ROCKPORT — Annual town meeting in Rockport June 11 reflected either significant confidence in town government, and a sad lack of civic participation — or both. In either case, town meeting and the turnout at the polls June 10 was light as 335 voters, or 12.9 percent of the town’s voting body, actually made their way to the booth.

And in 30 minutes exactly, the 46 citizens who had convened at 7 p.m at the Rockport Opera House dispensed with municipal business, unanimously approving all the remaining articles on the 29-article 2014 annual Town Meeting warrant that they had not addressed the previous day at the polls. The biggest chunk of the evening concerned proposed spending for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. In total, voters, approximately 43 of them, including town staff, select board and citizens, approved a $4.8 million town budget.

After the meeting, the Select Board convened and elected Bill Chapman again to be chairman, and Charlton Ames as vice chairman.

Town Clerk Linda Greenlaw conducted the oath of office with four citizens — Chapman and Select Board member Geoffrey Parker, who were both reelected to their seats, running unopposed — and two budget committee members, Heaven Bartlett and Thomas Murphy.

Resident Alex Armentrout asked why general government costs of $1.12 million had increased 12.7 percent over the current year.

The response: mostly wage and benefits-related.

Armentrout also asked why the longterm debt of $88,158 had doubled over last year.

“The debt is down,” said financial director Virginia Lindsey. “Last year, it was $92,426.”

Armentrout said he stood corrected and sat down.

Another resident asked how the 7 percent interest rate had been set on delinquent taxes.

Lindsey said the state treasurer sets that rate every year.

Rockport election results, June 10, 2014

LOCAL

School Administrative District 28 School Budget
236 – Yes
53 – No

Five Town Community School District Budget
234 – Yes
83 – No

Five Town CSD and SAD 28 School Board member: Three-year Term (vote for one)
Faith Vautour – 262

Select Board (2 three-year terms)

William Chapman - 260
Geoffrey Parker  252

Library Committee: Three-year Term (vote for two)
Michelle Gabrielsen - 230
Stephanie Lash - 276 

Budget Committee: Three-year Term (vote for three)
Thomas Murphy - 248

Land use articles

Article 3
yes - 265
no - 41

Article 4
yes - 257
no - 49

Article 5
yes - 265
no - 44

Article 6
yes - 255
no - 51

Article 7
yes 246
no - 59

Article 8
yes - 262
no - 43 

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

U.S. Senator
Shenna Bellows – 116
Blank – 31

Governor
Michael H. Michaud – 128
Blank – 9

Representative to Congress (District 1)
Chellie Pingree – 144
Blank – 3

State Senator (District 12)
David R. Miramant – 126
Blank – 21

Representative to the Legislature (District 94)
Joan Welsh - 139
Blank - 8 

Judge of Probate
Blank – 147

Sheriff
Donna Dennison – 115
Blank – 32

District Attorney
David A. Sinclair – 105
Blank – 42

GREEN INDEPENDENT PRIMARY

U.S. Senator
Blank – 5

Governor
Blank – 5

Representative to Congress (District 1)
Blank – 5

State Senator (District 12)
Blank – 5

Representative to the Legislature (District 94)
Blank – 5

Judge of Probate
Blank –5

Sheriff
Blank – 5

District Attorney
Blank – 5

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

U.S. Senator
Susan M. Collins – 128
Erick Bennett – 0 (Declared Write-in)
Blank – 15

Governor
Paul R. LePage – 115
Blank – 29

Representative to Congress (District 1)
Isaac J. Misiuk – 106
Blank – 38

State Senator (District 12)
Paula G. Sutton – 120
Blank – 24

Representative to the Legislature (District 94)
Carole Gartley - 129
Blank – 5

Judge of Probate
Carol R. Emery – 127
Blank – 17

Sheriff
Blank – 144

District Attorney
Geoffrey Rushlau – 115
Blank – 29