Elections 2024: Candidates, referendums, local warrants
Voters will go to the polls Nov. 5, 2024 to vote for a president, Congressional delegates, state and local proposals, municipal amendments, and if they live in Belfast or Rockland, a roster of city councilors candidates. On this page, you will find profiles of candidates, information about ballot and warrant articles, where to vote, and when.
“Democracy is measured not by its leaders
doing extraordinary things,
but by its citizens doing things
extraordinarily well.”
—John Gardner
All quiet on the Thomaston Front
For two years now, Thomaston had huge turnouts at the polls and at last year’s town meeting. Why? Because the former Maine State Prison property, called “Thomaston Green,” was up for grabs. The June 14, 2023, Town Meeting violated fire safety regulations by allowing more than 300 people to cram into the Lura Libby room at the Town Office. Most left after the votes on the first 3 articles, which carved “Thomaston Green” up into 3 pieces: a park in perpetuity, a clinic, and a Fire/EMS station… Read more
Ask ourselves: Where the priority should lie?
There has been much commentary online and elsewhere about the various ordinance amendments voters are being asked to approve this year. Much has been said about the speed at which these amendments were written, the process taken and the potential impacts. Sadly, much of what has been said does not tell the whole story on multiple fronts. I write this mostly as a lifelong citizen of Camden, but also as member… Read more
Gordon Page to run for County Commissioner
The future of the former Gilford Butler School in South Thomaston
South Thomaston is on the cusp of receiving just over $3 million in federal and private grants to construct a modern library and community center at the site of the former Gilford Butler School. This new building is envisioned to be energy efficient and will include a large meeting room and kitchen. It will serve this town well for the next 50, perhaps 70, years. This is an incredible opportunity!
Saddened to have to check ‘No’ beside Camden Town Meeting Warrant Articles 8, 9, 10
Today I filled out my absentee ballot at the Camden Town Office, and it saddened me to have to check “NO” beside Articles 8, 9, 10 – the ordinance changes effectively banning new residential, commercial, and municipal piers in Camden Harbor.
I was disappointed to vote NO to the laundry list of restrictions contained in Articles 8, 9, 10 because in January 2023 the Camden Harbor Committee, of which I served as chairman, responded to a voter-approved temporary moratorium on new… Read more
Vote no on Camden Articles 5, 6 and 7: Or, how poor planning produced a bad warrant article
Months ago, the Camden Planning Board started investigating the issue of Short Term Rentals (STR) in Camden. They began with a statement of goals and concerns. The goal seemed to be to establish a set of regulations to mitigate their estimates of potential negative effects of STR. Their estimate of potential negative effects included:
Reduction of housing stock available for sale to potential long term residents
… Read moreDisappointed with Camden Select Board public hearing process
In early April, the Camden Select Board held a much anticipated public hearing on proposed short term rental regulations (STRs). That evening, the French Conference Room was packed with citizens, business owners, and townspeople from all walks—it was standing room only with folks even streaming outside onto the sidewalk and on Zoom.
This should have been a Select Board’s dream come true with an opportunity to dialog with an interested and engaged group of townsfolk, regarding an… Read more
Steve Migliorini for Union Select Board
My name is Steve Migliorini and I am a candidate for the two-year seat on Union’s Select Board. As a business owner for over 35 years, I understand the value of good leadership, and the importance of working as a team when it comes to problem solving and decision making. I have been able to apply this knowledge throughout my adult life while serving on numerous community-based boards and committees. I embrace the importance of being involved with my community and giving back.
I am… Read more
On the issues: Thomaston Select Board Candidate Kimberly Matthews
What happens when people talk to each other?
CARMA supports yes votes on Union and Warren mining ordinance amendments
On June 11, Warren and Union residents will be able to vote on ordinance changes that regulate and control metallic mineral mining in their towns. Before voting, there is important information about the history and substance of these issues of which voters should be aware.
In February 2023, Canadian mineral exploration company Exiro Minerals Corporation approached Warren and Union disclosing that it had acquired a lease on a Warren property near the shores of the pristine Crawford Pond… Read more
Rockport Voters deserve transparency and accuracy
Rockport voters will soon decide on a $52 million bond for our sewer system, and it's crucial that our decisions are based on accurate and comprehensive information. Unfortunately, the information provided by the Select Board through the Rockport Resource and other channels has proven to be both inaccurate and incomplete, raising serious concerns.
In a letter published in the Rockport Resource, the Select Board stated that only sewer users would be financially responsible for the… Read more
Denise Munger and Michelle Hannan are Rockport’s best option to lead
Rockport-Camden Wastewater Conundrum
I urge Rockport voters to vote No On Article 3, which would otherwise allow the Town to build a $52 million wastewater plant, and to vote Yes On Article 15, which appoints a task force to study the alternatives.
It’s important to note that the financial burden of a $52 million water treatment plant will fall solely on sewer users, and those who could be sewer users will all pay the same. This means less than half of the Town's population will be responsible for a debt of $52 million,… Read more
Why I’m Voting for Denise Munger
I am writing in support of Denise Munger for Rockport Select Board. She is one of the most dedicated and hard working select board members I have seen in my 30 years of living in Rockport. She thoroughly studies and researches the issues facing our community. She works hard to listen to all perspectives and to keep an open mind.
Denise is a “Yes” person. When something needs to be done she is the first person to raise her hand to say, “I’m happy to help with that”. Then she proceeds to… Read more
On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate Michelle Hannan
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are… Read more
All Rockport taxpayers will help fund expanded sewer system
At the May 27 Rockport Select Board meeting, several Rockport residents addressed the assertion that the town's proposed $52 million wastewater project would only be paid for by Rockport's sewer users.
This is false.
Every public building in Rockport that is connected to the sewer will be paying use fees and debt service related to the project, including the high school, elementary school, opera house, library, town offices, harbor building, and police & fire station. These… Read more
Two outstanding candidates for Camden Select Board: Stephanie French and Ken Gross
As a lifelong resident of Rockport and Camden, a third-generation owner of a Main Street business, and having been on multiple town committees over the years, I would like to share my views on the upcoming election of select board members.
After watching the Candidates’ Forum, it was clear to me that we are very fortunate to have two outstanding candidates: Stephanie French, who is running for re-election, and Ken Gross.
… Read moreRockport’s Select Board uses taxpayer money for political advocacy. Again.
By now, Rockport residents are used to seeing the Rockport Resource newsletter arrive in their mailboxes a few times each year. Launched in 2020, the stated intention of the taxpayer-funded bulletin was to provide updates and useful information to town residents.
Increasingly, though, it has become a means for the town’s Select Board to lobby its own voters—at taxpayer expense — to adopt policies that the Board favors. Simply put, the Rockport Resource has essentially become taxpayer… Read more
Please vote no on Article 3
Article 3 on the 2024 Town Meeting Warrant asks Rockport taxpayers to commit nearly $52 million to a new wastewater treatment facility and sewer extension.
The reasons to oppose Article 3 are obvious:
1) $52 million is an unrealistic amount for a town of less than 3400 residents to spend on a public works project; and,
2) financial projections supporting the project are based on unrealistic assumptions that bias against continuing to collaborate with Camden.
My votes will go to Susan Dorr and Sophie Romana for Camden Select Board
Camden has a wealth of worthy candidates for the two open positions on the Select Board—so much so that it may be difficult to choose. Even so, after considering them all, I’ve made my selection. My votes will go to Sophie Romana and Susan Dorr, and here’s why:
Each of these two candidates offers an impressive background and lengthy experience serving the Town of Camden. Moreover, in the responses they gave to questions raised by the Camden Herald, they both indicate a clear… Read more
Reelect Jan Dodge for Maine Legislative District 39
We need to elect Ken Gross and Stephanie French to Camden Select Board
Regarding Article 3 in Rockport
Having read pretty much everything printed about this issue, I’m remembering the following.
Many years ago when need for a new high school was made clear, heavy pressure was put on local towns’ people to approve financing touted as the very best we could hope for, and that if we didn’t act immediately, this most excellent opportunity would be lost forever, the sky would fall, delay would only increase costs.
Fortunately, the voters saw through the hype and voted no.
Voting against Rockport Article 3
I plan to vote against Rockport’s Warrant Article 3 for two primary reasons.
First, the Town of Rockport commissioned an independent group of town citizens to look at what it would cost Rockport to separate from Camden and go it alone with our own waste water facility. The committee identified a place to build the waste water facility and came up with an assumed price tag.
Whether you believe in the credibility of the final projected numbers, the all in cost is somewhere… Read more
Vote for the facts in Camden
Two candidates for Camden’s Select Board falsely state there have been a lack of opportunities for community input on how we go forward with the Megunticook River. Other claims about the Montgomery Dam and the river have been made with no factual credibility.
Does this concern you coming from those running for office who should understand the public process for input and who we entrust to honor facts?
Facts on Opportunities for Public Input:
* Every SB meeting has… Read more
Is spending $300,000 on a snow groomer a good investment for Camden?
May own thinking is that there may be two years, at best, of viable snow for the use of the ski lift during winter months. How many years do you hope it can be used? Even artificial snow needs cold ground temperatures to succeed.
Is an investment of over $300,000 ( nearly 1/3 of a million dollars) for a snow groomer good investment? Consider this when voting on Camden Article 21 an 22.
Nina Holland lives in Camden
Why vote yes on Rockport’s Article 3?
A lot of clever yard signs this election. Makes you want to just vote for the best jokey saying. But if you stop chuckling and think about Rockport’s future, deciding if you should advise your kids to vote for the class clown or the girl that can figure out the hard problems.
A lot of good, serious people — Rockport taxpayers, residents, and officials, worked long and hard to solve the waster treatment problem facing us, the one we have been ignoring for so long,
Their solution… Read more
The Golden Latrine
FUD - Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. It is by far the oldest, and even today, the most used sales tactic to invoke a desired response. Our most recent example of this is Article 3, the proposed sewer treatment facility being thrust upon property owners of Rockport.
Fifty-two million dollars for a town of 3,000 is an enormous sum of money. It is even more significant when looking at just how many homes and businesses are actually going to utilize this golden latrine. For a total of… Read more
Looking for Haskell or Burd descendants
A Challenge for the Camden Select Board
All four candidates for the Camden Select Board are worthy individuals—we’re lucky to have them stepping up on our behalf—and I’m not completely sure how I will vote when the time comes. I had hoped to attend the Candidates’ Forum in order to hear their thoughts on the environmental challenges we’re facing.
With the bay rising in front of us, “100-year” storms apparently normalizing, warming waters threatening to bring hurricanes farther north and the prospect of ever-heavier… Read more
A reminder about why I’m running for Knox County Commissioner
On June 11, or whenever you vote, you will see my name on the ballot running for Knox County Commissioner District 3 as a Democrat.
After six years on the Camden Select Board where the members do not run associated with party, I’m now running for a job that asks but doesn’t require a party registration. (If you don’t want to identify with a party you can run as an independent on the final ballot in November).
… Read moreTown Meeting: Camden voters to consider $12.5 million infrastructure bond, zoning changes, $10 million municipal budget
CAMDEN — Camden’s 22-article annual Town Meeting warrant is ambitious in scope and expense, as the business of running a municipality grows. Voters will consider it all at the polls June 11, now that in-person town meeting has been replaced by ballot-only participation, and will decide whether to… Read more
Protect Camden property rights, Vote No on Articles 5, 6, and 7
The Camden Planning Board has been misinformed, misguided and simply missed the point as it relates to affordable housing and other complex housing issues facing our community.
Instead of creatively addressing this issue by forming a specialized work group or other mechanism to address affordable housing issues, they’ve simply sought to create more regulation and red tape. Specifically, they’ve targeted short term rentals (STRs) as the panacea to solve all the complex housing… Read more
Support John Viehman for Rockport Select Board
Rockport is fortunate to anticipate electing John Viehman to join our Select Board.
John comes to this role with a wealth of professional and community service experience that will inform thoughtful discussions, productive collaboration, and balanced decision making around a range of contemporary challenges. That experience includes decades in the print/digital and television media industry, extensive board service for nonprofits and business-related organizations, positions on… Read more
No time to waste in Rockport
While I appreciate the cheeky humor of the anti-question 3 signs, I don’t appreciate the spread of misinformation. The ballot question asks for approval for bonds of $33 million. I assume the exaggerated figure of $52 million includes interest over the 30-year term of the bonds. However, when taking out a car loan or a mortgage, the amount borrowed (not the amount ultimately paid back) is the correct way of expressing the loan amount. We can disagree about whether to move forward with the… Read more
Vote yes on Article 3 for Rockport’s future
As Rockport voters, we strongly agree with our Select Board, Budget Committee, several former members of the Wastewater Task Force and the Economic Development Committee, and many other residents that we vote yes on funding a wastewater treatment plant for our town (Warrant Article 3).
Building our own treatment facility allows us to take financial control of our high sewer costs, as well as invest in workforce housing, new and existing businesses, improve water quality, and address… Read more
Keep Rockport sewer options open
The un-zoning of Rockland
Several days ago, PenbayPilot.com published a letter from a Rockland resident concerning the City Council’s lack of interest in using the Visualization Tool to show how neighborhoods would look under its multitude of loosened zoning regulations.
The same day an article appeared in the Courier Gazette in which a resident expressed similar concerns. Another article in the Courier noted a resident’s concern about the negative impact of the changes on valuations. I do not know any… Read more
Haste makes waste in Rockport: No on 3, Yes on 15
Warrant Article 3 on Rockport’s June ballot asks voters approval for moving full speed ahead with purchase of land and a $50-plus million dollar bond for construction of a stand-alone waste-water treatment facility near Pen Bay Medical Center. Some think that this will promote the town’s economic expansion. Future growth is always largely speculative.
Aside from the terrible costs of building this stand-alone wastewater system, is the fact that no serious attention has been… Read more
Why I’m voting for John Viehman
I met John Viehman several years ago while working at the Rockport Library Foundation. As vice chair, John led us in raising $2.5 million to build the new library. His exceptional leadership and marketing experience were instrumental to the success of the fundraising activities. He is the most focused and organized person I know and is a pleasure to work with.
You probably know John from his tireless work as president of United Midcoast Charities, which provides funding for more than… Read more
Vote NO on Articles 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7: New regulations that strip away Camden homeowners’ rights
Like blackflies in spring, every season brings hand-wringing about dark houses in the winter and concerns that Camden will suddenly become a seasonal town. Yet despite MBNA’s departure, 9/11, 2008 or the “housing shortage,” here we still are catching up at Hannaford’s, Zoot’s, or the dump. Still exchanging personal property of dubious value during yard sale season. Life for Camdenites is good and the sky isn’t falling.
On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate Denise Munger
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are… Read more
Camden Select Board Candidates’ meet and greet May 30
All four candidates running for two open seats on the Camden Select Board will gather May 30 at 16 Bay View Street, in Camden, in the Curtis-Bok Room for an informal meet and greet session with citizens.
Megunticook Market will be donating light fare to the Candidate Social Night and there will be a cash bar. Candidates attending will be Susan Dorr, Stephanie French, Ken Gross and Sophie Romana.
Camden Select Board Candidates on EMS, sewer, climate resiliency, Montgomery Dam
CAMDEN — The four candidates seeking election for the two open Select Board seats in Camden gathered May 14 in the French Meeting Room at the Camden Town Office, where PenBayPilot.com hosted a Candidates’ Forum.
It was an informative two hours as the candidates — Susan Dorr, Stephanie French (incumbent), Ken Gross and Sophie… Read more
Thomaston to vote on Select Board member, primary contenders and zoning changes
THOMASTON – Voters will elect a Select Board member and decide on changes to the town’s land use ordinance that include a new noise and vibration section and new definitions for assisted living and strip developments. An up or down vote will be taken on the RSU 14 school budget.
Voting at the polls takes place June 11 and the open… Read more
The Irony of It
Very clever! The irony bites deep. Please vote yes on Rockport Article 3 for a better future for Rockport.
Douglas Cole lives in Rockport
Hope common sense prevails and Rockport votes no on Article 3
A few good reasons to vote NO on Rockport’s Question 3 — the $51 million sewer bond:
Camden cannot simply turn off the valve; DEP requires a viable alternative. Despite misinformation, Camden’s rates for Rockport have remained relatively flat. (View Wastewater Budgets online.) A stand-alone system in Rockport would cost BOTH Camden and Rockport dearly.… Read more
Allow a citizens group from Camden, Rockport to explore wastewater cooperation
To Rockport and Camden citizens,
There have been recent letters stating that it is all Camden’s fault that the two towns can’t agree on wastewater. As in most disputes, there are two sides. Following are a few other points to consider:
First, there was a 30-year mutually agreeable… Read more
Signs are all over, three weeks before town elections
This is a line written by Paul Evans in the 1960s. It came to mind as I headed home recently through Rockport Village. The signs, the signs! They are all over, three weeks before the Town election on June 11.
Did Ken Gross really say that?
Last Tuesday, I went to the Camden Select Board candidates’ forum. It was pretty bland stuff until Ken Gross, leader of Save the Dam Falls, answered a question about the Montgomery Dam. He said it shouldn’t be touched because it’s an integral part of the Bok-Olmsted Brothers legacy at Harbor Park.
Ken knows – or should know – that this isn’t true. A few weeks ago, he sat through historian Jennifer Gromada’s… Read more
Ken Gross will be an able steward on the Camden Select Board
Just as Ken Gross was a thoughtful, responsible, helpful steward in his service roles at the Camden Public Library for 20 years, Ken Gross will be an able steward on the Camden Select Board — serving us all, as a seaside community, as we discuss and decide together the path forward on issues critical to us, our children, and theirs.… Read more
Rockport Select Board is rushing into a $51 million dollar project without adequately exploring alternatives
We have owned a home in Rockport for 36 years and like many other homeowners have seen our taxes over those years increase dramatically. A large portion of those tax increases paid for a new Town Office, three new schools, new library and fire station. These additions to the town increased the quality of life for all residents who can afford to live in Rockport. But unfortunately many long… Read more
Controlling our future in Rockport
The Town of Rockport Economic Development Committee was created by the Select Board in 2020 to advise the board on issues related to economic development. Over the years our committee has reviewed existing reports and solicited additional input from residents regarding the nature and pace of growth that is desirable for our town. And though there exists a range of opinions, there are several goals with very broad support:… Read more
Endorsing Sophie Romana and Susan Dorr for Camden Select Board
I am endorsing Sophie Romana and Susan Dorr for the Select Board election on June 11 and encourage every citizen of Camden to vote for them to help govern our community going forward.
The May 14 panel discussion… Read more
On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate Tiffany Ford
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are… Read more
On the issues: Rockport Select Board Candidate John Viehman
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are… Read more
Why I am voting No on Rockport Article 3 in June
Since spring of 2023 hundreds of Rockport residents have become increasingly aware of the deficiencies in the Rockport Select Board’s Article 3 proposal to build a $51 million stand-alone wastewater treatment facility.
The Select Board appointed a working Task Force that researched the siting, operating and… Read more
Use Mack Point for the proposed offshore wind port
We are writing not in opposition to Offshore Wind in Searsport, as both local and state media have implied, but in opposition to choosing Sears Island as the preferred location for this development. Mack Point seems to be the obviously better choice, It is the fastest option to permit and construct a wind port in Penobscot Bay that meets the 100 acre size requirement. Dredging needed at Mack… Read more
Vote Yes on Rockport’s Article 3
As I sat down to write this letter, I was preparing to explain what a thorough job our Wastewater Task Force had done in recommending a location and technology for a new Rockport wastewater treatment plant. It didn’t take me long to realize that these are not the issues that most Rockport residents are wrestling with. Just today an acquaintance of mine told me that he hasn’t followed this issue closely but that “$33 million is a lot of money and it seems as if Camden and Rockport should work… Read more
Vote No on Rockport’s Article 3 and Vote Yes on Article 15
On June 11, Rockport voters are being asked to approve an enormous $38 million ($52 million with fees and interest!) initiative for a new stand-alone sewage treatment plant without sufficient analysis of the alternatives. In short, the standalone facility was presented, based on flawed assumptions, as our only option.
While it is true that a Wastewater Task Force researched the technical issues of siting and operating a wastewater treatment plant, their focus was primarily on the… Read more
Olivia ‘Rūn’ FitzPatrick announces candidacy for RSU 13 School Board
Olivia ‘Rūn’ FitzPatrick is running as a write-in candidate to serve on the RSU 13 School Board, representing Thomaston. She is seeking the seat that current board member Mark Lewis is vacating.
Regional School Unit 13 comprises the public K-12 schools of Cushing, Owls Head, Rockland, South Thomaston and Thomaston.
Camden Select Board Candidates’ Forum, May 14
CAMDEN — PenBayPilot.com will host a Camden Select Board Candidates’ Forum Tuesday, May 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the French Meeting Room at the Camden Town Office on Washington Street.
Vicki Doudera, of Camden, will be the moderator.
The public is invited to attend and ask questions of the four candidates who are seeking a seat on the Select Board. The forum will be streamed live and available to watch… Read more
Do Waldo County voters really want MAGA state representatives?
Since 2022, Waldo County District 37 (Winterport, Part of Frankfort, Prospect, Stockton Springs, Searsport), District 38 (Unity, Thorndike, Knox, Jackson, Monroe, Brooks, Waldo, and Swanville), and District 62 (China, Windsor, Hibbits Gore, Somerville, and Palermo) have been held by representatives taking extreme positions on all sorts of state legislation. Representatives Reagan Paul, Benjamin Hymes, and Katrina Smith, respectively, are all MAGA Republicans.
Here is how they voted… Read more
Two citizens run for one Thomaston Select Board seat; ‘Meet the Candidates’ evening scheduled
Two Thomaston citizens, Kimberly Matthews and Emily McBrayer, have stepped forward to run for one open seat on the Thomaston Select Board. Voting will take place June 11 at the polls.
On Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m., the town is holding a Meet the Candidates Night in the Select Board Room at the Thomaston Municipal Building, 13 Valley Street.
Audrey Lovering will facilitate.
Other candidates for office include Douglas Erickson, who is running for a seat on the Board… Read more
Send Rep. Jan Dodge back to the Legislature
I’ll be among the voters in Belfast, Belmont, and Northport proudly casting my ballot this year to send Rep. Jan Dodge back to the Maine House of Representatives, while shedding a tear that she will term out in 2026.
Rep. Dodge must be one of the hardest working representatives in the Legislature. I’ve seen her at local meetings and events, where she listens, asks questions, and – on request – will offer her knowledge and experience.
I’ve heard from neighbors about how… Read more
Gov. Mills allow national popular vote legislation to become law, without her signature
Governor Janet Mills said April 15 that she will allow… Read more
Camden resident gathers signatures to run for Knox County Commissioner
CAMDEN — Marc Ratner, a former Camden Select Board member, has been gathering signatures from citizens in order to get his name on the November ballot as a candidate for Knox County Commissioner.
If elected first in the June 11 primary as the Democrat nominee, and in the Nov. 5, 2024 general elections, Ratner would serve District 2, which includes Camden,… Read more
Steady stream of voters in Camden and Rockport for March 5 presidential primaries
CAMDEN/ROCKPORT — By 11:30 a.m., March 5, 300 voters in Rockport had cast ballots for their preference on who should run for president on the Democrat and Republican ticket in November. In Camden, by 11 a.m., approximately 200 voters had cast their ballots.
Camden had already received 200 absentee ballots.
How Waldo County voted in Democrat and Republican March 5 primaries
Voters in Waldo County weighed in at the polls with their preference for party candidates to compete for the national election in November. Here is how voters in each municipality in Waldo County voted. Results from the March 5, 2024 presidential primaries began rolling in quickly soon after polls closed at 8 p.m. The results here are being updated as municipalities finish their tallies.
How Knox County voted in Democrat and Republican March 5 primaries
Results from the March 5, 2024 presidential primaries began rolling in quickly soon after polls closed at 8 p.m. The results here are being updated as municipalities finish their tallies.
Vote for Wes Norton for Searsport Select Board
Please join me in voting for Wes Norton for Searsport Select Board on March 5, 2024.
I had the privilege of supporting Wes' campaign, driving him door-to-door to talk with residents –– a non-partisan, grassroots effort.
Born and raised in Maine, and in Searsport for six years, Wes has a proven track record of working as an advocate and administrator in the nonprofit sector, including in his current role with the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Before… Read more
Two Knox County Commissioners will not seek reelection in November
ROCKLAND — With Election Day, November 5, 2024 on the not-so-distant horizon, candidates seeking office are getting organized for a campaign season. And in Knox County, two seats on the three-person Board of Commissioners are opening up.
Currently, Commissioners Richard Parent, Jr., and Sharyn L. Pohlman occupy those seats, but both have indicated they are not… Read more
Vote for Nikki Haley
Maine holds its first open Presidential primary on March 5, 2024. Independent voters may vote without having to enroll in a political party.
Why is this important? Because Republican AND Independent voters can choose a leader who will make America normal again. Who? Vote for Nikki Haley.
Jim Eaton announces candidacy for Waldoboro area Legislative seat
WALDOBORO — Veteran paramedic Jim Eaton has announced his candidacy for State House District 45, which includes Bremen, Friendship, Louds Island, Waldoboro and Washington.
“I have responded to over 5,000 ambulance calls across Lincoln, Knox, and Kennebec counties,” said Eaton, in a news release. “When we are sent out, there’s never any question to whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican. Waldoboro had been a home and a community to me and my family since 1977 and helping your… Read more
Vicki Doudera announces reelection campaign for Camden-Rockport House District
CAMDEN — Vicki Doudera, former Camden Conservation Commission member, local author, realtor, and current State Representative, has announced her reelection campaign for House District 41.
“This area has been my home for close to forty years. I love my friends and neighbors, and I will continue to work as hard as I can in Augusta for the people of our towns,” said Doudera.
Doudera and her husband, Ed, a retired local attorney, have owned several local businesses,… Read more
Knox/Lincoln counties organize for Robert Kennedy for President, call rally for Feb. 17
Elise Brown announces run for Waldo County Commissioner Seat
Elise Brown, of Liberty, announced her candidacy for the position of Waldo County Commissioner in District 3 to represent the towns of Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Liberty, Searsmont, Thorndike, Troy, and Unity.
Elise has been in local public service since 1994, holding roles in the Liberty community including firefighter, fire chief, EMT, director of Emergency Management, and Budget Committee chair.
At the Waldo… Read more
A Guide to Semi-Open Primaries info session held in Rockland, Feb. 6
ROCKLAND — The League of Women Voters Midcoast and the Rockland Public Library present a talk, Tuesday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all.
Did you know that Maine now has semi-open primaries?
“With the presidential primary around the corner on March 5, it’s important to know that unenrolled voters can now vote in the primary of their choice,” said RPL, in a news release.
Join the Midcoast League at the Rockland Public Library for a quick… Read more
Sen. Reny announces re-election bid for District 13
Cameron Reny, born and raised in Bristol, is seeking re-election for Senate District 13.
“There has already been positive movement to address issues important to our district, like housing, climate resiliency, and affordable healthcare. I want to see that work continue,” said Sen. Reny. “I am proud of the progress made by working together. I’ve made so many good connections and working relationships over the past year with colleagues and constituents from both… Read more
General Election
U.S. Senator
Jason Cherry (I)
David Costello (D)
Angus King (I)
Demi Kouzounas (R)
Congressional District 1
Ethan Alcorn (Unenrolled/Independent)
Chellie Pingree (D)
Ronald Russell (R)
Congressional District 2
Jared Golden (D)
Austin Theriault (R)
How to vote via absentee ballot
Maine Political Parties
Maine currently has four qualified parties: Democratic, Green Independent, Libertarian and Republican that may participate in primary elections. Although some unenrolled candidates choose to designate themselves as “Independent,” there is no “Independent” party in Maine.)
Statewide referendums
This Nov. 5, there will be five questions on the ballot for Maine voters:
QUESTION 1: An Act to Limit Contributions to Political Action Committees That Make Independent Expenditures, Do you want to set a $5,000 limit for giving to political action committees that spend money independently to support or defeat candidates for office?
QUESTION 2: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization, Do you favor a bond issue of $25,000,000 to provide funds, to be awarded through a competitive process and to leverage matching private and federal funds on at least a one-to-one basis, for research and development and commercialization for Maine-based public and private institutions in support of technological innovation in the targeted sectors of life sciences and biomedical technology, environmental and renewable energy technology, information technology, advanced technologies for forestry and agriculture, aquaculture and marine technology, composites and advanced materials and precision manufacturing?
QUESTION 3: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Restore Historic Community Buildings, Do you favor a $10,000,000 bond issue to restore historic buildings owned by governmental and nonprofit organizations, with funds being issued contingent on a 25% local match requirement from either private or nonprofit sources?
QUESTION 4: An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue to Promote the Design, Development and Maintenance of Trails for Outdoor Recreation and Active Transportation, Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?
QUESTION 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag, Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?
More information about upcoming elections is available here. More information about citizen initiatives is available here.
Waldo County
Commissioner Race Candidates
Allen Parker, Jr. (District 3)
Elise Brown (District 3)
District 3 comprises Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Liberty, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Searsmont, Troy, Thorndike, Unity
Alan Cohen (District 2)
Kevin Kelley (District 2)
Cheri Lynn Merrill (District 2)
District 2 comprises Frankfort, Jackson, Monroe, Prospect, Searsport, Swanville, Stockton Springs, Winterport
Knox County
Commissioner Race Candidates
Gordon Page, Sr. (District 3)
Marc Ratner (District 3)
District 3 comprises Camden, Hope, Isle au Haut, Matinicus Isle Plantation, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockport, Vinalhaven the Unorganized Territories of Criehaven and Muscle Ridge Islands.
Judge of Probate, Waldo County
Joanna Owen (D)
Register of Probate, Knox County
Julie Allen (R)
Register of Probate, Waldo County
Sharon Peavey (R)
MAINE SENATE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 11
Serves: Waldo County
Glenn ‘Chip’ Curry (D)
Robert Charles Meyer (R)
DISTRICT 12
Knox County, except Isle au Haut and Washington
Anne Beebe-Center (D)
Scott Rocknak (R)
DISTRICT 13
Lincoln County plus Washington
Dale Harmon (R)
Cameron Reny (D)
MAINE HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES
DISTRICT 15
Brookln, Deer Isle, Swans Island, Tremont, Southwest Harbor, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven
Holly Eaton (D)
Jason Joyce (R)
DISTRICT 37
Frankfort (part of) Prospect, Searsport, Stockton Springs, Winterport
Scott William Cuddy (D)
Reagan ‘LeeAnn’ Paul (R)
DISTRICT 38
Brooks, Frankfort (part) Jackson, Knox, Monroe, Swanville, Thorndike, Unity, Waldo
Stephen Ellis (D)
Benjamin Hymes (R)
DISTRICT 39
Belfast, Belmont and Northport
Janice Dodge (D)
Stephen Hemenway (R)
DISTRICT 40
Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, Searsmont
Joseph McLaughlin (R)
Michael Ray (D)
DISTRICT 41
Serves: Camden and Rockport
Victoria Doudera (D)
Cory Raymond (R)
DISTRICT 42
Criehaven, Owls Head (part), Matinicus Isle, Mussel Ridge Islands, North Haven, Rockland
Valli Geiger (D)
Jamie Lee Hopkins (R)
DISTRICT 43
Cushing, Owls Head (part), South Thomaston, St. George, Thomaston
Ann Matlack (D)
Heather Anne Sprague (R)
DISTRICT 44
Hope, Union, Warren
William ‘Bill’ Pluecker (U)
Ray Alden Thomas, Jr. (R)
DISTRICT 45
Bremen, Friendship, Lincoln County Island, Washington, Waldoboro
Abden Stephen Simmons (R)
Jennifer Stone (D)
DISTRICT 62
China, Hibberts Gore, Palermo, Windsor
Katrina Smith (R)
Pamela Swift (D)
DISTRICT 63
Albion, Freedom, Unity Two, Winslow
Paul Flynn (R)
Lee Trahan (D)
DISTRICT 68
Burnham, Clinton, Pittsfield and Troy
Brian Blake (D)
Amanda Noelle Collamore (R)
MUNICIPAL WARRANTS
JUNE 2024 TOWN MEETINGS
Town Meetings, Municipal and School Budgets, Warrants and Candidates
Below are area municipalities holding elections and town meetings in June
APPLETON
appleton.maine.gov
Annual Town Meeting, June 11, by Secret Ballot, Appleton Fire Station, 2899 Sennebec Road, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voters in Appleton will consider a municipal ballot that includes a warrant proposing a $1.4 million municipal budget, an updated Comprehensive Plan (the last update was in 2007), three-year agreements for EMS, winter road maintenance, mowing and assessing. The warrant also includes an article proposing the acceptance of a $50,000 grant and spend $13,000 from undesignated fund balance to install heat pumps and LED lighting at the Town Office and Fire Station.
Read the 2023-2024 Appleton Town Report here. In addition to the municipal ballot, Appleton votes will consider a $3.6 million Appleton Village School ballot, and the $17.1 million Five Town CSD ballot. The CSD ballot includes a proposal to authorize building a new 1,800 square foot classroom building on the Camden Hills Regional High School campus that would be dedicated to special education. Absentee ballots are currently available.
If you are a resident and would like to vote but are unsure if you are registered, call the Town Office. You can also register on the day of the election.
In the 2024 Annual Report, the Appleton Select Board reported, “an effective year spent maximizing efficiencies, securing grant funding, and establishing the foundation for long-term infrastructure improvements and planning on behalf of the Town of Appleton.”
The Select Board is Appleton is concerned about the audits and fiscal reporting of School Unit 69 (Appleton, Hope and Lincolnville K-8): “It is the opinion of this board that there is an opportunity to review the efficacy of the system between the school financial oversight and the Town. Appleton residents have an opportunity to review the merits of contracting superintendent and special education services through other districts. It seems the time has come to at least consider that option. The AVS School Committee will have two open seats this year. If your strengths are finance or systems management, the committee could use your expertise.”
camdenmaine.gov
Annual Town Meeting ballot box voting, June 11, Camden Public Safety Building, by secret ballot, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All Camden ballots, including the $17.1 million Five Town CSD budget and the $20.4 million SAD 28 budget, can be found here.
Camden maintains a webpage with extensive information concerning the June 11 Annual Town Meeting municipal warrant. The town has also produced a Town of Camden 2024 Ballot Explained, a Guide for Voters
June Annual Town Meeting Ballot
MSAD 28 School Ballot
Five Town CSD Ballot
June Republican Ballot
June Democratic Ballot
June Green Independent Ballot
Voting will take place at the Hope Town Office located at 441 Camden Rd. in Hope. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
State Primary Notice of Election
Five Town CSD Warrant & Notice of Election
Town of Hope Municipal Warrant & Notice of Election
There is one single-sided ballot for each party.
Sample Democratic Primary Ballot
Sample Green Independent Primary Ballot
Sample Republican Primary Ballot
There is one double sided ballot for the Town & CSD
Four candidates are running for two open seats on the Rockport Select Board. Three are competing for two three-year seats, and one is running for a one-year term that opened up when James Annis stepped down last winter for health reason.
The three running for the two open seats are Denise K. Munger, Delores Michelle Hannan and Tiffany Ford. John Viehman is the only candidate running for the one-year term.
State Sample Ballot
All current election information is available on the town website thomastonmaine.gov under the Government tab under the June 2024 State, Municipal, and RSU 13 Election Information page. On this page you will find links to each portion of this year’s election with additional information.
Proposed Canine Ordinance Change / Article 6 on the June 11, 2024 Referendum Ballot.pdf. This amendment simply adds a stipulation that: No more than one kennel license of 10 dogs, is permitted per property which includes personal pets.
Candidates for RSU 40 are Steven Karp, Tabatha MacArthur, and Benjamin Stickney, Leah Shipps is running a write-in campaign.
Voters will also consider approving a $38 million budget for RSU 40. See RSU 40 budget information here. RSU 40 comprises Waldoboro, Warren, Friendship, Washington and Union K-12 public schools.
Question A: Shall amendments to the Metallic Mining Ordinance be enacted to add new Exploration review criteria, require a publicly negotiated Contract Re-zoning Agreement that would require Town Meeting approval for any proposed Metallic Mining use that meets robust review criteria and must demonstrate that the use will not harm or damage the environment, watershed, public health and safety? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)
Question B: Shall an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance be enacted to generally prohibit Metallic Mining, subject to a possible Contract Re-zoning Agreement which would require approval at Town Meeting? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)
Question C: Shall an amendment to the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance be enacted to generally prohibit Metallic Mining, subject to a possible Contract Re-zoning Agreement which would require approval at a Town Meeting? (A copy of the amended ordinance is available from the Town Clerk)