For those interested, or those who missed it — Here’s my speech from the “Meet the Candidates” event hosted last Week:

My name is Dustin Sleight, and I’m running to represent Ward 1 on Westbrook’s City Council.

In my day job as an engineering manager and manufacturing leader, I’ve spent my entire career working across teams to solve complex problems, bring accountability to large-scale operations, and deliver results for people — not just on spreadsheets. (I made a very witty spreadsheet pun here that won’t work via text… but you’ll just have to take my word for it…) My professional background gives me a deep appreciation for structure, data, and fiscal responsibility — but also for listening, learning, and working collaboratively to make good decisions.

Over the last year, I’ve been attending city council meetings regularly, and I’ve noticed some patterns that concern me. Often, small or symbolic items — things with little budget impact — spark long debates and deliberation. Meanwhile, major financial decisions, including large budget allocations and project overruns, pass with barely a word of discussion.

We’ve seen projects run hundreds of thousands of dollars over budget — including recent paving in Ward 1 that was nearly $500,000 over — and yet there's little to no acknowledgment, accountability, or meaningful follow-up. No post-mortems. No adjustments. Just a quiet reshuffling of unspent funds from other projects, and business continues as usual.

And that’s the real issue: business as usual.

As a progressive and Democratic candidate, I knew stepping into this race might come with some challenges. But I didn’t expect to be treated as such an outsider — both earlier this year when I was nominated to fill a vacant seat, and now as a citizen and candidate asking hard but necessary questions.

It’s become clear to me that the goal of many currently serving councilors and the city administration is to maintain the status quo — not to invite scrutiny, not to embrace accountability, and certainly not to welcome challengers who bring new ideas or demand more transparency.

We see this reflected in the fact that the mayor and other city officials have publicly endorsed my opponent without ever reaching out to hear from me — to understand what I stand for or what I’m hoping to bring to the table. To me, that signals a reluctance to consider what’s best for the city, the community, and our citizens — and a stronger interest in preserving their own comfort and control.

And it raises serious questions — not just about political loyalty, but about campaign contributions and how decisions are being influenced behind the scenes. I want to be very clear: I have not accepted — and will not accept — any campaign contributions from city staff or currently elected officials.

Because when City Hall comes before the Council asking for approvals or funding decisions, and the very councilors voting on those requests have accepted campaign donations from the mayor or other city officials — that’s a conflict of interest. It undermines public trust and the integrity of the process.

If our city’s leadership is more focused on consolidating power than on welcoming new voices, then we have a serious problem. Because that’s not leadership — that’s self-preservation.

But I’m not here to reinforce the status quo — I’m here to challenge it.

I believe we deserve a council that welcomes citizen engagement, takes its financial responsibilities seriously, and treats every dollar — and every neighbor — with respect.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a neighbor, a worker, a problem solver — and someone who believes local government can do better when we listen more, ask better questions, and hold ourselves accountable.

Like many of you, I’ve grown frustrated with the current political climate — especially at the national level. In my opinion the two-party system is failing us. Trust in government, in institutions, and even in each other is at an all-time low. And it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of so many complex, deeply rooted challenges.

But I believe that change can start here — at the local level, where the decisions made at city council impact our daily lives in direct and tangible ways.

I’m not running for office because I have political ambitions. In fact, I’m running somewhat reluctantly — because I’m frustrated. I’m frustrated by what I’ve witnessed in city meetings, and by how difficult it’s been to communicate with City Hall as a concerned and engaged resident.

I believe we need a culture shift. We need representatives who are willing to ask hard questions, who will demand accountability, and who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo — because the way things are isn’t working for us. Not nationally. Not locally.

And while I know the issues we face — from affordable housing to infrastructure to financial oversight — are complex and nuanced, I also know that change is possible when we act with intention, humility, and a shared commitment to doing better.

At the end of the day, we’re all human. We all want safe neighborhoods, responsive leadership, and a city that works for everyone — not just those who already have a seat at the table.

I’m running because I care about Westbrook. I care about Ward 1. I want to make a meaningful impact on a scale that’s within my reach — and within yours. I want our city to reflect the values and needs of the people who live here.

So if you’re ready for more transparency, more accountability, and more connection between the council and the community — I’d be honored to have your support.

Thanks for the chance to introduce myself. I look forward to earning your votes.

Thank you.