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

Ellie Daniels and Jim Merkel announced Oct. 1 their write-in campaigns for seats on the Belfast City Council. They will hold a press conference Friday, October 5, at noon in front of Belfast City Hall, Church Street entrance. All media interests are invited to attend.

Long-time Belfast resident Daniels will be challenging incumbent Mary Mortier in Ward 1. Daniels is owner of the Green Store on Main Street, and a retired nurse midwife. She served six years on the School Administrative…

Having served four consecutive terms in the Maine Legislature from 2008-2016 representing several towns in Knox County, I’d like to share some insights on the upcoming election.

First of all, I’m very concerned about how divided we are as a society. Our best and most positive results come from working together, not against each other.

Each election offers us a new chance to get informed and make the best possible choices about who can best represent us at every level of…

Jeffrey Evangelos, I-Friendship: I attended the University of Maine at Orono and graduated in 1974 with a Masters Degree in American History. I immediately went into public service, working for towns and schools. I served as Warren's Town Manager and then went on to become SAD 40's Business Administrator. I also operated a small business in Waldoboro for 20 years. In 2012, I was elected to the Maine House of Representatives and served 2 terms through 2016. I am an…

Ann Matlack, D-St. George: I moved to Maine more than 40 years ago to attend the University of Maine and I have lived here practically ever since. I have been a resident of St. George for more than 25 years. Over those years, I have been involved in a variety of boards, committees and volunteer efforts for St. George and Knox County: I coached soccer and participated on the St. George Recreation Committee; served two terms on the former MSAD 50 School Board, 10 years on the…

Erin Herbig, D-Belfast: I am a proud fifth generation resident of Waldo County and I’m dedicated to making working and living in Maine easier for students, families and our seniors.

I first ran for office because I saw too many people leaving Maine for better jobs out of state because they couldn’t find work they needed to be able to stay here and raise a family. I am now about to complete my eighth year as a legislator, having consistently fought…

In an era of unprecedented partisan rancor, Mainers need a calm, respectful voice in Washington willing to speak plainly and frankly about what’s in Maine’s—and the nation’s—best interest.

Angus King is providing that voice in the U.S. Senate. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, for example, Senator King is working diligently to understand and defend against foreign interference in America’s elections through covert social media campaigns and other “active measures.” Senator…

I grew up in a small split-level house a mile from what was then Schaefer Stadium. Believe it or not, the area was rural then and we could walk on old carriage roads through the woods to watch the Pats play – no tickets necessary!  I made extra money babysitting for some of the players’ kids and worked as a lifeguard at our town pond in the summer.  Our family spent a lot of time in Vermont, where my…

ROCKLAND – The candidate names and advisory questions for the Rockland ballot, November 6, have been determined.

Candidates had until Monday, Sept. 24, to submit paperwork.

Below is the list of those candidates and advisory questions.

City Council (3-year term, 1 seat)

Harold D. Hayward, Jr.

162 North Main Street

Benjamin A. Dorr

45 James Street

Brandy E. Perkins

10 Marks Lane…

I have known Erin Herbig for over a decade.  We worked together at a local restaurant when she came back to Belfast from college to be a part of our hometown community.  She, like myself, was born and raised here, and has deep family roots in Waldo County.  I, like her, also came back to my home after college to work locally and eventually open my own business.  For the last eight years Erin has been working hard for us in the Maine House of Representatives.  I personally have felt the…

Pinny Beebe-Center, D-Rockland, is seeking reelection to the House seat that represents Owls Head and Rockland in the Maine Legislature.

I bought my house in Rockland in 1980. I worked for the State, Departments of Education and Transportation for a number of years and ran a consulting business at the same time. My work at the state was as a change agent: electronically making educational resources available to Maine schools, and decentralizing mainframe computers…

Jonathan Liberman, R- West Bath: I grew up in Bath and I currently live in West Bath with my wife and our two children.  My wife owns and operates a construction company in Edgecomb.  I began prosecuting cases while I was still at Maine Law, where I was a student prosecutor with the Cumberland County DA's Office.  I successfully tried my first case to a jury and successfully argued my first case to the Maine Supreme Court before I graduated law school. 

After law…

I write this letter in support of Paula Sutton as I think she has been an effective legislator in Augusta for the people of Warren, Appleton, Hope and East Union. 

I think she shows a diverse and extensive business background, which coupled with her volunteer experience, gives her a unique perspective and viewpoint. Paula understands the daily challenges that my wife and I face running our business while empathizing with the needs and…

As a small child, I was blessed with a wonderful role model of inclusiveness and collaboration.  From my earliest memories, Jayne always included me in her adventures and fun, even when it was hard for me to keep up with her and her older friends.  And when our younger sister arrived, Karen was included, too. Over the years I realized it wasn’t just me or Karen that she was including. Jayne’s outlook has always been- the more the merrier and the more differences in ideas and…

Full disclosure:  I’m voting for Vicki because she is the best candidate and because I am a Democrat and believe in our party’s agenda and mission.  

When I read Rep. Casas’ piece about why he’s an Independent and how being an Independent makes him more effective, I had to speak out.  In my eight years in the state legislature (2008-2016) I worked closely…

Over the past eight years, Waldo County has been fortunate to have a state senator who is experienced, level-headed, and responsive to the people he represents back home. Term limits prevent Senate President Mike Thibodeau from running again, but fortunately, we have another proven leader ready to step in.

Jayne Crosby Giles’ impressive track record will make her ready on Day One to be an effective leader for the people of Waldo County.

Jayne is one of us, having been born and…

As a recent transplant to Union, Maine, there has been much for me to learn about the election process. In my first two years here, I have experienced town hall meetings, referendums, a caucus and ranked choice voting – all new to me.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet the Independent candidate for Maine House District 95, Bill Pluecker.  I was impressed with the way he connected to the people in the room – listening intently and responding with comments that indicated he heard…

President Trump’s choices are constant reminders that his “pro-life” agenda really isn’t.   Every week he announces a new set of environmentally destructive proposals, and this past week he proposed weakening standards on two chemicals that significantly affect environmental health.  

One is on mercury, long known to be dangerous to human health, especially during pregnancy.…

 I want to thank Senator Angus King for his continuing advocacy for people with preexisting health conditions.

Four years ago, my granddaughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a horrific and unpredictable disease that places enormous burdens on her and her family from which there is no reprieve. Just to exist, she requires insulin deliveries, pump changes, medicine and immense amounts of very expensive medical technology. The current attack in Congress on pre-existing conditions…

To the Editor:

I urge voters in Senate District 12 to return Dave Miramant to the Maine Senate where he can continue building on the successes of his previous terms. He worked to expand Medicaid. He favors the minimum wage raise that voters approved in 2016. Further, he believes the voters’ will should be honored and not be interfered with by the legislature. Dave works to bring good-paying jobs to Knox County by supporting alternative energy sources, by fighting to keep our land, air…

I am supporting Jan Dodge for House District 97 (Belfast, Waldo and Northport) because she is a strong advocate for education and health care for all. 

Jan has been a frequent voice in Augusta advocating for improving public education.

Jan is already known in the State House because of her years of experience working on the Maine Education Association Governmental Relations Committee. She can reach across the aisle to pass legislation to benefit the children of Maine.

…

Jan Dodge has my vote for the Maine House of Representatives from Belfast, Waldo, and Northport.

I have experienced Jan’s vitality in more than one community organization, and have found her a powerful force for getting things done. She is organized, she goes the extra mile to complete the tasks she sets out for herself, and she knows how to cooperate with others to accomplish big goals. Beyond this, I have found her to be a leader who inspires others.

Whether cleaning up after…

I find the current state of our political discourse/climate, both nationally and at the state level, so disheartening, and sometimes frightful. So, it should come as no surprise that I sensed real hope for positive change in Augusta when I met the energetic, positive, and talented Erin Herbig. 

She hails from a hard-working business (Republican) family (as do mine). She also comes with a breadth of both public-service and practical experience, and a strong dose of common sense, adding…

Since becoming District Attorney in Waldo County, I have been extremely lucky to work with the Waldo County Sheriff Jeff Trafton.  I have consistently been impressed as I work with him and as I learn more about him.  I'll start by describing his background, because it shows volumes about what a great person he is and his true commitment to service of others.  

Jeff has a long impressive record of service to this country and to this community.  He joined the Marines…

 A few years ago I was campaigning, working very hard to win the seat for District 96 (Belmont, Lincolnville, Liberty, Morrill, Montville, Searsmont and Palermo) in Waldo County.  Now, two candidates  are running for my old seat.  One candidate I know is wandering throughout our towns, knocking on doors and meeting you, the voters of our district- that’s Stanley Paige Zeigler.  This is important.  As a Legislator you must have the pulse of the people of your district.  Coming to your door is…

The Maine People's Alliance released its annual legislative scorecard, highlighting votes taken by lawmakers in the second session of the 128th Legislature.

For the first time ever, the scorecard includes a second, separate "Will of the Voters" score which compiles votes from across the entire 128th legislative session to indicate whether legislators…

The Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) invites all interested voters to talk informally with local candidates over coffee and baked goods, nearly every Saturday morning into October, 10-11 a.m.

In July, two meetings are confirmed at the LCDC Campaign Office in the Overlook Building at 521 Main Street in Damariscotta, across the street from Round Top Ice Cream in the space formerly occupied by Spectrum Generations.

Mick Devin of Newcastle, a candidate for reelection,…

Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund, which helps elect pro-environment candidates to public office, was joined by supporters along the banks of the Kennebec River today to announce its endorsement of Janet Mills for Governor. 

“Janet knows that a healthy Maine environment is essential to our economy and way of life,” said Maureen Drouin, Executive Director of Maine Conservation Voters, in a news release. The group had announced its endorsement at an Augusta press conference June 26…

ROCKPORT — Rockport citizens voted to approve all of the 22 warrant articles at the 2018 annual Town Meeting June 13 at the Rockport Opera House.

Moderator Robert Duke led the proceedings, with approximately 30 residents in attendance, about half of the turnout from last year. Owen Casas, who was participating in his final Select Board meeting, replaced Chairman Ken…

Thomaston reported the following June 12 election returns on its municipal ballot.

Select Board, three year term

Beverly St. Clair: 342 votes

Gregory Hamlin: 170 votes 

…

On election day, June 12, Warren voters visited the polls and passed the school budget referendum and elected school board director, select board and sanitary district representatives.

RSU 40 School Budget Referendum

Yes: 443

…

A field of four Democratic candidates are vying to represent the party in the Second Congressional District. Here is how Waldo County towns voted.

St. George voters approved all four ordinances on the town’s ballot.

MSU Vote: Voters approved the 2018-2019 St. George Municipal School Unit budget adopted at the budget meeting on May 22.

Yes-636, No-89, Blank-35

RSU 13, comprising K-12 public schools in Cushing, Rockland, Owls Head, South Thomaston and Thomaston, passed a $29,035,000 budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year in the individual town elections June 12. The budget was approved by all member towns by 2,187 to 778. 

The budget was adopted on May 24 at the RSU budget meeting and approved by the voters in attendance at the…

ROCKPORT — Unofficial votes have been tallied in Rockport, and the new Select Board members are Debra Hall and Jeff Hamilton.

Three candidates competed for two open seats on the Select Board that had been occupied by Owen Casas and Ken McKinley.

McKinley chose to run for a one-year open seat vacated last winter by former Select Board member Tom Gray. He handily won that uncontested seat June 12.

The other three candidates received the following votes.

John…

As the voting results from Knox and Waldo county towns are released, we will post them here. The Democratic candidates for governor include:

Adam Cote

Donna Dion

Mark Dion

Mark Eves

Janet Mills

Diane Russell

Elizabeth Sweet

Knox County

Here are the results of the June 2018 state referendum as they roll in from municipalities in Knox and Waldo counties.

Question 1:  Do you want to reject the parts of a new law that would delay the use of ranked-choice voting in the election of candidates for any state or federal office until 2022, and then retain the method only if the constitution is amended by December 1, 2021, to allow ranked-choice voting for candidates in state elections?…

As the municipalities report their voting results for Republican governor primary race, candidate Shawn Moody takes the initial lead in Knox and Waldo counties.

The candidates on the ballot are:

Kenneth Fredette

Garrett Mason

Mary Mayhew

Shawn Moody

The Maine Secretary of State issued the following information about the only state referendum on the June 12, 21018 ballot.

INTENT AND CONTENT

 This referendum asks whether Maine voters want to reject those portions of legislation that would delay implementation of ranked-choice voting in state and federal elections (including primaries) until…

My name is Michael Johnson, and I'm hoping to be nominated to the Lincolnville Central School committee.  This privilege would be my second opportunity to serve on the board, and I again look forward to working with the existing committee members, Superintendent, and Principal.  I'm running for this committee because I sincerely enjoy the chance to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves, with the rewards of overcoming the inherent challenges directly contributing to what…

Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for the Rockport Select Board, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. The candidate responses are posted as they are returned, and are collected on the Pilot’s June Town Meeting/Elections…

Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate running for the Rockport Select Board, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. The candidate responses are posted as they are returned, and are collected on the Pilot’s June Town Meeting/Elections Resource Page.

1) Please provide a concise biography of yourself, including where you grew up, schooling and…

When I met Erin Herbig eight years ago as a first time candidate, I appreciated her strong handshake and the determination I saw in her eye contact.  I was impressed with her intelligence, exuberance and enthusiasm for public office.

As these qualities flourished, new ones emerged as her experience and expertise grew in her role as representative.  She is now Majority Leader and it is evident how strongly she supports …

“ I’m With Jayne”  Crosby Giles for Maine House of Representatives.  Jayne comes from a family that gives back to the community.  She served us well as a Representative from 2006-2010, using her vast knowledge of how government works, how business works, and with an attitude of  enriching the lives of ALL Waldo County people.  

 

Her life experience as a banker serving low income families has given her a perspective of the…

As an early childhood educator and mother of a three-year-old child, it is important to me that we have a powerful advocate for accessible education for our youngest residents and to support our young and working families.

I believe that Jayne Crosby Giles is that person for Waldo County. Options for quality care and schooling for children under three are extremely limited in Waldo County — at our school, we get inquiries from new families daily — and making early…

“All politics are local.”  The words of past House Speaker Tip O’Neill took on new meaning for me recently when I visited a class of fourth graders studying Dr. Seuss. As a guest reader, I shared my favorite Cat in the Hat stories.  When I finished and was ready to leave, their teacher asked the students to thank me. As they did, one very quiet boy asked me, “Why are we thanking you for leaving – shouldn’t we be asking you to stay?” 

I have had many “ah-ha”…

ROCKPORT — On June 12, voters in Rockport will choose two new select board members from a field of three candidates. If you missed the May 16 Rockport Select Board candidates’ forum, where four candidates explained their positions on various municipal issues, click here to watch the May 16…

We are writing to urge all Democrats to vote in the June 12 primary for Jared Golden to be the candidate to represent the Second District in Congress. From watching his convention speech and from meeting him in person, we’re convinced that he’s the best choice.

Golden was a staffer on the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee. He enlisted in the US Marines after 9/11 and…