Elections 2024: Candidates, referendums, local warrants
Voters will go to the polls Nov. 5, 2024 to vote for a president, Congressional delegates, state and local proposals, municipal amendments, and if they live in Belfast or Rockland, a roster of city councilors candidates. On this page, you will find profiles of candidates, information about ballot and warrant articles, where to vote, and when.
“Democracy is measured not by its leaders
doing extraordinary things,
but by its citizens doing things
extraordinarily well.”
—John Gardner
Maine Political Parties
Maine currently has four qualified parties: Democratic, Green Independent, Libertarian and Republican that may participate in primary elections. Although some unenrolled candidates choose to designate themselves as “Independent,” there is no “Independent” party in Maine.)
Workforce housing is an unfair selling point for Rockport’s Article 3
Why I believe workforce housing is an unfair selling point for Rockport’s Article 3.
I Have worked in Rockport for over 20 years and have been fortunate enough to live in town with my family for the past seven years. I truly appreciate living close to work along with all the other advantages of living in a close-knit community such as Camden/Rockport.
Over the last several months I have noticed a common selling point for Rockport’s Article 3 (A new $52,000,000 sewage…
Read moreVote no on Camden Articles 8, 9 and 10
We strongly support Joshua Moore’s comments (June 4, 2024) namely that the Camden Harbor Committee has made an intelligent set of proposals with regard to piers.
Articles 8, 9, 10 are exaggerated and unreasonable. They should be turned down. Please vote no.
John Reed lives in Camden
Heated RSU 40 School Board election goes to the polls
Four RSU 40 seats are up for grabs: two in Waldoboro and on each in Warren and Union. At stake could be the existence of the schools themselves. Several candidates’ supporters espoused belief in the dissolution of public education.
Those candidates would join a growing bloc of Board Members who would choose to deny the school district funding altogether and either voted no or abstained from each budget line at this year’s annual meeting.…
Read moreVote yes on Rockport Article 3
In our view, the opposition to this ballot initiative has mischaracterized the facts and failed to recognize the real issue - what is Rockport's vision for its future as a vibrant, thriving community twelve months a year?
Please vote yes on Question 3 and pass this info along to voting friends in Rockport!
Rockport's future needs to be in its own hands, not controlled by Camden and tied to a 54 year old obsolete sewage treatment system running on fumes and
polluting…
Vote for South Thomaston Warrant Article 26 on June 18
The South Thomaston Auxiliary is a private nonprofit corporation chartered by the South Thomaston Selectboard after a vote at the 2022 Town Meeting. Its sole purpose is to raise funds to be used in the design and construction of a Community Center and Library in South Thomaston.
We must emphasize that the Auxiliary’s scope does not include the programming or events that may use the new facility.…
Read moreCamden articles 5, 6 and 7 convoluted and unnecessarily controlling
I grew up and live in Camden. I am realizing now that I am one of those “elders and a local” that have seen many changes in town over my lifetime. But I am not writing to reminisce but rather writing as I am very alarmed and disappointed by the well-intentioned but misguided Camden Planning Board’s Articles 5, 6 and 7.
Reading them makes me think and feel like I am living in Florida in a gated community run by an HOA Board.…
Read moreJohn Viehman has a knack for finding solutions to thorny problems
I am writing to express my support for John Viehman's candidacy for selectman. I have known John for more than 25 years, and while we may not agree on every issue, I can confidently say that he is a thoughtful and capable individual with a deep love of Rockport and would be an excellent addition to our select board.
Although my preference leans towards sailboats and John’s passion lies in hiking our woods, his values and energy will undoubtedly serve Rockport well.
More…
Read moreA Storm is brewing in Camden — And it’s not climate change. Vote no on the town budget
Over the past several months, I have watched and/or attended several meetings of the Budget Committee and Select Board. It is my firm belief that spending is out of control and there has been no honest effort to rein it in.
Rather than looking to see if expenses could be reduced in a logical, reasonable, and thoughtful manner, it seems the town’s leadership is more intent on trying to generate more revenue (taxes and grants) than…
Read moreWhy are Rockport sewer rates so high?
In the debate over Article 3, a proposal asking Rockport residents to commit $52 million for a new wastewater treatment facility and sewer extension, we have heard from the Rockport Select Board and others that our sewer costs are too high because Camden charges us too much. Proponents of Article 3 have also argued that the only way to reduce our sewer rates is to build our own treatment facility. Both…
Read moreDon’t Be Fooled on the Numbers on Rockport Article 3
Proposed Rockport wastewater treatment project drives robust citizen debate
ROCKPORT — Article 3 on the Rockport Town Meeting 2024 warrant proposing a $33.7 million expenditure to build a new sewer facility has engendered political heat as voting day, June 11, approaches. Two distinct factions have circulated opposing advocacy mailers to town citizens, and one Camden resident has urged the Camden Select Board to reach out to Rockport to help resolve the issue.
…
Read moreVoting no on Question 3, because I’m for workforce housing in Rockport
I’m voting NO on Question 3, because I’m for workforce housing in Rockport. Not just because the $51,891,708 bond will cost my business more annually. Not just because I want our leaders to work with our neighbors. And not just because I’m bothered by the false implication that it would clean the harbor (when question 3 means no change to collection, just direction of flow).
I’m voting No because the development Question 3 encourages…
Read more
On the issues: Thomaston Select Board Candidate Emily McBrayer
Vote Yes on Rockport Ballot Measure 3
Despite what you may be reading on every street corner in town, the decision whether to build a wastewater treatment plant in Rockport is not about mythical cooperation with Camden. It is about the future of Rockport.
Camden made, and has stuck to, their decision to require Rockport to exit their wastewater treatment system and even though their current and future Select Board candidates may wax eloquently about cooperation, not one single concrete step has been made by anyone in…
Read moreVoting yes for a new community building in South Thomaston
I am a proud Rockland native, and after 20 years of living away, moved back home in 2002 and built a home in South Thomaston.
When RSU13 gifted Gilford Butler School to our town, the Town gave permission for our tiny library to move into that building temporarily while monies were raised to build a new, green, state-of-the-art building.
…
Read more
All quiet on the Thomaston Front
For two years now, Thomaston had huge turnouts at the polls and at last year’s town meeting. Why? Because the former Maine State Prison property, called “Thomaston Green,” was up for grabs. The June 14, 2023, Town Meeting violated fire safety regulations by allowing more than 300 people to cram into the Lura Libby room at the Town Office. Most left after the votes on the first 3 articles, which carved “Thomaston…
Ask ourselves: Where the priority should lie?
There has been much commentary online and elsewhere about the various ordinance amendments voters are being asked to approve this year. Much has been said about the speed at which these amendments were written, the process taken and the potential impacts. Sadly, much of what has been said does not tell the whole story on multiple fronts. I write this mostly as a lifelong citizen of Camden, but also as member…
Read more
Gordon Page to run for County Commissioner
The future of the former Gilford Butler School in South Thomaston
South Thomaston is on the cusp of receiving just over $3 million in federal and private grants to construct a modern library and community center at the site of the former Gilford Butler School. This new building is envisioned to be energy efficient and will include a large meeting room and kitchen. It will serve this town well for the next 50, perhaps 70, years. This is an incredible opportunity!
…
Read moreSaddened to have to check ‘No’ beside Camden Town Meeting Warrant Articles 8, 9, 10
Today I filled out my absentee ballot at the Camden Town Office, and it saddened me to have to check “NO” beside Articles 8, 9, 10 – the ordinance changes effectively banning new residential, commercial, and municipal piers in Camden Harbor.
I was disappointed to vote NO to the laundry list of restrictions contained in Articles 8, 9, 10 because in January 2023 the Camden Harbor Committee, of which I served as chairman, responded to a voter-approved temporary moratorium on new…
Read moreVote no on Camden Articles 5, 6 and 7: Or, how poor planning produced a bad warrant article
Months ago, the Camden Planning Board started investigating the issue of Short Term Rentals (STR) in Camden. They began with a statement of goals and concerns. The goal seemed to be to establish a set of regulations to mitigate their estimates of potential negative effects of STR. Their estimate of potential negative effects included:
Reduction of housing stock available for sale to potential long term residents
… Read moreDisappointed with Camden Select Board public hearing process
In early April, the Camden Select Board held a much anticipated public hearing on proposed short term rental regulations (STRs). That evening, the French Conference Room was packed with citizens, business owners, and townspeople from all walks—it was standing room only with folks even streaming outside onto the sidewalk and on Zoom.
This should have been a Select Board’s dream come true with an opportunity to dialog with an interested and engaged group of townsfolk, regarding an…
Read moreSteve Migliorini for Union Select Board
My name is Steve Migliorini and I am a candidate for the two-year seat on Union’s Select Board. As a business owner for over 35 years, I understand the value of good leadership, and the importance of working as a team when it comes to problem solving and decision making. I have been able to apply this knowledge throughout my adult life while serving on numerous community-based boards and committees.…
Read more
Thomaston to vote on Select Board member, primary contenders and zoning changes
THOMASTON – Voters will elect a Select Board member and decide on changes to the town’s land use ordinance that include a new noise and vibration section and new definitions for assisted living and strip developments. An up or down vote will be taken on the RSU 14 school budget.
Voting at the polls takes place June 11 and the open…
Read more
On the issues: Thomaston Select Board Candidate Kimberly Matthews
What happens when people talk to each other?
CARMA supports yes votes on Union and Warren mining ordinance amendments
On June 11, Warren and Union residents will be able to vote on ordinance changes that regulate and control metallic mineral mining in their towns. Before voting, there is important information about the history and substance of these issues of which voters should be aware.
In February 2023, Canadian mineral exploration company Exiro Minerals Corporation approached Warren and Union disclosing that it had…
Rockport Voters deserve transparency and accuracy
Rockport voters will soon decide on a $52 million bond for our sewer system, and it's crucial that our decisions are based on accurate and comprehensive information. Unfortunately, the information provided by the Select Board through the Rockport Resource and other channels has proven to be both inaccurate and incomplete, raising serious concerns.
In a letter published in the Rockport Resource, the Select Board stated that only sewer users would be financially…
Read moreDenise Munger and Michelle Hannan are Rockport’s best option to lead
Rockport-Camden Wastewater Conundrum
I urge Rockport voters to vote No On Article 3, which would otherwise allow the Town to build a $52 million wastewater plant, and to vote Yes On Article 15, which appoints a task force to study the alternatives.
It’s important to note that the financial burden of a $52 million water treatment plant will fall solely on sewer users, and those who could be sewer users will all pay the same.…
Why I’m Voting for Denise Munger
I am writing in support of Denise Munger for Rockport Select Board. She is one of the most dedicated and hard working select board members I have seen in my 30 years of living in Rockport. She thoroughly studies and researches the issues facing our community. She works hard to listen to all perspectives and to keep an open mind.
Denise is a “Yes” person. When something needs to be done she is the first person…
On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate Michelle Hannan
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are…
Read moreAll Rockport taxpayers will help fund expanded sewer system
At the May 27 Rockport Select Board meeting, several Rockport residents addressed the assertion that the town's proposed $52 million wastewater project would only be paid for by Rockport's sewer users.
This is false.
Every public building in Rockport that is connected to the sewer will be paying use fees and debt service related to the project, including the high school, elementary school, opera house,…
Two outstanding candidates for Camden Select Board: Stephanie French and Ken Gross
As a lifelong resident of Rockport and Camden, a third-generation owner of a Main Street business, and having been on multiple town committees over the years, I would like to share my views on the upcoming election of select board members.
After watching the Candidates’ Forum, it was clear to me that we are very fortunate to have two outstanding candidates: Stephanie French, who is running for re-election, and Ken Gross.
… Read more
Rockport’s Select Board uses taxpayer money for political advocacy. Again.
By now, Rockport residents are used to seeing the Rockport Resource newsletter arrive in their mailboxes a few times each year. Launched in 2020, the stated intention of the taxpayer-funded bulletin was to provide updates and useful information to town residents.
Increasingly, though, it has become a means for the town’s Select Board to lobby its own voters—at taxpayer expense — to adopt policies that the Board favors. Simply put, the Rockport Resource has essentially…
Read morePlease vote no on Article 3
Article 3 on the 2024 Town Meeting Warrant asks Rockport taxpayers to commit nearly $52 million to a new wastewater treatment facility and sewer extension.
The reasons to oppose Article 3 are obvious:
1) $52 million is an unrealistic amount for a town of less than 3400 residents to spend on a public works project; and,
2) financial projections supporting the project are based on unrealistic…
My votes will go to Susan Dorr and Sophie Romana for Camden Select Board
Camden has a wealth of worthy candidates for the two open positions on the Select Board—so much so that it may be difficult to choose. Even so, after considering them all, I’ve made my selection. My votes will go to Sophie Romana and Susan Dorr, and here’s why:
Each of these two candidates offers an impressive background and lengthy experience serving the Town of Camden. Moreover, in the responses they gave to questions raised by the Camden Herald, they both indicate a clear…
Read moreReelect Jan Dodge for Maine Legislative District 39
We need to elect Ken Gross and Stephanie French to Camden Select Board
Regarding Article 3 in Rockport
Having read pretty much everything printed about this issue, I’m remembering the following.
Many years ago when need for a new high school was made clear, heavy pressure was put on local towns’ people to approve financing touted as the very best we could hope for, and that if we didn’t act immediately, this most excellent opportunity would be lost forever, the sky would fall, delay would only increase costs.
Fortunately, the voters saw through the hype and voted no.
Just…
Read moreVoting against Rockport Article 3
I plan to vote against Rockport’s Warrant Article 3 for two primary reasons.
First, the Town of Rockport commissioned an independent group of town citizens to look at what it would cost Rockport to separate from Camden and go it alone with our own waste water facility. The committee identified a place to build the waste water facility and came up with an assumed price tag.
Whether you…
Read moreVote for the facts in Camden
Two candidates for Camden’s Select Board falsely state there have been a lack of opportunities for community input on how we go forward with the Megunticook River. Other claims about the Montgomery Dam and the river have been made with no factual credibility.
Does this concern you coming from those running for office who should understand the public process for input and who we entrust to honor facts?
Facts on Opportunities for Public Input:
* Every SB meeting has…
Read moreIs spending $300,000 on a snow groomer a good investment for Camden?
May own thinking is that there may be two years, at best, of viable snow for the use of the ski lift during winter months. How many years do you hope it can be used? Even artificial snow needs cold ground temperatures to succeed.
Is an investment of over $300,000 ( nearly 1/3 of a million dollars) for a snow groomer good investment? Consider this when voting on Camden Article 21 an 22.…
Why vote yes on Rockport’s Article 3?
A lot of clever yard signs this election. Makes you want to just vote for the best jokey saying. But if you stop chuckling and think about Rockport’s future, deciding if you should advise your kids to vote for the class clown or the girl that can figure out the hard problems.
A lot of good, serious people — Rockport taxpayers, residents, and officials, worked long and hard to solve the…
The Golden Latrine
FUD - Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. It is by far the oldest, and even today, the most used sales tactic to invoke a desired response. Our most recent example of this is Article 3, the proposed sewer treatment facility being thrust upon property owners of Rockport.
Fifty-two million dollars for a town of 3,000 is an enormous sum of money. It is even more significant when looking at just how many homes and businesses are actually going to utilize this golden latrine. For a total of…
Read moreLooking for Haskell or Burd descendants
A Challenge for the Camden Select Board
All four candidates for the Camden Select Board are worthy individuals—we’re lucky to have them stepping up on our behalf—and I’m not completely sure how I will vote when the time comes. I had hoped to attend the Candidates’ Forum in order to hear their thoughts on the environmental challenges we’re facing.
With the bay rising in front of us, “100-year” storms apparently normalizing, warming waters threatening to bring hurricanes farther north and the prospect of ever-heavier…
Read moreA reminder about why I’m running for Knox County Commissioner
On June 11, or whenever you vote, you will see my name on the ballot running for Knox County Commissioner District 3 as a Democrat.
After six years on the Camden Select Board where the members do not run associated with party, I’m now running for a job that asks but doesn’t require a party registration. (If you don’t want to identify with a party you can run as an independent on the final ballot in November).
… Read more
Town Meeting: Camden voters to consider $12.5 million infrastructure bond, zoning changes, $10 million municipal budget
CAMDEN — Camden’s 22-article annual Town Meeting warrant is ambitious in scope and expense, as the business of running a municipality grows. Voters will consider it all at the polls June 11, now that in-person town meeting has been replaced by ballot-only participation, and will decide whether to…
Read moreProtect Camden property rights, Vote No on Articles 5, 6, and 7
The Camden Planning Board has been misinformed, misguided and simply missed the point as it relates to affordable housing and other complex housing issues facing our community.
Instead of creatively addressing this issue by forming a specialized work group or other mechanism to address affordable housing issues, they’ve simply sought to create more regulation and red tape. Specifically, they’ve targeted short term rentals (STRs) as the panacea to solve all the complex housing…
Read moreSupport John Viehman for Rockport Select Board
Rockport is fortunate to anticipate electing John Viehman to join our Select Board.
John comes to this role with a wealth of professional and community service experience that will inform thoughtful discussions, productive collaboration, and balanced decision making around a range of contemporary challenges. That experience includes decades in the print/digital and television media industry, extensive board service for nonprofits and business-related organizations,…
No time to waste in Rockport
While I appreciate the cheeky humor of the anti-question 3 signs, I don’t appreciate the spread of misinformation. The ballot question asks for approval for bonds of $33 million. I assume the exaggerated figure of $52 million includes interest over the 30-year term of the bonds. However, when taking out a car loan or a mortgage, the amount borrowed (not the amount ultimately paid back) is the correct way of expressing the loan amount. We can disagree about whether to move forward with the…
Read moreVote yes on Article 3 for Rockport’s future
As Rockport voters, we strongly agree with our Select Board, Budget Committee, several former members of the Wastewater Task Force and the Economic Development Committee, and many other residents that we vote yes on funding a wastewater treatment plant for our town (Warrant Article 3).
Building our own treatment facility allows us to take financial control of our high sewer costs, as well as invest in workforce housing, new and existing businesses, improve water quality, and address…
Read moreKeep Rockport sewer options open
The un-zoning of Rockland
Several days ago, PenbayPilot.com published a letter from a Rockland resident concerning the City Council’s lack of interest in using the Visualization Tool to show how neighborhoods would look under its multitude of loosened zoning regulations.
The same day an article appeared in the Courier Gazette in which a resident expressed similar concerns. Another article in the Courier noted a resident’s…
November 5, 2024
General Election
U.S. Senator
Jason Cherry (I)
David Costello (D)
Angus King (I)
Demi Kouzounas (R)
Congressional District 1
Ethan Alcorn (Unenrolled/Independent)
Chellie Pingree (D)
Ronald Russell (R)
Congressional District 2
Jared Golden (D)
Austin Theriault (R)
How to vote via absentee ballot
Statewide referendums
Read about their origins here: Maine Voters consider five state ballot questions
QUESTION 1: An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures, Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?
QUESTION 2: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization, Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?
QUESTION 3: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Restore Historic Community Buildings, Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?
QUESTION 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation, Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?
QUESTION 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag, Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?
More information about upcoming elections is available here. More information about citizen initiatives is available here.
Waldo County
Commissioner Race Candidates
Allen Parker, Jr. (District 3)
Elise Brown (District 3)
District 3 comprises Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Searsmont, Troy, Thorndike, Unity
Alan Cohen (District 2)
Kevin Kelley (District 2)
Cheri Lynn Merrill (District 2)
District 2 comprises Frankfort, Jackson, Monroe, Prospect, Searsport, Swanville, Stockton Springs, Winterport
Knox County
Commissioner Race Candidates
Gordon Page, Sr. (District 3)
Marc Ratner (District 3)
Morgan Hynd (District 2)
District 3 comprises Camden, Hope, Isle au Haut, Matinicus Isle Plantation, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockport, Vinalhaven the Unorganized Territories of Criehaven and Muscle Ridge Islands. District 2 comprises Appleton, Cushing, Friendship, Union, Warren and Washington.
Judge of Probate, Waldo County
Joanna Owen (D)
Register of Probate, Knox County
Julie Allen (R)
Register of Probate, Waldo County
Sharon Peavey (R)
MAINE SENATE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 11
Serves: Waldo County
Glenn ‘Chip’ Curry (D)
Robert Charles Meyer (R)
DISTRICT 12
Knox County, except Isle au Haut and Washington
Anne Beebe-Center (D)
Scott Rocknak (R)
DISTRICT 13
Lincoln County plus Washington
Dale Harmon (R)
Cameron Reny (D)
MAINE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 15
Brookln, Deer Isle, Swans Island, Tremont, Southwest Harbor, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven
Holly Eaton (D)
Jason Joyce (R)
DISTRICT 37
Frankfort (part of) Prospect, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Winterport
Scott William Cuddy (D)
Reagan ‘LeeAnn’ Paul (R)
DISTRICT 38
Brooks, Frankfort (part) Jackson, Knox, Monroe, Swanville, Thorndike, Unity, Waldo
Stephen Ellis (D)
Benjamin Hymes (R)
DISTRICT 39
Belfast, Belmont and Northport
Janice Dodge (D)
Stephen Hemenway (R)
DISTRICT 40
Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Searsmont
Joseph McLaughlin (R)
Michael Ray (D)
DISTRICT 41
Serves: Camden and Rockport
Victoria Doudera (D)
Cory Raymond (R)
DISTRICT 42
Criehaven, Owls Head (part), Matinicus Isle, Mussel Ridge Islands, North Haven, Rockland
Valli Geiger (D)
Jamie Lee Hopkins (R)
DISTRICT 43
Cushing, Owls Head (part), South Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston
Ann Matlack (D)
Heather Anne Sprague (R)
DISTRICT 44
Hope, Union, Warren
William ‘Bill’ Pluecker (U)
Ray Alden Thombs, Jr. (R)
DISTRICT 45
Bremen, Friendship, Lincoln County Island, Washington, Waldoboro
Abden Stephen Simmons (R)
Jennifer Stone (D)
DISTRICT 62
China, Hibberts Gore, Palermo, Windsor
Katrina Smith (R)
Pamela Swift (D)
DISTRICT 63
Albion, Freedom, Unity Two, Winslow
Paul Flynn (R)
Lee Trahan (D)
DISTRICT 68
Burnham, Clinton, Pittsfield and Troy
Brian Blake (D)
Amanda Noelle Collamore (R)
MUNICIPAL WARRANTS
Nov. 5, 2024
CAMDEN
Seven local warrant articles to appear before Camden voters:
Pesticides, historic code, money transfers, workforce housing
ROCKLAND
Rockland considers Council candidates, new City Hall, removal of mayor protocols
ROCKPORT
Rockport voters consider borrowing for sewer and stream crossing projects; add ordinances
WALDOBORO
Waldoboro considers ordinances: Fireworks, food sovereignty, clean energy financing, shellfish
JUNE 2024 TOWN MEETINGS
Town Meetings, Municipal and School Budgets, Warrants and Candidates
Below are area municipalities holding elections and town meetings in June
APPLETON
appleton.maine.gov
Annual Town Meeting, June 11, by Secret Ballot, Appleton Fire Station, 2899 Sennebec Road, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voters in Appleton will consider a municipal ballot that includes a warrant proposing a $1.4 million municipal budget, an updated Comprehensive Plan (the last update was in 2007), three-year agreements for EMS, winter road maintenance, mowing and assessing. The warrant also includes an article proposing the acceptance of a $50,000 grant and spend $13,000 from undesignated fund balance to install heat pumps and LED lighting at the Town Office and Fire Station.
Read the 2023-2024 Appleton Town Report here. In addition to the municipal ballot, Appleton votes will consider a $3.6 million Appleton Village School ballot, and the $17.1 million Five Town CSD ballot. The CSD ballot includes a proposal to authorize building a new 1,800 square foot classroom building on the Camden Hills Regional High School campus that would be dedicated to special education. Absentee ballots are currently available.
If you are a resident and would like to vote but are unsure if you are registered, call the Town Office. You can also register on the day of the election.
In the 2024 Annual Report, the Appleton Select Board reported, “an effective year spent maximizing efficiencies, securing grant funding, and establishing the foundation for long-term infrastructure improvements and planning on behalf of the Town of Appleton.”
The Select Board is Appleton is concerned about the audits and fiscal reporting of School Unit 69 (Appleton, Hope and Lincolnville K-8): “It is the opinion of this board that there is an opportunity to review the efficacy of the system between the school financial oversight and the Town. Appleton residents have an opportunity to review the merits of contracting superintendent and special education services through other districts. It seems the time has come to at least consider that option. The AVS School Committee will have two open seats this year. If your strengths are finance or systems management, the committee could use your expertise.”
CAMDEN
camdenmaine.gov
Annual Town Meeting ballot box voting, June 11, Camden Public Safety Building, by secret ballot, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All Camden ballots, including the $17.1 million Five Town CSD budget and the $20.4 million SAD 28 budget, can be found here. Camden’s 22-article annual Town Meeting warrant is ambitious in scope and expense, as the business of running a municipality grows. Voters will consider it all at the polls June 11, now that in-person town meeting has been replaced by ballot-only participation, and will decide whether to approve the proposed 2024-2025 expenditures that include major projects for the town. Town Meeting: Camden voters to consider $12.5 million infrastructure bond, zoning changes, $10 million municipal budget
Camden maintains a webpage with extensive information concerning the June 11 Annual Town Meeting municipal warrant. The town has also produced a Town of Camden 2024 Ballot Explained, a Guide for Voters
Camden Select Board Candidates
Four candidates are seeking election for the two open Select Board seats in Camden: Susan Dorr, Stephanie French (incumbent), Ken Gross and Sophie Romana (incumbent). Learn more about their ideas and positions on issues at a PenBayPilot.com May 14 Candidates’ Forum:Camden Select Board Candidates on EMS, sewer, climate resiliency, Montgomery Dam Watch the Candidates’s Forum See Camden ballots here:
June Annual Town Meeting Ballot
MSAD 28 School Ballot
Five Town CSD Ballot
June Republican Ballot
June Democratic Ballot
June Green Independent Ballot
Voting will take place at the Hope Town Office located at 441 Camden Rd. in Hope. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hope has not scheduled its annual town meeting but anticipates it will take place in July. The reason is that the town is waiting for the school district (K-8) to finish its audit, and the school budget to get finalized. On Election Day June 11, however, there will be local and state warrants for voters to consider at the polls. The municipal warrant concerns Hope municipal offices and school board seats (uncontested races); the other including the $17.1 million Five Town CSD budget.
State Primary Notice of Election
Five Town CSD Warrant & Notice of Election
Town of Hope Municipal Warrant & Notice of Election
There is one single-sided ballot for each party.
Sample Democratic Primary Ballot
Sample Green Independent Primary Ballot
Sample Republican Primary Ballot
There is one double sided ballot for the Town & CSD
Town of Hope & Five Town CSD Ballot
LINCOLNVILLEtown.lincolnville.me.usLincolnville will start its annual town meeting June 11 at the polls, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Lincolnville Central School, to act on warrant articles 2 and 3 (concerning elections of municipal officials, school board members and the Lincolnville School budget. Then, on Thursday, June 13, citizens will gather at the Lincolnville Central School at 6 p.m. to act upon the remaining articles in the warrant. The 2023 warrant can be read here. The municipal ballot includes two incumbent candidates, Ladleah Dunn and Keryn Laite, who are seeking reelection to the Select Board. . The municipal ballot also presents two candidates running unopposed for the Lincolnville School Committee. They are Vina Lindley and Kirsten Survey. Andrew Wolff is running unopposed for a three-year term on the Five Town CSD School Board. Gerald Knight and Lori Knight are running unopposed for two three-year terms on the Budget Committee and Lena Stoutenberg is running unopposed for a two-year on that same committee. The Lincolnville School Budget, K-8, is $1.8 million, up 4.8 percent from last year. The $17.1 million Five Town CSD budget up 10.4 percent from last year. The town shares with Appleton, Camden, Hope and Rockport to govern Camden Hills Regional High School. Lincolnville town meeting ballots and warrants can be read here. On June 13, citizens will consider the town’s 2024-2025 proposed$3.1 million budget and address other municipal business.NORTHPORTnorthportmaine.orgThe Northport Annual Town Meeting will take place June 17, 6:30 p.m. at the Edna Drinkwater School (56 Bayside Road) ROCKPORTrockportmaine.govRockport’s Annual Town Meeting will take place at the polls June 11, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Rockport Public Library in Rockport Village.
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are Denise K. Munger, Delores Michelle Hannan and Tiffany Ford. John Viehman is the only candidate running for the one-year term.
They will also vote for school board (Marcia Dietrich), library (David Bannister and Helen Shaw) and budget committee members (Walker Angell and Helen Shaw), also running uncontested. See ballot here. Voters will also consider the $17.1 million Five Town CSD budget and the $20.4 million SAD 28 budget. The municipal warrant contains a $11.4 million municipal budget, up 26 percent from the current budget, a number of land use ordinance amendments, as well as Articles 3, to fund and build a new wastewater treatment facility at Pen Bay Medical Center for municipal use. Rockport considers two-track approach to resolve sewer issues: going it alone, with attempt to maintain Camden connection A town produced Voter’s Guide can be found here. A town produced explanation of land use amendments can be found here.
State Sample Ballot
THOMASTONthomastonmaine.govThomaston’s Annual Town Meeting will take place over two days, beginning June 11 at the polls, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Thomaston Municipal Building (former Lura Libby School, 13 Valley Street) where voters will consider electing one Select Board member for a three-year term, and one Board of Assessors member for a three-year term, and one RSU 13 School Board member. Two Thomaston citizens have stepped forward to run for one open seat on the Thomaston Select Board Kimberly Matthews
Emily McBrayer Douglas Erickson is running for the Board of Assessors and there are no candidates for the RSU 13 School Board. Thomaston to vote on Select Board member, primary contenders and zoning changes Voters will also consider the RSU 13 budget at the polls June 11. The $39 million RSU 13 budget, up $2.3 million from the current budget, is available here. On June 12, citizens will gather at the Thomaston Municipal Building at 6 p.m. for annual Town Meeting.
All current election information is available on the town website thomastonmaine.gov under the Government tab under the June 2024 State, Municipal, and RSU 13 Election Information page. On this page you will find links to each portion of this year’s election with additional information.
June 2024 State, Municipal and RSU 13 Election Information
UNIONunion.maine.govUnion’s Annual Town Meeting takes place June 13 at the polls, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the William L. Pullen Municipal Building Meeting Room. At the polls, voters will consider three candidates running for one open two-year seat on the Select Board. The candidates are Gregory Grotton, Ben Ledger and Steven Migliorini. They will also choose between two candidates running for one three-year seat on the Select Board. They are Martha Johnston-Nash and Yvonne Pitzi. Voters will also choose between two candidates for one seat on the RSU 40 board. Those candidates are Rachel Wilcox and Timothy Wood. And, voters will consider voting for Irene Hawes, who seeks to be a trustee on the William L. Pullen Fund. There are three candidates running for four open seats on the Budget Committee: Erik Amundsen, Michael Beardsley and John Shepard. There is also a June 11 municipal ballot that includes the town warrant with 34 additional articles. That warrant proposes $4.5 million in municipal expenditures. Voters will consider multiple proposals, such as: Proposed Land Use Ordinance changes to increase housing opportunites in Maine (LD2003) / Article 3 on the June 11, 2024 Referendum Ballot
Amendment to the Town of Union Land Use Ordinance to Permit Metallic Mineral Mining within the Industrial District / Article 4 on the June 11, 2024 Referendum Ballot
Metallic Mining Ordinance Amendment / Article 5 on the June 11, 2024 Referendum Ballot
Proposed Canine Ordinance Change / Article 6 on the June 11, 2024 Referendum Ballot.pdf. This amendment simply adds a stipulation that: No more than one kennel license of 10 dogs, is permitted per property which includes personal pets. Voters will also consider approving a $38 million budget for RSU 40. See RSU 40 budget information here. RSU 40 comprises Waldoboro, Warren, Friendship, Washington and Union K-12 public schools. Read: RSU 40’s $38.7 million budget heads to voters June 11 WALDOBOROwaldoboromaine.orgWaldoboro’s Annual Town Meeting will take place June 11 at the polls, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Waldoboro Municipal Building, 1600 Atlantic Highway (Route 1), where voters will consider electing two Select Board members for a three-year term from a slate of three, two members to the RSU 40 Board of Directors from a slate of three, and candidates running for seats on the Utility District and Budget Committee. Candidates for the Select Board are William Bragg, Brendan McGuirl, Sandra O’Farrell, Abden Simmons, and Rebecca Stephens. A candidates night was held on May 29.
Candidates for RSU 40 are Steven Karp, Tabatha MacArthur, and Benjamin Stickney, Leah Shipps is running a write-in campaign.
Voters will also consider approving a $38 million budget for RSU 40. See RSU 40 budget information here. RSU 40 comprises Waldoboro, Warren, Friendship, Washington and Union K-12 public schools.
The Town Meeting Warrant will be addressed entirely by secret ballot, and includes a $8.1 million municipal budget, up 18.9 percent from 2024’s budget. The warrant also includes proposed ordinances concerning a broadband grant, changes to the land use ordinance, as well as the tax increment financing district (These changes shall include amending the project list for eligible uses of funds and adding parcels into the program. The parcels are known as the former Sylvania site, the Hoffses House, and 3425 Atlantic Highway into the Program and including projects that would allow potential redevelopment without using the Town of Waldoboro General Fund. The amended projects also include allowing funds for environmental protection of the water and sewer lines, upgrades to the town office, and covering administrative costs associated with the TIF program.) WARRENwarrenmaine.orgWarren’s Annual Town Meeting will take place over two days, beginning June 11 at the polls, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Warren Masonic Hall, 105 Camden Road, where voters will consider electing two Select Board members for a three-year term, two members to the Sanitary District and one member to the RSU 40 Board of Directors. Two candidates run unopposed for two seats on the Select Board: Justin M. Humes is running Select Board Seat #3; Jan M. MacDonald for Select Board Seat #4. The candidates for RSU40 School Board of Directors are Naomi Aho and Terry Verrill. The 2024 Town Meeting will reconvene June 18, again at the Masonic Hall. On the secret ballot as well will be three land use ordinance amendments:
Question A: Shall amendments to the Metallic Mining Ordinance be enacted to add new Exploration review criteria, require a publicly negotiated Contract Re-zoning Agreement that would require Town Meeting approval for any proposed Metallic Mining use that meets robust review criteria and must demonstrate that the use will not harm or damage the environment, watershed, public health and safety? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)
Question B: Shall an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance be enacted to generally prohibit Metallic Mining, subject to a possible Contract Re-zoning Agreement which would require approval at Town Meeting? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)
Question C: Shall an amendment to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance be enacted to generally prohibit Metallic Mining, subject to a possible Contract Re-zoning Agreement which would require approval at a Town Meeting? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)
Voters will also consider approving a $38 million budget for RSU 40. See RSU 40 budget information here. RSU 40 comprises Waldoboro, Warren, Friendship, Washington and Union K-12 public schools.
