RESULTS: Nov. 6, 2018 Election, Warrants and Polls: How the Midcoast voted

Jeffrey Evangelos (I-Friendship) has defeated Abden S. Simmons (R-Waldoboro) in a tight race for Maine House District 91 by a total of 2,175 to 2,055. 

UNION — Voters in Union approved the town’s municipal question about allowing the operation of agency liquor stores within town lines by a vote of 757 to 465. 

The question was: Shall this municipality authorize the State to permit the operation of agency liquor stores on days other than Sunday?

Heading into Election Day, the town was considered a dry town and approval of the referendum would allow hard liquor to be sold every day of week, except for Sundays. 

The…

William Pluecker (I-Warren) won the race for Maine House District 95 against Paula Sutton (R-Warren) with a total of 2,249 votes to 1,891. 

CAMDEN — Voters in Camden favor a plastic carry-out bag ban, as well as a ban on polystyrene containers. They don’t, however, want to decrease the number of requisite signatures for nomination papers.

Approximately 3,313 Camden voters visited the polls, voted early or sent in absentee ballots. Along with the local questions, Camden voters favored Janet Mills for governor, Angus King for U.S. Senate, Dave Miramant for State Senate, Vick Doudera for house representative and Natasha…

BELFAST — The (unofficial) numbers are in for Belfast City Council’s contested seats and longtime council members Neal Harkness and Mary Mortier have won their seats against challengers Joanne Moesswilde and Ellie Daniels, respectively. 

Neal Harkness, edged out his opponent Joanne Moesswilde by just nine percent, with Harkness pulling in 1,555 votes to Moesswilde’s 1,418. Harkness is Councilor to Ward Two. 

Mary Mortier also secured a win against write-in Ellie Daniels, who…

Vicki Doudera (D-Camden) won the race for Maine House District 94 against against Owen Casas (I-Rockport) by a total of 2,944 to 2,647. 

ROCKPORT — Voters in Rockport approved a ban on polystyrene containers at a vote of 1,604 to 470.

The ordinance prohibits the distribution and use of disposal expanded polystyrene cups, plates, bowls, coolers and food containers and to require the use of food containers made of other material associated with take-out food. Expanded polystyrene is more commonly known as Styrofoam.

The ordinance does not extend to raw meat, chicken and fish containers.

It does not prohibit…

CAMDEN/ROCKPORT – Throughout the Midcoast, towns and there cities of Rockland and Belfast are recording heavy voter turnout since polls opened at 8 a.m. Lines stretched out the doors as voters waited for their turn to cast their ballots and voting booths filled to capacity.

Rockport’s town clerk Linda Greenlaw described it as heavy and steady.

“And I expect it to stay this way all day,” she said. “We have a school issue and a library issue that people are really interested in.…

My wife and I just finished renovating our 160 year-old house.  In the beginning, we were anxious to start construction.  By the end, we were equally anxious to finish it. As one would expect, it was an experience, (translation – painful-joyful), in both actual construction and financial. But my wife and I love old houses.  For us, the history of the…

Article 3 on the Camden town ballot addresses changes in off-street parking requirements.  It appears that the wording on the town ballot does not match the text in the proposed ordinance change referred to on the town website.  For example, the ballot says that parking requirements for congregate living facilities and housing for the elderly will be reduced from two to one space per unit.  However, the proposed ordinance change says that the parking requirements will be reduced to one space…

All politics is local, so it is said, and that especially comes home when two candidates that you both like and respect are running to represent Waldo County in the State Senate. Erin Herbig and Jayne Crosby Giles are both downplaying the partisanship issues surrounding this race and instead are focusing on what is best for Waldo County. T

hey both advocate for small businesses, families and rural communities only differing in some ways on the means. How does one decide between two…

I am very concerned about the candidacy of Jon Liberman for district attorney of Lincoln County. I do not know Mr. Liberman, but have tried to ask his campaign directly what his position is regarding Donald Trump and Paul LePage’s disparaging remarks towards Black and Hispanic peoples. At the time of this writing, no response has been given by him or his campaign.

Given that the position Mr. Liberman currently holds (due to an appointment by Governor Paul LePage) gives him…

I am writing in support of Erin Herbig, candidate for the Maine State Senate District 11. Throughout the nine years that I have known Erin, she has been committed to helping the people and businesses of Waldo County. A native of Belfast, Erin is an honest, positive-thinking and tireless advocate for the rights of all people regardless of income or family background.

Erin has served in the Maine House of representatives for the past eight years, most recently as the Majority Leader…

I am writing to encourage the voters of Knox County to cast their vote for our State Senator Dave Miramant. Dave has dedicated himself to service and his focus in the senate has always been how to improve the lives of Mainers.

 

I’ve known Dave for…

Just had to drop a note in support of Representative Paula Sutton.   I do not live in Paula’s district, but I would definitely vote for her if I did.  She always works hard to find out what her constituents think about the issues and provides reasoned, well-informed, and thoughtful responses when she is questioned about why she voted the way she did.  She is always respectful of people’s opinions on social media and conducts herself with integrity.  I think we need more people in Augusta…

CAMDEN — Camden voters will enter the voting booth Nov. 6 armed with five ballot sheets, all pertaining to the election of political candidates, as well as as state referendums, a…

Time is closing in on the elections. It is important to vote. Not only is it easy, but it may also be most convenient to go to the town hall and vote by absentee ballot. That time is running short also. 

Which candidate one votes for is personal and extremely private we all know that. The motivation of the candidate is an important issue. I am a candidate for City Council in Rockland and I assure you that the driving force is not the pay: $800 per year. That works out to about $66.67…

I’m just nerdy enough to read the newsletters of the aquaculture industry, which are all about promoting aquaculture. This headline in IntraFish caught my eye: “Land-based salmon farms proceed at their own risk, insurers say.”

The gist of the article, and others like it that I’ve seen, is that land-based aquaculture, especially at large scale, is too experimental for insurers to take a risk on because too many things can go wrong. For example, massive die-offs in tanks is not uncommon…

I have been associated with Dave Miramant both personally and professionally for over 13 years.  Dave worked part-time for us at Downeast Air in Owls Head where he bases his glider operation.  He also rents space from us for his glider and I was his co-pilot for a few years.  All my dealings with Dave have been excellent.  He is a terrific line service technician for Downeast, always staying constructively busy, and helpful, exerting a positive influence on…

I have known John Gibbs since 1989 when he began working as a Reserve Police Officer with the Belfast Police Department. Prior to that John had been working in corrections and dispatch at the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. His experiences there gave John and me a lot to talk about as that was where I had begun my career, as well. I quickly learned of John’s desire to have a career in law enforcement. I say law-enforcement, but John’s life-long dream was to be a Maine Game Warden. In early…

It's official. The building is not just old, it's historic.

While I was in the midst of writing this, we received some exciting information from the state agency tasked with nominating buildings to the National Register of Historic Places. The staff review of the Mary E. Taylor building is complete and it has been added to the Maine Inventory of Historic Resources with an opinion that the building is likely to qualify for the National Register once…

CAMDEN and ROCKPORT — Voters in Camden and Rockport will consider at the polls Nov. 6 whether to spend $4.9 million on rehabilitating the 1925-built Mary E. Taylor School building, on Knowlton Street, in Camden. If they don’t approve Question 1 on the SAD 28 warrant, the brick school will be demolished and its footprint converted to a sports practice field, according to the superintendent.

The question on the School Administrative District 28 (Camden-Rockport K-8) warrant asks voters…

I am not a Belfast resident, but Belfast is “my town.” I shop there, go out to eat and attend events, meet friends and colleagues, go to the gym.

You get the picture. I am not alone. 

There are hundreds of people like me who live close by on farms and in the woods. We’ve witnessed Belfast’s transformation into a beautiful, prosperous town. Its citizens are engaged, caring and committed to doing their best to make decisions that help…

I have known Vicki Doudera since she moved to Camden more than 30 years ago,  I immediately realized this energetic person had such a great spirit about her.  She created a successful Bed and Breakfast and threw herself into her life here in Camden.  Her energy and vision can be seen in all her endeavors and accomplishments since, whether it is working in real estate, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or her successful writing career.  She is passionate and very dedicated to our local…

There have been many questions raised during the past year regarding the proposed sale of Belfast Water District property and water to Nordic Aquafarms. The Board of Trustees and myself as Superintendent have attempted to answer these questions promptly and completely. I recently was asked how a large user would benefit the water district and our customers.  I was then asked if I would consider making a public statement as to why we made the…

LINCOLNVILLE — Voters in Lincolnville will see one municipal warrant question on their Nov. 6 ballots relating to the tasks of the Lincolnville town administrator and budget committee. 

The question reads: Shall the Town of Lincolnville approve the Charter amendments printed below? 

The proposal to amend Article IV, Section 4.02 (Power and Duties of the Town Administrator) will call for the town administrator to act as purchasing agent for all departments of the Town, except…

I am a 20-year-old native of Belfast and am attending the University of Maine at Farmington, currently studying environmental policy and planning, with a concentration in economics. In addition, I am also completing a Regulatory Ethics Certificate through the University of Southern Maine.

I am a concerned citizen.

I am concerned with the future of my community.

I am concerned for the environment.

I am concerned for…

During this time of such discouraging political divide, I encourage you to be independent thinkers and voters.  Let’s stop falling for charged rhetoric on either side of the isle.  There are no pat solutions for difficult problems.  Let’s stop pretending that there are.  

Bill Pluecker is a neighbor, friend and…

I am writing about three people who are running for the Belfast City Council. 

Neal Harkness has been a tireless representative for all of the people of Belfast. His day job is driving people all over the state for medical appointments and it gives him exposure to people who do not often speak out in public but who have great needs and dignity. He wasn’t instrumental in making WBFY happen: he was…

After hearing Natasha Irving  at a house party and then in debates with her opponent, it became clear to me why I would vote for Natasha for District 6 Attorney.

Working as a defense attorney Natasha witnessed the failures of the current policies of the District Attorney’s office. Too much of taxpayers hard-earned dollars are being wasted on jailing non-violent misdemeanor offenses leaving the D.A. with few funds to deal with violent crimes.

After witnessing the horrors of…

MIDCOAST — Area registrars and town clerks are reporting a noticeable uptick in absentee ballot requests prior to this year’s November 6 election than the previous gubernatorial year in 2014.

For many, Thursday, Nov. 1 is the final day to request an absentee ballot, and so far this year, the ballot requests have increased in municipalities regardless of population or location.

“Last year’s election was an off-year election with only state referendum questions,” said Rockland…

Dave Miramant is the best candidate to represent Knox County in the Maine state Senate for many reasons.  Dave is hard working and a strong advocate for the people and communities of our Midcoast area.  Whether you are a fisherman, teacher, small business owner, entrepreneur, young or old, Dave cares about your ability to live and work productively in our state.

Dave will work hard to bring more jobs…

I ended a recent day of campaigning speaking with one of my former high school teachers. Her class in US Government made a lasting impression on me, even as a teenager. She taught her students how important it is to participate in government and our community. I have followed her guidance devoting time to others — so to better listen, learn and lead.

My family has lived in Belfast for nearly 100 years. We are teachers, nurses, business people and volunteers who believe in helping…

These days there’s so much anger and negativity in politics. People on all sides are feeling discouraged and disgusted by what’s happening in our country.

I’ve discovered an antidote to the negativity. Ironically, the solution isn’t to stay out of politics, it’s to get more involved. The trick is to be involved in something you believe in. For me, that’s the campaign of Erin Herbig for State Senate in Waldo County.

Erin is a remarkable person – smart, energetic, caring, and…

I have known Jayne Crosby Giles for many years and I believe she is an excellent candidate for the Maine Senate seat that is being vacated by Senator Mike Thibodeau of Winterport.  Jayne understands the needs of hardworking Maine families.  She is caring, fair and responsive.  She visited with my husband and me at our home this summer.…

AUGUSTA – Absentee ballots for the Nov. 6, 2018 General and Referendum Election are available to request through this Thursday, Nov. 1, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap reminded voters today.

Any registered Maine voter may choose to vote absentee, either via mail or in person at their town hall prior to Election Day. Voters do not need to provide a reason to vote absentee. Voters can request an absentee ballot by completing and submitting their request form online at…

ROCKPORT — It’s showtime (again) for the future of the Rockport Public Library, a town library with a 32,000-book collection that is currently and temporally housed in a former book publisher’s office space on Route 1. If voters approve a $1.5 million proposal to borrow money then the construction of a new $3.5 million library will begin, with the help of $2 million-plus of private donations.

On Nov. 6, Rockport voters will consider three warrant articles at the polls, along with the…

Voters in Rockport are going to the polls this November 6 to cast their votes on the proposal to build a new Public Library.  As the day approaches, here are six facts to consider in making an informed decision: 

• The total cost to the Rockport taxpayer is $1.5 million, not $3.5 million.
  • While the cost to construct the library is estimated to be a…

From gubernatorial candidate Alan Caron, Oct. 29:

ROCKLAND — Rockland voters will be met with four municipal referendum advisory questions pertaining to marijuana when visiting the polls for the November election. 

Advisory questions are defined by Ballotpedia.org as “a type of ballot measure in which citizens vote on a non-binding question.” The website notes advisory questions “will not result in a new, changed or rejected law…

VINALHAVEN — When Vinalhaven voters head to the polls Nov. 6 they will encounter a municipal warrant on improving the playground located at the Vinalhaven School. 

The question states: “Do you favor authorizing the School Board of Maine School Administrative District No. 8 to issue bonds or notes in the name of this District in an amount not to exceed $157,929 to fund a portion of the costs of the playground improvement project (the ‘Playground Project’)?”

Vinalhaven voters may…

BELFAST — It was a packed house at the Crosby Center for the Community Addiction and Mental health Solutions hosted debate between candidates for Waldo County Sheriff and District Attorney in prosecutorial District Six. That includes Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc counties.

The event, which took place Oct. 24, was standing room only after over 100 people claimed the seats filling the room. While originally…

As a seventh-generation Mainer, I feel fortunate to live in my home state, raising a family and enjoying the beauty and sense of place that our corner of Maine has to offer. I can’t imagine my life elsewhere.

But many of the kids I went to school with have left Maine, with no intention of returning – they feel they can secure better jobs, better infrastructure, and better schools in other states. For them, the Maine they grew up in just doesn’t add up.

Fortunately for families…

I have watched as Angus King has received criticism from both the political left and right. Progressives argue that King should do nothing but obstruct the current Republican administration. Hardline conservatives accuse the Senator of falling in line with the Democrats.

Nonetheless, King commands the support of  the many common sense Maine voters who sit in the moderate center of the political spectrum. Maine people understand that progress doesn’t come from polarization. Moderates…

To me, Question 1 on the November 6 Referendum is a  well-intended proposal for improving in-home care and the working conditions and pay for those who provide it here in Maine.

My household uses home care services and Question 1 sounds very much needed.  I won’t vote in favor of it, though, because it seems poorly thought through, overall. Particularly and especially, the proposal does not provide a good plan for the management and oversight of  “Universal Home Care for Seniors and…

THOMASTON — Thomaston voters will be voting on seven referendum questions on their municipal ballots in the November elections with the highlight question being whether the town should move its offices to the Lura Libby School building. 

A note voters should keep in mind is though Article 2 and 3 are related, they do not have to both pass for progress to be made. Thomaston town attorney Paul Gibbons noted at an Aug. 27 Select Board meeting that if Article 2 passed but voters rejected…

As Mainers, we recognize the value of hard work, education, and self-sacrifice for our children.  We work hard with each other, every day, more often than not, laboring from dusk until dawn.  We respect each other, we listen, and we care.  No matter what differences we may have, we come together when needed.

My name is Justin Thompson.  I’m writing you because I’m running for local House District Seat 92, and I need your support.  I’d like to share with you some things about myself,…

Re-Elect Owen Casas to Maine House of Representatives!

This year I celebrate 50 years of being able to vote. Back in 1968, when I cast my first ballot, I voted for Republicans in some races, Democrats in others. And I’ve done that ever since. This year I’m wholeheartedly supporting Janet Mills for governor—partly because I am impressed by her record and experience, and partly because I share her values. But there is something equally important to me: her character. Janet Mills is fearless. She is a person of sterling integrity. She is level-…