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

I am wholeheartedly supporting Erin Herbig in her bid for the Waldo County Senate seat because she has dedicated her efforts in the Maine Legislature to enhance the lives of her Waldo County constituents in the areas where it is most needed - lowering property taxes by supporting the voter-approved 55 percent revenue sharing for schools; supporting local businesses by launching her Waldo County Works business tour to listen to owners’ needs, including my own business; and establishing a…

Advocate. Problem-solver. Jayne Crosby Giles is the Maine Senate candidate we need to represent us and seek solutions for the challenges we face in Waldo County.

Many years ago, Jayne asked me to join her for dinner.  Upon arriving, I quickly realized that she had more than dinner in mind.  Jayne asked if I had established credit in my name. With serious concern, she explained that she’d been working with women who, suddenly widowed or divorced, were struggling to establish credit…

I wanted to write in support of Vicki Doudera for state representative for Camden, Rockport and Islesboro.

Vicki is a conduit of energy on many issues pressing our beautiful state; from protecting Maine's environmental legacy to creating new jobs and bettering educational opportunities for all Mainers. As a young person calling this state home I am particularly drawn to Vicki's platform because of her respect for issues prevalent to my generation such as student loans, affordable rent…

The 28,200 square foot middle school on Knowlton Street in Camden was designed in 1925 by the highly regarded architecture firm of Bunker and Savage of Augusta and falls under the jurisdiction of the Camden-Rockport School Administrative District 28. It was renamed after Mary E. Taylor in 1957, who had served as the school’s principal from 1916-1953. Adaptive use of this building, a key community asset, should be the default, and demolition the last resort.

The Mary E. Taylor School…

We here in the Camden Hills are so well aware of our natural beauties, the harbors and the Bay, the mountains and farmlands, and an amazing collection of fine structures and architecture. And though the natural and built environment brings the tourists to help pay for this, it is the community, the ambiance and the education system and facilities are what bring the folks and families to live. This has historically been the experience; families have moved here for the schools since the early…

UNION — Voters in Union will see one municipal warrant at the November polls with the lone municipal question pertaining to whether agency liquor stores should be allowed to operate within the town Mondays through Saturdays. 

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

The State of Maine…

 As a young man growing up in the great State of Maine, I can say one thing about the people who live here. We know exactly what is best for the people of Maine, because we are individual in our actions and thoughts. Here in Maine we are kind, and we are caring.  Bruce Poliquin represents Maine in Washington, D.C ,as our Second District Congressman, and I think he is doing a wicked good job not only representing the people of Maine, but representing the very qualities I just mentioned.

As a public school student of the fifties and sixties, with a keen interest in history, I remember feeling a deep admiration for the Enlightenment, and the creation of the American republic, that was in large part based on the Enlightenment's ideals. I viewed our democracy as a novel and noble endeavor in self governance, never before attempted in the course of human events. 

I absorbed from my World War II prisoner-of-war father, a patriotism, based not in nationalism and militarism…

Dear Editor

I am writing for you to support Paula Sutton for  House District 95 which includes Warren, Hope, Appleton and Union. I support Paula 100 percent but I can not  vote for her because I live in Washington state.

Paula and I have been Pen Pals since we were in 5th grade. While we were growing up, Paula worked hard at her family business. As an adult, she worked hard running her restaurant, fixing up houses to turn around and sell and helping her husband with the lobster…

A Yes vote for the MET project seems like an easy decision, it fills an immediate need, it makes financial sense, and it saves a piece of the history and fabric of our community.

The Need

The administrative offices and the Zenith program have grown out of the Bus Barn space and both groups need and deserve dedicated space.  The school board has been looking to solve this problem for many years (including an RFP for 13,…

Educate Maine, a business-led education organization, supports both Questions 4 and 5 on the November ballot.  We see these historic bonds for the University of Maine System (Question 4) and the Maine Community College System (Question 5) as much needed investment in our workforce and our economy. We need more people in the workforce and they need the skills in demand by Maine employers.  A high school diploma is no longer enough.  Maine people need something additional that connects them to…

I’m writing in support of the reelection campaign of State Representative Stanley Paige Zeigler. Unfortunately, I can’t vote for him myself, because I don’t live in his district, the 96th. However, I’m proud to have been a friend of his for two decades, and I’d trust him with my life. More to the point, I trust him to work selflessly with other legislators for the benefit of all Mainers, just as he has in his first term.

Paige stands for affordable health care for all, beginning with…

All politics is local for Janet Mills. She knows that as Governor of Maine she must be involved at the community level throughout our state, that she must know all of our needs, and understand our problems; that she must create opportunities and jobs, reduce health care costs, ensure adequate funding for public schools, and fight to solve the opioid crisis. Janet has accepted this tall order and welcomes the challenge. She has the experience and drive to make it happen.

I speak for…

 Election time is often when we start hearing about growing the economy. We have heard this for years. The economy has become a creature that we are obsessed with. We are always hearing the mantra that  we must “grow the economy”.

Speaking of it in these terms makes it sound like a living thing. In a sense, it is a kind of creature that we keep feeding in the false belief that this is good for everyone.  So we must consume more and we do so at an ever increasing rate. We buy things we…

I’m voting to send Jayne Crosby Giles to represent me in Augusta in the State Senate.  I’ve come to know Jayne through her volunteer work but what impresses me is Jayne’s work experience helping small business, which are the backbone of the economy in rural Maine.  They need help with access to credit and finding workers with the right skills. Jayne understands the needs of small businesses – she’s worked successfully in that arena for 30-some years (plus she’s married to a small business…

My name is John Spear and I urge you to join me in voting this November 6 for Ann Matlack for State Representative from District 92. 

I'll be voting for Ann as I'm confident that when Ann takes her seat in the Maine House she will cast her votes, in reality your votes, in support of Maine families.

I'm confident that Ann will vote to support public education and our dedicated educators.  

I'm confident that Ann will vote to support efforts to curtail the opioid epidemic…

The people of Waldo County need someone who will represent all of us back home, not just those from their own political party. That’s why I am proud to support my friend and colleague, Jayne Crosby Giles, for Maine Senate to represent Waldo County.

Jayne has served in the Maine Legislature before and was a member of the Appropriations Committee which is responsible for writing the state budget. During her time in office, she always demonstrated an ability and willingness to work with…

Those of us who are lucky enough to earn enough money to support our families and ourselves, are usually responsible enough to have a roof over our heads. And under that roof is usually a mattress to provide comfort and security. Those of us who are lucky enough to have extra money but lack foresight, stash it under the mattress and watch its value erode due to inflation. But those of us who are lucky and forward thinking choose to put that money to work for our futures. We invest in…

When I cast my vote next month for city councilor, it will be for Mary Mortier.  I can’t think of anyone who takes her responsibilities as a councilor any more seriously than Mary does. 
 
Mary and I have known each other for over eighteen years as members of the Belfast Rotary club.  She is known for her attention to detail, her organizational skills and her leadership skills.  She uses those skills as a councilor as well.  She researches the issues and bases her votes on what is…

It continues to be our pleasure to offer our support and ask for your vote for William (Bill) Sneed as he seeks the position of Waldo County Treasurer.

William (Bill) Sneed knows and understands the budget of Waldo County inside and out, being a selectman in his town of Prospect for many years.  He served as a County Budget Committee Member for 20-plus years, more than half of that as its Chairman.  …

Although a lifelong Republican I wholeheartedly support Erin Herbig to represent Waldo County in the State Senate. Before I retired as the director of the Maine State Library I was aware of Erin’s reputation as an effective leader in the House. After retirement I wrote to her about care for the severely disabled as I am the guardian for a relative in that situation.   Although I was not a constituent, Erin promptly responded to me, and we later met on this issue.  I was so impressed with her…

I am writing in support of Jayne Crosby Giles to be our next State Senator from Waldo County.

One of the big differences between Jayne and her opponent is a lifetime of real world experience.

Jayne has been a businesswoman, banker,an award-winning small business lender, and a nonprofit leader who found help for people facing the loss of their home during the Great Recession.

She is an active community volunteer working with and serving on the boards of a host of…

Although I will not be eligible to vote in Rockport on election day next month, I want to express my disappointment in the manner our town officials have handled the issue of locating a replacement for our beloved village library.  

The divisiveness in the community speaks to a concern I have held for years: Rockport has five distinct “districts”: The Village easterly of Rt. 1; Glen Cove, southerly of the village; Rockville, westerly of Glen…

One of the many reasons I will be voting for Senator Dave Miramant again this November 6 is because I know firsthand that he cares all year round. I've noticed in the past that some candidates seem to only care and talk to me around the election season. With Dave that is not the case, and his caring extends beyond party politics and policy.

I remember one time in a bad winter storm when the tires on my car were nearly bald and I didn't have the money for fancy new tires. I was worried…

Many voters may choose to make the upcoming election a referendum on Donald Trump, whether about his persona or his record, though mid-term elections are at least as much about state and local issues as they are about the state of the nation, and this election is no exception.

The vote for Governor is, in essence, a referendum on the last eight years of Paul LePage’s agenda to get the state out of debt and address the serious challenges to future economic growth and prosperity. In…

When we find a person that draws us together, we should cast aside party politics, and be thankful that we’ll have an open ear in Augusta.  Justin Thompson is this man, and he’s running for our local Maine House District 92. I think we must consider ourselves fortunate that there’s someone who is willing to serve only us, and not special interests.  Someone who understands the issues that directly impact the area we live in, because they too work with them…

To The Editor:

I was disappointed to read that my State Representative, Paula Sutton, will not be voting in favor of the bond issue to improve the educational programs at all seven Maine community colleges.

As a life-long teacher and educator, as well as a father of a former community college student, I have experienced first hand the value of the high quality, low cost education and training available through the Maine Community College System. These institutions provide a…

To the Editor: 

It has been a busy year for the League of Women Voters (LWV), Midcoast. LWV is a grassroots organization of women and men that encourages informed and active participation in government.  We do not support or oppose any candidates for office or political parties. We work to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy. The League has been doing this for almost 100 years and we are proud to be a part of…

Dear Editor,

I am voting for Paula Sutton to represent me in District 95.

I think her extensive knowledge of our coastal fisheries economy; her business experience and her mid-state heritage are strong advantages.  Yet, Paula excels in the contact her constituents have with her. She truly acts as their Representative to Augusta, being always mindful of their freedoms, liberties and livelihoods.  

Sadly, many representatives are traveling down the sewer to socialism. I’ll…

ROCKLAND — Three candidates, Benjamin Dorr, Harold Dale Hayward, Jr., and Brandy Perkins, are competing for one seat on the Rockland City Council. In an effort to better understand their goals and philosophies, Penobscot Bay Pilot sent them all a list of the same questions via email. What follows are their individual responses, as they have returned them.  

I am 38 years old.  I live in Rockland in a house I purchased…

I’ve known Vicki Doudera for about 10 years and I was thrilled when I first found out that she had intentions of running for our state representative.  Vicki is committed to representing everyone.  She’s compassionate and one of the best listeners and communicators that I know. She will keep us well informed as to what is happening in Augusta,  Vicki is focused on what is important in people’s lives and deeply cares about our community.
 
Susan Brooks Kanellakis lives in Camden…

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has become aware of reports that some overseas voters are unable to access their state’s online voter registration and election systems. This is primarily due to states blocking web traffic from foreign countries in an effort to increase the cybersecurity of their online systems.

Since the General Election on Nov. 6 is less than 30 days away, FVAP encourages overseas voters to return their voted ballot now. If the state website to register…

Do we want to invest in a new library on land that is inaccessible to the majority of residents?  One that will not meet space needs for larger programs?  One  that adds to traffic congestion and serious parking issues?  One  that cannot be sufficiently expanded over decades, forcing residents to face this contentious issue again?

Do we want to lose green space in Memorial Park in exchange for asphalt and dangerous angled parking that could result in liability issues for the town?…

Camden voters have the opportunity to take a step toward reducing the impact of plastic on our environment by supporting a proposed single-use bag ordinance on the November ballot.  In order to encourage the use of reusable bags, the mandate bans plastic take-out bags at all retail stores and places a 10-cent fee on paper bags at food stores.  Fourteen Maine towns already have already enacted similar initiatives.  As a Rockport resident, I appreciate the consideration given by my Camden and…

Paula Sutton said the following in a debate with Dave Miramant: “I can go to the movies, buy fancy new clothes and a 12-pack or I can save for a yearly physical. I know what I would do, yet others choose differently; and asking anyone to subsidize their choices is not right. The message it sends is that the government will take care of you. Healthcare starts at home, not in Augusta."

Ms. Sutton apparently has a very low opinion of you, the voter. 

- You think that sharp clothes…

I enthusiastically support William “Bill” Pluecker for State Representative, serving Warren, Hope, Appleton, and Eastern Union.  I’ve known Bill for about 10 years.   He and his wife are hard working farmers, small business owners, and devoted parents.  Bill is active in his community and church, and also works as a substitute teacher in our local schools.…

Bill Pluecker will be a thoughtful member of Maine’s Legislature.  I have known Bill for many years and have witnessed the hard work he and his wife, Reba, have put in to establishing a viable organic vegetable farm and micro-dairy. Their farm has been loved and supported by it’s members for many years. They have faith in Bill and Reba’s decision making and farming ability and invest in their farm every year through their farm share program.  

My position as the Maine Organic…

Maine voters will see several proposals on their state ballot Nov. 6 including four bond issues.

One of those bond issues, appearing as Question 5 on the statewide ballot, would provide $15 million, if approved, to “improve educational programs by upgrading facilities at all 7 of Maine's community colleges in order to provide Maine people with access to high-skill, low-cost technical and career education.” 

…

On November 6 citizens in Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro will decide who will go to Augusta to represent our community. I want to share my personal experience with our current Representative, Owen Casas.

As the mother of an adult child with autism and significant developmental challenges, I have worked tirelessly to provide the best care and services for my son. I am not only my son’s parent but also a well-educated, strong, and passionate advocate. Although I greatly appreciate our…

Steady and level. Pinny Beebe-Center is able to identify how compassionate and collaborative legislation can be written to pull together the divisions we often see in government.  She keeps her eyes and ears open and patiently and kindly stays focused on legislation that will have the biggest positive impact on working families, elderly and children for safe and healthy lives.  

I know Pinny as a…

At the polls this November, Rockport residents are being asked to commit to funding a new library building. A “yes” vote would endorse the currently proposed two-story design.

I am a strong supporter of our town’s library. However, I will be voting “N0” on the library ballot questions, for numerous reasons.

As an architect, I have reviewed the various designs presented to the Town, by the three architects to try their hand so far. None of these have proven to be right for…

Vicki Doudera is informed, engaged and dedicated, just what we need in the State House. We retired to Islesboro in 2003 after reading Vicki’s book, Moving To Maine, a comprehensive guide packed with the knowledge of what to be prepared for when moving to a state, or an island even, that has it’s peculiarities to prepare for. The love of this state that Vicki wrote about sold us. Little did we know that the author of that book would become a good friend.

At a recent candidate…

My thoughts on health care are simple.  It takes healthy families, healthy communities, and healthy states to make a truly healthy country.  I am sure we all want that.

With 30 plus years in public education and working as a paramedic in our local towns, I have observed many sick, injured, and troubled people.  All wanted to be healthy and to feel well.   Our families, schools, churches, and communities do help.  But occasionally the healthcare system is needed.  No one should be left…

Your public school is a mirror of your community.  What do you want your community to look like?  Each classroom is a microcosm of society.  Lessons learned there serve us all , student and citizen alike.  As a public high school teacher for 30 years, I worked with students from all walks of life as they learned to value the strengths – and differences – of their classmates. In the classroom, on the sports field, in extra-curricular activities and student government, they worked together in…

10 REASONS TO VOTE YES ON SAD 28 DISTRICT REFERENDUM QUESTION 1, Mary E Taylor School:

A YES vote will preserve and modernize this Camden landmark and repurpose for another 100 years of life and service to our community.  Bond payments will not begin until the restoration works begins in 2020.

NO vote will tear down the MET – gone forever, added to landfill.

MET is a centerpiece of the character of Camden –…