Elections 2024: Candidates, referendums, local warrants

The Knox County Democratic Committee recently held its 18th Annual Lobster Bake under blue skies and a vibrant air of optimism and joy.

Over 230 guests were treated to a fantastic lobster dinner with all the trimmings, prepared and cooked by a dedicated and hardworking team of 35 volunteers.

Before sharing their insights and remarks, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Maine Sect. of State Bellows, and Maine Attorney General Frey were joined by state legislators Beebe-Center, Geiger,… Read more

As our election draws closer, I wanted to take the time to write a letter on behalf of Mike Ray, candidate for State Representative for Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, and Searsmont. I believe Mike will the best person to serve our communities as our District 40 representative in Augusta.

For the past several years Paige Zeigler has worked for our district as a concerned and active legislator. Often out in these communities, Paige was present for his… Read more

As a member of the RSU 22 school board, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Reagan Paul’s reelection to the Maine House of Representatives. In my role on the school board, I have seen firsthand the challenges our education system faces, and I believe Reagan is exactly the kind of leader we need to address these issues head-on.

Maine’s education ranking has recently fallen to 37th in the nation—a troubling sign that our students are not receiving the quality of education… Read more

Reading the national news as you sip your first cup can be enough to send you back to bed! Conflict and hardcore partisanship dominate the conversation. Don’t we deserve better from our federal representatives? While we may make calls or write letters, we wonder if our voices are heard. 

We have an opportunity here in Rockland to fare better than the national scene  by electing a City Councilor who values your voice and the importance of community. David Statman has invested in our… Read more

Stephen J. Hemenway, R-Northport, is seeking the House District 39 seat. The district comprises Belfast, Belmont and Northport. He is running against incumbent Janice Dodge, D-Belfast.

Please provide a short biography of yourself, and explain why you are running for office.

I’m Stephen J. Hemenway and I’m running for the office of Maine State House Representative for District 39: Northport, Belfast and Belmont. 

 I am a retired Deputy Sheriff of… Read more

Voting for change can be hard. Sometimes it is easier to stick with a familiar name or someone you know.

In House District 45, we have a chance to choose a new course by electing Jennifer Stone from Waldoboro to represent Bremen, Friendship, Louds Island, Waldoboro, and Washington.

I have spoken with Stone and feel like she understands how difficult it is for families right now. Whether it is the high cost of groceries, fuel, rentals, or the lack of health care at so many levels… Read more

Over two years ago a beautiful, bright young lady came to our home for a visit. Her name is Reagan Paul and she was running for representative of Maine District 37. Having been very much up on politics, I fired off many questions to see what her response would be. I was amazed then and continue to be so today on her ability to fully research a subject and sit down with anyone in her district to thoughtfully and factually discuss the issue.

It is particularly relevant at this time in… Read more

We are so fortunate to have Elise Brown as a member of the Liberty community.  She has served our community as a firefighter and an EMT and as our appointed Emergency Management Director for many years.  She is also part of our newly formed committee to decide on the future of our Walker Elementary School.  

Elise is the calm, competent, knowledgeable, kind, and steadfast person you want working along with you in any area.  I know she will bring all of that and more to the job of… Read more

District 37 voters face a clear choice between Scott Cuddy and the incumbent. Scott has a strong record from his four years in the Legislature, delivering meaningful results for his district. As a member of the Energy, Utilities, and Technology (EUT) Committee, he tackled complex technical issues with skill and commitment. Over his tenure, Scott sponsored 29 bills, focusing on protecting labor laws, reducing consumer costs, and strengthening the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (… Read more

As election season is upon us, we need to weigh our options and make a choice, not choose a side. Two strong factors in my decision making include finding a candidate who respects each and every individual and can see the way forward toward a bright future for everyone in our region.

The candidate I choose will not impose a belief structure but will embrace people from all walks of life and ideas from multiple perspectives. Scott Cuddy supports  a women’s right to make decisions that… Read more

Elections are about many things but are always about one thing. As James Carville’s saying goes, “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” That’s why I’m voting for Steve Ellis for State House Representative in District 38 ((Waldo, Knox, Thorndike, Unity, Brooks, Jackson, Swanville, Monroe and part of Frankfort). 

With Waldo County Hospital threatening to close its maternity ward and Mainers across the land struggling for health care, Steve’s promise to work toward universal coverage is vital to… Read more

For those who already know Gordon Page, you also know how fortunate we are to have him as our neighbor these past 25 years.  

He's the sort of respectful neighbor who always has a friendly word, who looks out for us all, whether it's by placing a courteous reminder to drivers that folks might be walking right around that bend, or offering to help re-hang public signage, downed by the last wind storm, or re-securing a toppled mail-box the snow plow bumped.  He's available for open-… Read more

In a Sept. 24 news release, Rockland City Council member Nicole Kalloch said she will run again for office.

“During my time on council and as Mayor, I am proud to have worked with my fellow councilors and our hardworking city staff to strengthen Rockland’s future and to increase economic opportunity for all Rockland residents, while protecting city taxpayers, especially seniors and those in our community already facing hardship,” said  Kalloch, in the release. “Over the past few years… Read more

Steve Ellis, candidate for Maine House District 38 (Waldo, Knox, Thorndike, Unity, Brooks, Jackson, Swanville, Monroe and part of Frankfort) is responsive to the pressing needs of the people of Maine.

Our present state representative has proven himself insensitive to the problem of climate change. He was rated at a mere 17% for his environmental record by the Maine People's Alliance. Steve Ellis has been fully endorsed by that organization.

The climate situation is dire. In 2010… Read more

Chip Curry is running for re-election to the State Senate in District 11.  I strongly encourage voters to return him for another term. 

I got to know Chip when I volunteered to drive him as he canvassed in Waldo County. I had the opportunity to speak with him one on one, to hear some of his exchanges with voters.  I was struck by how carefully he listens. His caring commitment to the people of Maine, and his sincere desire to understand our concerns and hopes for Maine’s future made a… Read more

Does Rockland want a retired physics professor as a member of the City Council? 

David Statman is grounded in the practical aspects of life, food, housing, community connection, and healthy surroundings. I welcome David to this community and admire how quickly he has talked with so many people of different backgrounds during the past seven years he has owned a home here. 

He immediately got involved on the boards of AIO, The Good Tern Natural Foods Coop, is president of the… Read more

We are writing to urge our fellow residents of Maine Senate District 12 to re-elect our State Senator, Anne “Pinny” Beebe-Center. Senate District 12 includes Appleton, Camden, Cushing, Hope, Matinicus, North Haven, Owl's Head, Rockland, Rockport, South Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston, Union, Vinalhaven, and Warren.
 
Here's why Pinny deserves to be reelected:

Her Values-
Pinny's adult life has been driven by her desire to help others and to improve government programs… Read more

I'm happy to vote for Stephen J. Hemenway in November for District 39, which is Belfast, Belmont and Northport. 

As a parent of four grown kids its extremely important to me to know he believes that parents, not the government, know whats best for their child.

I've watched his dedication as he goes out everyday and talks to people to see what really matters to them. I know that he will work hard to represent us and the issues that we care about.

Having a background In… Read more

For those Rockland residents who have opposed many of the recent zoning changes made by Rockland’s City Council, Rhett Lamb’s retirement comes as a disappointment but not a surprise. Having met with Mr. Lamb several times during his tenure, his frustrations became clear in recent months as, in my opinion, he walked a fine line between what his professional training and… Read more

The order of referendum questions on the November 2024 General Election ballot has been determined through a public lottery held by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Deputy Secretary of State for Corporations, Elections and Commissions Julie Flynn.

Under Maine law, questions must be arranged in the following order: carry-over measures from a previous election; people's veto questions; initiated… Read more

Mike Ray is running for State Representative in District 40 (Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill and Searsmont).  I live in Lincolnville and have known Mike casually, as small town neighbors do, for many years.  However, during my involvement with Lincolnville Heart and Soul, and through other volunteer activities that we have shared, I have gotten to know him much better.  I am always appreciative of his friendly and approachable manner. … Read more

It is my pleasure to enthusiastically support Mr. Gordon Page for Knox County Commission District 3.

Gordon was literally the first individual to extend a memorable warm welcome to the Midcoast community, when he approached me at the Captain Lindsey House in Rockland, which hosted a Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours.

Because of our friendship, we ended up serving together on the chamber board for many years, including as President. 

His… Read more

How well do you know the U.S. Constitution? Political leaders often refer to one part or another, but what does it means for the average citizen? Join Merchant Marine and military veteran Thomas Hepp for a close study and lively discussion of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and other documents that became the foundation of U.S. governance. This course includes a look at how the founding fathers (and mothers) intended government to operate and what… Read more

I had the good fortune to meet Steve Ellis, a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives (District 38) on numerous occasions.  

Our initial contact was at a discussion meeting regarding democracy and the attendees were from diverse political backgrounds.  Steve listened intently, provided insightful comments and treated everyone with respect.  

I have also attended meetings where Steve spoke as a… Read more

I recently had the pleasure of working with a group of amazing individuals to fund raise for the Knox County Republican Committee.

Volunteers made potato salad, shredded cabbage for coleslaw, baked brownies, and a local merchant donated ice for our canned drinks displayed in a small skiff. Our tables were decorated with glass canning jars filled with wildflowers and stems of local blueberries.

We held the event in a “cleaned up” barn with a volunteer strumming tunes on a… Read more

I was delighted to learn that Elise Brown of Liberty wants to work for our community by running for County Commissioner. Elise has already been working for our community for over twenty five years as a foster and adoptive parent, a firefighter, an EMT, co-owner of an employee owned company, a restorative justice trained facilitator, and a steward of her home and property.  

Elise is a person of unusual capacities. She has a remarkable work ethic, is highly organized and can connect… Read more

We are thrilled to offer enthusiastic support for Jan Dodge’s reelection to House District 39, representing the communities of Belfast, Northport and Belmont. Jan holds deep understanding of and involvement in the issues and concerns of her constituents. She listens intently to what people say and responds thoughtfully to their input. No civil servant in our experience can match the level of energy or the work ethic that Jan brings to her job every single day.

If you believe in… Read more

2024 Waldo County candidates Ben Hymes, Steven Hemenway, Katrina Smith and Bob Meyer cut the ribbon at the August 17 opening of the Waldo County Republican 2024 Headquarters.

They invite the public in to visit at the office located in Belfast American Legion, 143 Church Street.

Enter from lower level at door across from Macleod’s Furniture 187 High St. Hours are Tues 10-2, Thurs 10-5, Sat 9-22. FMI:  Kristi Philbrook, Chair 323-8854

I’ll be among the excited voters in almost new Maine’s Waldo County House District 38 (Brooks, Knox, Jackson, Monroe, Swanville, Thorndike, Unity, Waldo, and western Frankfort) proudly casting my 2024 Presidential Ballot for Harris and Walz on November 5, and all down ballot candidates of my choice, especially in my District 38 House of Representatives, enthusiastically for Steve Ellis of Waldo. Here’s why, you might ask.

I first met Steve Ellis only a month or so… Read more

I have had the pleasure of knowing Elise for several years. She came to me while I was serving as the Waldo County Sheriff. Concerned about racial justice issues all across our country, she invited me and others to work with her to educate ourselves to be able to impact local racial justice issues right here in Waldo County.

Elise led us through very difficult meetings, discussions, and public events that resulted in myself and many others having a better understanding of how racial… Read more