gary Littlefield, who was put on leave in October 2008, a month before his retirement.
Rebecca Webber, an attorney with Linnell, Choate & Webber who represents firefighters Kathy Rogers and Lisa Theberge in their lawsuit, said she applauds any effort Hilton makes to fulfill her campaign promise to make changes that address gender discrimination and harassment.
''I hope the city finds someone who can take on, and undo, what is currently a culture of lawlessness at the fire department,’' Webber said. ''That person must also deal with a union that, unlike most unions, has fought every effort by the city to combat gender discrimination.’'
Baker said Tuesday’s meeting served as a good foundation for progress. He said every option is on the table.
''I think the future is uncertain, but not in a bad way,’' Baker said. ''This mayor is committed to a dramatic change in course. She will see to it that thorough assessments are conducted.’'
During her inaugural address, Hilton also said she would not reappoint Susan Rossignol, the city’s finance director for the past 32 years.
Instead, Hilton will hire a chief financial planner to replace Rossignol and Michael Kucsma, the school’s business manager, who took a position in the Sanford School Department in October.
Hilton said the position will require expertise in long-term planning and financial forecasting for the city’s municipal and school departments.
Bryant told Rossignol on Monday that she would not be reappointed.
Rossignol, 60, said she applied for the new position on Tuesday. She said the city has always treated her fairly and she doesn’t understand Hilton’s decision not to reappoint her.
''I’m devastated,’' Rossignol said. ''I planned on retiring there. This morning I got up and where was I going? I called my deputy and offered to help her. I can’t just walk away. Even though they let me loose, it’s still my city and I still care.’'
Hilton also said at the inauguration that she would not reappoint Randy Peters, the city’s recreation director since 1984. Hilton said she would appoint a director of community services to manage the city’s social services, general assistance and recreation programs.
Peters was told three hours before the inauguration.
''I think it’s an unfortunate decision,’' said Alan Kratzsch, sports field manager for the city’s recreation department. ''Randy was the glue that held this department together. He was a mentor to each and every one of us.’'
Hilton said she expects to make some tough decisions in the coming months, and so far the residents are responding favorably to the changes.
''I need to ride this ship and I’ve got a lot of work to do,’' Hilton said. ''Sometimes you can’t cut your way out of problems, you’ve got to grow your way out of them.’'
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