2021 Town Meetings: Warrants, Candidates, Referendum Questions

ROCKLAND — The Nov. 2 municipal warrant for the City of Rockland was long and full of charter amendments, with some of them endorsed by voters, others rejected. 

The competition for one open three-year City Council seat was won by candidate Nicole Kalloch over incumbent Benjamin Dorr, with Kalloch receiving 1,056 votes to Dorr’s 979 votes.

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ROCKPORT — Voters in Rockport said yes to all three state questions — no power corridor, transpiration infrastructure spending and right to grow one’s own food — as well as five municipal articles that dealt with the future of the RES parcel, and land use ordinance amendments.

Total voter turnout was 1,387. By comparison, in November 2019, total voter turnout was 513.

The results follow:

State

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As voters cast their ballots for the November 2 elections, Mainers will decide on three statewide referendum questions, including a possible constitutional amendment granting Mainers a right to produce and consume food of their choosing for their own well-being. 

Question 3 reads: Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to declare that all individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own…

As voters cast their ballots for the November 2 elections, Mainers will decide on three statewide referendum questions, including a possible constitutional amendment granting Mainers a right to produce and consume food of their choosing for their own well-being. 

Question 3 reads: Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to declare that all individuals have a natural, inherent and unalienable right to grow, raise, harvest, produce and consume the food of their own…

CAMDEN and ROCKPORT — By 2 p.m., Nov. 2, election wardens in Rockport and Camden have watched over hundreds of voters streaming to the polling places; in Camden, more than 900 had cast ballots already, and the parking lot beside the Camden Public Safety Building was full.

Question 1 on the state ballot, concerning the CMP corridor, was likely the reason so many voters are turning out at the polls, election officials in both towns agreed.

Camden’s warrant is extensive this…

Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for Rockland City Council, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their positions on issues. There are two candidates competing for one seat, which carries a three-year term. Voters will consider their choice at the polls Nov. 2. The candidates are …

ROCKPORT — With a request of $35,000 from taxpayers to have a Portland-based firm conduct market research and develop a site plan for the former Rockport Elementary School (RES) site appearing before Rockport voters on the November ballot, the RES Redevelopment Task Force met Sept. 29 to discuss an upcoming public hearing on proposed development project.

Earlier this year, the development firm NewHeight Group was chosen by the Task Force as well as the Rockport Select Board to create…

CAMDEN — At its September 13 meeting, Camden’s Charter Commission voted unanimously (8 -0, with 1 absent) to approve their Final Report and their recommended revisions to the 40 year-old Town Charter.

On September 21, Camden’s Charter Commission presented the Final Report to the Select Board for inclusion in the Town Warrant. The revised Charter is now ready to be voted on by the citizens as Article 4.  Citizens can vote at the Public Safety…

ROCKLAND – “I would really like to have diverse voices,” said Council member Sarah Austin, during the July 12 Rockland City Council meeting. “I want people who can represent more of our community, not just people who are wealthy or have infinite time. I want people who are working. I want parents. I want people who can speak to every range of concerns that we have; to not just come and comment, but to be at the table here, sitting with us, helping make decisions. I want poor people to be…

THOMASTON — The Town of Thomaston voted June 8 for a handful of municipal officials, the proposed RSU 13 school budget and a series of annual town meeting articles. 

Below are the results of the June 8 elections. 

Select Board Race
Charles Frattini - 97 votes
Diane Giese - 176

Board of Assessors
Peter Lammert - 203

School Board
Mark Lewis - 225

All town meeting articles passed overwhelmingly. 

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ROCKPORT — A town meeting warrant article asking Rockport voters if they favored crafting a municipal ordinance regulating short-term rentals was defeated June 8. While 194 ballots were cast in favor of the warrant article, 407 were opposed to it.

Voters also elected Eric Boucher, with 314 votes, and John Strand, 270 votes, to the Select Board. Robert Duke had received 152 votes, but he had actively withdrawn from the race after his son, Jon, had been appointed by the current Select…

ROCKLAND — Voters in Rockland June 8 endorsed, 105 to 65, a $33,047,900 budget to fund Regional School Unit 13.

They also approved (click here for the RSU budget questions)

Article 2, 137 to 33, to appropriate $300,000 for a school nutrition program;

Article 3, 125 to 44, to spend $295,500 on Adult Ed;

Article 4, 121 to…

WALDOBORO — Voters in the Town of Waldoboro voted on a series of municipal positions, budget items and municipal business Tuesday, June 8. 

William Pratt and Abden Simmons won the two open select board seats, commanding 520 and 511 votes, respectively. Seth Hall tallied 260, Kevin Court tallied 147 and Russell Brazier tallied 80. 

On the school board front, Sandra O’Farrell (408 votes) and Jeanette Wheeler (393 votes) earned spots on the board for the upcoming school year.…

VINALHAVEN — Voters on Vinalhaven voted June 8 for a small handful of municipal seats and on a half dozen school budget articles. 

Below are the results of the elections. 

SELECT BOARD (Vote for 2)
Pamela Conway Alley: 133
Leslie Dyer: 121
Brandon Osgood 72

SCHOOL BOARD (Vote for 2) 
Penny Lazaro 203
Rachel Noyes 193

WATER DISTRICT TRUSTEE …

APPLETON – Scott Esancy and Marci Moody Blakely secured seats on the Appleton Select Board following a three-way competition.

The elections were held June 8 at annual town meeting, which again took place at the polls, only, during a pandemic. Approximately 282 voters cast ballots behind the curtain this spring.

Esancy received 185 votes; Blakely, 176; and John Fenner, 100.

Elizabeth Grierson and Stephen Wadsworth were elected to the Appleton Village School Board, for the…

HOPE — Voters in Hope cast ballots Tuesday, June 8 on a multitude of municipal election items, including the potential recall of two municipal officials and proposed school budget articles. 

To read the preview article on what voters cast ballots on, click here. 

SELECT BOARD
Michael…

LINCOLNVILLE — Voters in Lincolnville cast ballots Tuesday, June 8 for municipal seats, annual town meeting warrant articles, a proposed school budget for Lincolnville Central School and a proposed school budget for Camden Hills Regional High School. 

To read more about annual town meeting items, click here…

WARREN — The Town of Warren voted June 8 on a series of municipal seats, highlighted by two select board openings.  

Below are the results of the municipal races. 

BOARD OF SELECTMEN, ASSESSOR, OVERSEER OF THE POOR – SEAT 3 – TERM TO EXPIRE 2024:
Richard M. Butler 100
John G. Crabtree 179
Michael T. Doucette 14
Write-in 1
Blank 4

BOARD OF SELECTMEN, ASSESSOR, OVERSEER OF THE POOR – SEAT 4 – TERM…

CAMDEN — It was a strong turnout in Camden June 8 for another unusual annual town meeting, with 802 voters casting ballots.

Citizens chose Sophie Romana with 525 votes, and Matt Siegel, with 490 votes, to fill the two empty seats on the Camden Select Board, vacated by Jenna Lookner and Taylor Benzie.

The two other candidates, Peter Lindquist and Parker Gassett, earned 268 and 157 votes, respectively.

Voters also approved, 720 to 30 to amend the zoning map and rezone a…

UNION — Voters in Union cast ballots June 8 for municipal officials and annual town meeting warrant items. 

To view a preview of what was on the ballot, click here. 

Below are the results of those cast ballots. 

SELECT BOARD #1
Adam Fuller: 247 votes

SELECT BOARD…

Voters within the Regional School Unit 40 school district voted on its proposed school budget Tuesday, June 8. 

The communities of Waldoboro, Union, Warren, Washington and Friendship make up the school district. 

To view the complete budget preview article, click here. 

All budget items passed in Waldoboro. Precise…

On June 8, voters in Camden will choose two of four candidates to serve a three-year term on the Camden Select Board. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Candidate Matthew J. Siegel discusses his position on various topics.

Please provide a biography of yourself and explain why you decided to seek a seat on the…

On June 8, voters in Camden will choose two of four candidates to serve a three-year term on the Camden Select Board. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Candidate Sophie Romana discusses her position on various topics.

Please provide a biography of yourself and explain why you decided to seek a seat on the Select…

The vote on June 8 in Rockport, Camden, and Thomaston can move Midcoast Internet forward as a nonprofit regional municipal utility and create its legal entity, the Midcoast Internet Development Corporation. 

Support remains far-reaching, with many calling the project and its goals “wonderful,” “a no-brainer,” and “key to the future of the Midcoast.”  A

s the Chair and Executive Committee…

Five individuals are vying for two open Waldoboro select board seats at the June 8 municipal election: Russell Brazier Jr., Seth Hall, Kevin Court, Abden Simmons and William Pratt. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region.

Please provide a concise biography of yourself.

I…

HAMPDEN — The voters of Frankfort and Winterport will cast ballots Tuesday, June 8 for a proposed $35 million school budget for Regional School Unit 25. 

For a complete breakdown of budget information, click here. 

Article 1, Regular Instruction: $12,646,232.63 (up $251,006.74) 
Article 2, Special Education: $7,129,414.03 (up $455,226.19) 
Article 3, CTE Instruction…

NORTHPORT — Voters in the Town of Northport will be voting Monday, June 7 on a proposed school budget for the Edna Drinkwater School. 

ARTICLE 34. To see what sum the Northport School Department will be authorized to expend for Regular Instruction. School Committee Recommends $1,750,217

ARTICLE 35. To see what sum the Northport School Department will be authorized to expend for Special Education. School Committee Recommends $547,017

ARTICLE 36. To see…

VINALHAVEN — Voters in the Town of Vinalhaven are being asked to give their input on a proposed $4.7 million school budget for the upcoming school year. 

A public hearing for the budget will be held virtually Tuesday, June 1 at 6 p.m. with viewing information to be made available on the school’s website and Facebook page. 

The full public hearing document can be viewed…

LINCOLNVILLE — Voting for the annual town meeting in Lincolnville will be held Tuesday, June 8. 

All voting will be conducted via secret ballot.

The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lincolnville Central School in the gymnasium. As school is in session face coverings are required.

Candidates for the select board are Ladleah Dunn and Keryn Laite Jr. Voters will cast ballots for two candidates. 

Candidates for Lincolnville School Committee, of…

STOCKTON SPRINGS — Residents of Stockton Springs will participate in a municipal election Tuesday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the annual town meeting Saturday, June 12 at 8:15 a.m. 

Voters will cast ballots June 8 for a trio of municipal positions. 

Darren Shute and Marsha Shute are running for one open select board seat. Vern Thompson is running for fire chief. Kristina Braga is running for one school board seat. 

Below is a highlight of the warrant articles…

ISLESBORO — The Town of Islesboro will be holding its annual town meeting, including approval of the school budget for the upcoming school year, at the town office Tuesday, June 22. 

The town meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with voting conducted by secret ballot. 

The annual town meeting will also include the election of four municipal officials: one select board member for a three-year term, one select board member for a two-year term and two school board members…

NORTHPORT — The Town of Northport will be holding its annual town meeting Monday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. outside at the Edna Drinkwater School. 

Additionally, the town will be holding a municipal election Saturday, June 5 from 8 a.m. to 8p.m. at the town hall to vote on a trio of municipal officials. 

Positions to be voted on June 5 are for seats on the select board, school committee and for a road commissioner. 

Below are a few warrant article highlights. To view the…

PROSPECT — The Town of Prospect will be participating in a municipal election for municipal officers Tuesday, June 8 and will in the town’s annual town meeting Saturday, June 12. 

Voting for the June 8 election will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the town office for one select board seat and one road commissioner position. 

Diane Terry is the lone select board candidate. 

Charles Boynton and Harland Gamble Sr. are vying for the road commissioner role. 

The…

Four individuals are vying for a pair of Warren select board seats for the June 8 municipal election. Michael Doucette, John Crabtree and Richard Butler are pursuing Seat 3, while Jan Macdonald is pursuing Seat 4. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region.

Please provide a concise biography of…

Four individuals are vying for a pair of Warren select board seats for the June 8 municipal election. Michael Doucette, John Crabtree and Richard Butler are pursuing Seat 3, while Jan Macdonald is pursuing Seat 4. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region.

…

BURNHAM — Residents in the Town of Burnham will be tasked with voting on a trio of referendum items related to the RSU 53 school budget Tuesday, June 8. 

Voting will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. within the Town of Burnham. 

Question 1: Shall the MSAD appropriate the sum of $13,029,735 and raise the sum of $5,787,577.87 for the 2021-2022 school budget? School board recommends a YES vote.

The proposed budget is a $40,000 (0.31…

ROCKLAND — Voters in the Regional School Unit 13 school district are being asked to consider approving a $33 million budget for the upcoming school year. 

Residents in the communities of Cushing, Rockland, Thomaston, South Thomaston and Owls Head will be voting June 8 on the proposed budget. 

To view all related documents to the proposed school budget, click here. 

PALERMO — Voters in Palermo are voting on a proposed $24.47 million school budget for Regional School Unit 12. 

The budget is an increase of $689,552 from last year, or 2.89 percent. 

Voting will be held Tuesday, June 8. 

Budget Documents

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HOPE — Voters in the Town of Hope will participate Tuesday, June 22 in the annual town meeting at the Hope Elementary School. 

Below are a pair of highlights of what will be voted on June 22.

To view the complete town warrant, see the attached PDF document. Articles 7-29 will be voted on June 22. Articles 2-6 will be voted on during the June 8 municipal election. 

Warrant Article Highlights

Article…

LINCOLNVILLE — Voters in the Town of Lincolnville are being asked to consider a nearly $3.7 million school budget that is 1.93 percent higher than last year’s. 

Election Day for this school budget is Tuesday, June 8. 

To view a breakdown of revenues and funds to be raised over the last couple of years, click here…

On June 8, voters in Rockport will choose two of four candidates to serve a three-year term on the Rockport Select Board. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Candidate Eric Boucher discusses his position on various topics.

Please provide a biography of yourself and explain why you decided to seek a seat on…

On June 8, voters in Rockport will choose two of four candidates to serve a three-year term on the Rockport Select Board. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Candidate John Strand discusses his position on various topics

UNION — Voters in the Town of Union will cast ballots June 12 on a number of warrant articles at the town’s annual town meeting. 

Below are a few warrant article highlights as a preview. To view the complete warrant in its entirety, click here. 

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WALDOBORO — Voters from the Town of Waldoboro will cast ballots during the town’s annual town meeting June 8 on a series of warrant articles, including what to do with the property of the former A.D. Gray School. 

Below are a few highlights of the warrant articles. To view the complete warrant in its entirety, click here. 

Full details…

THOMASTON — Voters in the Town of Thomaston will cast ballots for the town’s annual town meeting June 8 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters will decide on proposed ordinances, how the town should spend its monies, the RSU 13 school budget proposal and will elect a handful of municipal officials. 

To view the entire town meeting warrant featuring all warrant articles,…

MONTVILLE — The Town of Montville will be holding its annual town meeting Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. at Mount View High School in Thorndike. 

There are 50 articles on the town meeting warrant covering an array of municipal expenditures and monies. Below are the highlights of the warrant. To view the full warrant, click here…

HOPE — Voters in the Town of Hope will have much to decide on when completing their June 8 municipal ballots.

First, voters will be tasked with elected a handful of municipal candidates. 

Approving the adopted Hope Elementary School budget and an amendment to the town’s  marijuana ordinance appears next on the ballot. 

Lastly, voters will be charged with determining if a pair of sitting municipal officials should be recalled from their elected positions. 

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UNITY — Voters within the Regional School Unit 3 school district will be casting ballots on both a school budget ballot and open school board seats June 8. 

The district is proposing a budget with an overall expenditure of $20,276,900. 

The annual district public budget meeting will be Wednesday, May 26 at 6 p.m. at the Mount View complex in Thorndike. 

Voters will participate in in-person voting for both the school budget and four school board seats at their town…

BELFAST — Voters within Regional School Unit 71 are being asked to vote June 8 on the proposed $28.7 million school budget for the 2021-2022 school year. 

The communities of Belfast, Belmont, Morrill, Searsmont and Swanville comprise RSU 71. 

Click here for a four-year budget comparison. 

Click…

On June 8, voters in Rockport will choose two of three candidates to serve a three-year term on the Rockport Select Board. Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Candidate Robert Duke discusses his position on various topics.

Please provide a biography of yourself and explain why you decided to seek a seat on the…

HOPE — The Town of Hope will be holding a special town meeting Thursday, May 6 to vote on the new school budget for Hope Elementary School. 

The meeting will be held at 6:30 pm. on the field of the school. 

Article 1: Elect a moderator to preside

Article 2: Regular Instruction

The school and budget committees recommend $1,376,151. 

• Regular Instruction PreK-8: $1,343,871 (up $19,195) 

• Gifted and Talented: $32,281…

BROOKS — The annual town meeting for the Town of Brooks will be held Tuesday, May 4 at the Brooks Fire Station. 

The meeting will begin with a budget presentation at 6:10 p.m. followed by the warrant articles at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to seeking approval from voters related to municipal expenses and funding, key warrant articles include the following. …