Westbrook Voters Reject Regional Plan
Westbrook voters decided to stay out of a regional health system, despite the possibility of advantages to the town.
In a townwide referendum today, residents voted 326-230 not to join the Connecticut River Area Health District.
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Proponents of joining the district said it would help Westbrook meet public health and safety needs that are beyond the grasp of a small-town department, and would help save money.
However, those who voted against the idea said that the town would lose control over health decisions, and that there was a possibility that costs would increase, instead.
It’s a primary argument against regional pooling of services, that towns would have less control, especially over costs. Westbrook voters didn’t seem willing to take the chance.
Source
“Westbrook Voters Reject Regional Health District.” Hartford Courant 28 August, 2008.