2016 Midcoast Elections
Our 2016 elections page is your go-to page for all things and people Boothbay Register and Wiscasset Newspaper readers are voting on. You'll find election previews, results and more — including related editorials, columns, news and feature stories and your letters to the editor, as we all continue through this big election year together.
We'll keep adding, so you keep checking back for the latest from you and us on the choices ahead.
Sen. Johnson earns perfect record for conservation votes in 2016
Sen. Chris Johnson, D-Lincoln, received a perfect score for his votes to protect Maine’s environment, support clean energy and defend state conservation programs, according to a legislative scorecard compiled by Maine Conservation Voters.
“It means a great deal to me to be recognized by Maine Conservation Voters, not only as a legislator but as a parent and grandparent,” said Sen. Johnson. “Future generations are going to look back to see if we met these environmental challenges head…
Read moreVote for Will Neilson
Dear Editor:
I am writing to encourage all voters to support Will Neilson, Democrat, for Maine House District 53 - Phippsburg, Georgetown, Arrowsic, Woolwich, Dresden and part of Richmond.
I've known Will for over 40 years, and he is intelligent, generous, good-hearted, compassionate, and dedicated to his community, small and large. He's a good listener and has respect for all points of view. He always tries to do the right thing and is passionate at persuading others to follow…
Read moreSupporting Wendy Ross
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter to urge voters in District 87 which encompasses Wiscasset, Alna, Pittston and Randolph, to vote for Wendy Ross to represent us in the state legislature.
Wendy serves as president of the trustees of the Wiscasset Public Library. I have served with her on that board and have observed her capable leadership and her commitment to this vital community organization.
At a time when some state leaders show a lack of respect for the teaching…
Read moreRank Choice Voting and one person one vote win
Dear Editor:
You have to wonder how it is that people who should know the law can write so much that is contrary to legal facts. In this year especially when the Supreme Court decision rejected an attempt at reinterpretation of the 1963 interpretation of the Constitutional rule that voting districts are by population, not restricted to registered or eligible voters. After all when you…
Read moreNomination papers available for Woolwich selectmen
Nomination papers are available for the Woolwich Board of Selectmen. Two seats, both three-year terms, are available in the Nov. 8 elections.
One name that won’t be on the ballot is that of longtime selectman Lloyd Coombs. Reached for comment Friday morning, Aug. 19, Coombs, 82, told the Wiscasset Newspaper he felt it was time to retire. His term ends Dec. 31.
“Between serving as town administrator and being on the board of selectmen I guess I’ve put in over 20 years,” he said…
Read moreVote for Wendy Ross
Dear Editor:
I am writing to encourage my fellow residents of House District 87 (Alna, Pittston, Randolph, and Wiscasset) to vote for Wendy Ross for Maine State House. She has the professional skills and a calm, civil demeanor that is so needed in today's polarized political climate.
Wendy knows that a healthy Maine economy is bolstered by a clean Maine environment. Her strong support for solar energy will bring clean energy jobs that will keep our energy dollars cycling through…
Read moreWiscasset firefighters move forward with car-washing petition
Wiscasset fire officers have declined selectmen’s request to meet again over the car-washing issue, and a petition for a town vote will soon be circulated, Fire Chief T.J. Merry said Thursday.
Merry informed Selectmen’s Chairman Judy Colby in an email Wednesday night. It reads in part: “On behalf of myself and the officer core we respectfully decline attending any more meetings as they are not getting us anywhere! We are going to go ahead and move forward with our petition at this time…
Read moreSen. Johnson to hold office hours
Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville will hold his monthly office hours on Saturday, Aug. 27 at: the Waldoboro Public Library in Waldoboro from 9 to 10 a.m.; the Maine Coast Book Shop Café in Damariscotta from 10:30 a.m. to noon; and Treats in Wiscasset from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
These office hours are routinely held by Sen. Johnson to connect with residents and provide an opportunity to conveniently discuss opinions and…
Read moreMayhew to speak at GOP pig roast Aug. 20
On Saturday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Lincoln County Republican Committee will host a pig roast for the community. The pig roast will be held at 30 Hunt Acres which is on Bunker Hill Road/Route 213 in Newcastle. Along with tasty food like barbecued pork, coleslaw, beans, chips and ice cream, attendees will hear favorite songs by the musical duo, The Help. The…
Read moreSupport Will Neilson
Dear Editor:
I strongly support Will Neilson and believe he will make an excellent assemblyman representing our district. Will has the ability to work with people to get things done and with sensitivity to key issues but with a solid fiscal set of policies, all much needed in the House in Augusta.
I have seen Will’s effectiveness close up on local committees and am particularly impressed with his energy, reliability and…
Read moreKnickerbocker Group, Coulombe outline benefits of Route 27 improvements, Boothbay Village proposal
Businessman Paul Coulombe and Danielle Betts of Knickerbocker Group held a community meeting at the Boothbay Region YMCA on Aug. 10 to discuss the upcoming ballot measure on the Route 27 corridor improvements, as well as the proposed Boothbay Village Square retail development.
The corridor project would feature a rotary, also called a roundabout, at the intersection of Route 27 and a newly moved Corey Lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks from the school and the YMCA to the town hall and the…
Read moreGilbert attends Trump Portland presidential rally
Boothbay resident Dawn Gilbert had a great seat for Donald Trump’s Aug. 4 campaign stop at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. She was one of 40 GOP stalwarts seated behind the Republican Presidential candidate who addressed an estimated crowd of 1,600 supporters.
Gilbert received a call from Trump’s Maine campaign staff on Aug. 2 that she was selected to hear Trump’s speech during his fourth campaign appearance in the state. Gilbert, a longtime Maine GOP activist, is the Trump/Pence…
Read moreSupporting Will Neilson
Dear Editor:
This area is lucky to have a highly qualified candidate for Maine State Legislature. Will Neilson of Arrowsic is running to represent House District 53 - Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg and Woolwich. Will is absolutely ready and prepared to deal with the many technical and complex policy issues that confront our legislators. His background and experiences are so wide and varied that he will be able to confront the realities needed to function in the legislature…
Read moreElection-year politics on the menu at LC Democrats August 13 lobster bake
Election years always make for more interesting and exciting gatherings of Lincoln County Democrats at their annual Lobster Bake, and how could this year’s bake be an exception? Headlining the program Aug. 13 will be Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Maine Attorney General Janet Mills, both leading Democrats in the state and both delegates to the national Democratic Convention in Philadelphia last month. They’re expected to speak about their reactions to the convention’s…
Read moreChellie Pingree, Janet Mills to join Democrats for Aug. 13 lobster bake
The Lincoln County Democrats will be holding their annual lobster bake Saturday, Aug. 13 to raise funds for upcoming county campaigns, and will be hearing from scheduled speakers Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Maine Attorney General Janet Mills. Local candidates also will be present and will be commenting on their races for legislative seats in Augusta and for county-wide positions.
The event, always a highlight for county Democrats, will take place…
Read moreHope you vote for Wendy Ross
Dear Editor:
I recently had the pleasure of driving Wendy Ross as she canvassed voters in Wiscasset and Alna. This gave me the opportunity to overhear Wendy’s interaction with a Vietnam veteran concerned about rising health care costs and to witness her responses to a new resident’s anxiety over our legislative stalemate in Augusta.
Wendy is a good listener. She is also…
Read moreNovember referendum on gun purchaser background checks is subject of Democrats’ monthly meeting
The issue of gun sales transactions in Maine will be among the questions voters will be asked to address on this year’s November ballot, and the issue was the subject of the monthly meeting of the Lincoln County Democrats July 18 at their campaign office in Damariscotta.
The objective of the ballot initiative is to close in Maine the so-called “gun show loophole” in federal law on gun sales transactions. The loophole allows persons who are not licensed gun dealers to sell guns without…
Read moreShe’s a Democrat, he’s a Republican: Edgecomb’s political odd couple
Jarryl Larson is a passionate progressive. Her husband, Byron Johnson, is a longtime Republican who cast his first presidential ballot for Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. The two are seemingly a political odd couple, especially during a presidential election year, but the couple — married for 26 years — agree more on candidates and issues than disagree.
Both participated in the Maine Presidential Caucuses in March. Johnson, 82, voted at the Lincoln County GOP Caucus wearing an oversized…
Read morePinocchios in elections: Liars or stretchers of truth
Dear Editor:
A comparison between the Democrat Platform and Republican Platform should leave no doubt as to which policies you personally support, making election choices easier. Yet, when it comes to presidential candidates, confusion abounds.
Recently “corruption” arose…
Read moreMason makes ballot in Kennebec County
Lincoln County Chief Deputy Ken Mason has obtained enough signatures to appear on the ballot in Kennebec County, where he is running for sheriff as an independent.
Mason had been tapped by Gov. Paul LePage to succeed Randall Liberty, who left the position to become warden for the State Prison in Warren. The county Democratic Party was asked to submit at least two names for the post, but had submitted only one, Interim Sheriff Ryan Reardon. Because they did not submit more than one…
Read moreLincoln County Republican headquarters opens in Damariscotta
On Thursday afternoon, July 14, Republican candidates joined Lincoln County GOP leadership to officially open their new headquarters on Main Street in Damariscotta above Salt Bay Café. Entering up a few steps from the drive along the side of the building leading back to the parking lot, the space is available to candidates to use for meetings and a place for the distribution of election materials. As we get into the fall, the headquarters hours may expand, but for now it will be open from 1-…
Read moreDemocrats to hear case for expanded gun sale background checks
A November 8 ballot initiative calling for closing of current loopholes in the law requiring background checks on gun purchasers in Maine will be the topic at the next meeting of Lincoln County Democrats July 18.
Dan Lord of Mainers for Responsible Gun Ownership, a principal backer of the initiative, is scheduled to speak at the meeting, at the county party headquarters located at 281 Main Street, Damariscotta, next to the First Federal Savings Bank and…
Read moreCandidate for House District 87
Dear Editor:
To readers of the Wiscasset Newspaper, I want to introduce myself as a candidate for election to the Maine House of Representatives. I am Wendy S. Ross, running for the seat representing the towns of Wiscasset, Alna, Pittston and Randolph — House District 87.
I want to use my talents to improve the standard of…
Read moreVote for ranked choice voting
Dear Editor:
We can all agree that our democracy isn’t working as well as it should for ordinary Americans. Wealthy special interests have far too much power in deciding who can run for office, and what policies our representatives will consider when they are elected. Voters in Maine recognized this when they approved the referendum to restore funding to the Maine Clean Elections Fund, and impose new disclosure requirements, at the last election.
… Read moreDamariscotta approves sign ordinance, other articles at town meeting
The town of Damariscotta held its town meeting on Wednesday, June 15 at Lincoln Theater at 6:30 p.m. After introductions of the town manager, Matt Lutkus, and the Board of Selectmen, Board Chairman Robin Mayer noted that James Hall had been honored in the town report, and announced that another citizen was being honored with an award called the Spirit of America award. The recipient was Richard McLean.
Jim Gallagher was elected moderator, and he announced the results from the election…
Read moreVoters choose MDOT Option 2
The verdict is in: Wiscasset voters chose Option 2 of the Maine Department of Transportation’s downtown traffic proposals at Tuesday’s election.
Option 2, the proposal recommended by MDOT that eliminates all parking on Main Street between Water and Middle streets, received 426 votes. Finishing second with 206 votes was Option 3, the “do nothing” proposal while Option 1 received 90 votes.
“I’m obviously pleased with the results and glad it was a decisive vote,” Gerry Audibert,…
Read moreHouse District 53 appears to go for Neilson; State Senate District 23 still very close
With all precincts now reporting, the primary race for District 53, between Democratic Allison Hepler of Woolwich and Will Neilson of Arrowsic is very close, but Neilson appears to have won the race.
Neilson is ahead, 371-352, a margin of 2.63 percent. Under state law, Hepler could request a recount, but she would have to pay $500. If the recount went in her favor, that money would be refunded. Hepler was not available to discuss her options by press time.
The eventual winner…
Read moreAbden Simmons wins Republican nomination for District 91
Abden Simmons of Waldoboro has clinched the Republican nomination for District 91, which includes Waldoboro, Friendship, Union, and Washington.
For much of the evening, the vote was close, but in Waldoboro, Simmons had a decisive victory of 221-83.
He beat Melvin Williams, a retired dairy farmer who lives on the outskirts of Waldoboro. The vote for the entire district was 318-161.
Simmons will face Democrat Emily Trask-Eaton in November. The winner will replace outgoing…
Read moreMayer wins District 90 Republican primary
Roberta (Robin) Mayer of Damariscotta, has prevailed in her bid to run as the Republican candidate for House District 90. With all seven precincts reporting, Mayer had 237 votes, while her opponent, Anna Morkeski, received 52 votes.
Mayer will run against Michael Devin, the Democratic incumbent from Newcastle in November.
Mayer currently serves as selectman in Damariscotta. She has said that if she wins the general election in the fall, she will step down from her position on the…
Read moreWiscasset selectmen’s seats go to incumbents
Incumbents won all three seats up for election to the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen Tuesday. In unofficial results at the polls, current board chairman Ben Rines Jr. received 493 votes; Selectman Judy Colby, 450; Selectman Jeff Slack, who ran as a write-in, 92 votes; write-in candidate Bryan Buck, 68; and other write-ins, lesser amounts.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I really appreciate it,” Colby said after results were announced at Wiscasset Community Center. “And I will…
Read moreTown clerk faulted for failure to post election warrant
Dresden Town Clerk Patricia Theriault was on the hot seat at the Monday, June 13 selectmen’s meeting after she apparently failed to post notice warrants for the Tuesday, June 14 elections within the legally required time limits.
Selectman Allan Moeller Sr. said that residents had complained about the lack of public postings.
“It should have been done by last Tuesday (June 7),” said Moeller following the meeting.
Moeller said that the Secretary of State and an RSU 2…
Read moreMelvin Williams running for District 91
Melvin Williams, a dairy farmer of 35 years, has thrown his hat in the ring to represent House District 91.
A Waldoboro Republican, Williams will vye with Abden Simmons, also of Waldoboro, in the Republican primary on June 14. Williams and his wife Carol farmed commercially for 35 years. Now mostly retired, Williams still retains a few cows and some donkeys, after losing his leg to diabetes three years ago.
He has been active in Augusta because of his involvement with the Maine…
Read moreRobin Mayer running for District 90
Roberta (Robin) Mayer, selectman of Damariscotta, is running for House District 90 in the Republican primary on June 14. The district is far flung, and includes Damariscotta, part of Nobleboro, Newcastle, Monhegan, part of South Bristol, Bristol, Bremen, and Louds Island.
“I never intended to be a politician,” Mayer said, “but years ago, people asked me to be a selectman, and I found I enjoyed it, so I took papers out to run for state office.”
Her opponent in the primary, Anna…
Read moreWill Neilson for District 53
Will Neilson, owner of Solo Bistro Bistro in Bath, is in the running for the Democratic Primary for District 53, which includes Woolwich, Dresden, Phippsburg, Arrowsic, Georgetown and part of Richmond.
“I feel like this is where I ought to be,” Neilson said. “I don’t think I have the time to wait. I have amassed certain operative knowledge about the political system in Maine, and I am ready to put it together.” Neilson has been chairman of the Arrowsic Planning Board, and has been…
Read moreAlison Hepler seeks District 53 seat
Alison Hepler is one of two candidates running for the Democratic primary in District 53, which includes Dresden, Woolwich, Arrowsic, Georgetown, part of Richmond and Phippsburg. She is a selectman in Woolwich, where she resides with her husband, who builds wooden boats. She is also the widow of another wooden boat builder, and not surprisingly, she is active in Maine’s First Ship, the attempt to recreate the pinnace Virginia which was constructed in 1604 in Phippsburg, and she also…
Read moreAbden Simmons seeks District 91 seat
Abden Simmons of Waldoboro, running for District 91 in the Republican primary, said it is time for working people to have a voice in Augusta.
Simmons is a member of the Waldoboro Board of Selectmen, and has been a fisherman all his life, as well as running a small business in Waldoboro. He and his wife have a seafood outlet in town. “I’ve caught, dug, or trapped everything there is to catch,” he said. “I’m a member of the shellfish committee because the kids in this town ... it’s what…
Read moreTwo vie for 1st District GOP nod
Two Republicans are seeking their party's nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in Maine's 1st Congressional District in the primary election June 14. Both Mark Holbrook and Ande Smith are first-time candidates for the nomination and one will face off against Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree who has been in office since 2009.
Smith, a lawyer and Navy reserve officer from North Yarmouth, is running for Congress because his years of military, legal,…
Read moreThree contested local primaries
At the primary election on June 14, three races for Maine State House are contested in Lincoln County.
In House District 91, which includes Friendship, part of Union, Waldoboro and Washington, Abden Simmons, Waldoboro selectman and fisherman as well as local businessman, is running against Melvin Williams, retired dairy farmer and Farm Bureau official, for the Republican race in November. The winner of the primary will face Emily Trask-Eaton, Democrat. Trask…
Read moreVote for Will Neilson
Dear Editor:
On Tuesday, June 14, the Democratic primary voters of Phippsburg, Georgetown, Arrowsic, Woolwich and Dresden will have a chance to vote for a candidate for House District 53 and your vote should go to Will Neilson.
Will has served his hometown of Arrowsic as chairman of the planning board, as a past member of…
Read moreEdgecomb passes budgets, sides with Potter on fire department funding
Edgecomb voters easily approved all 54 articles during the May 21 town meeting. Over 70 residents approved the $3,871,156 combined municipal and school budgets during the three-hour-plus meeting.
The approved budget rises by $144,609 or 3.88 percent, according to the Edgecomb Budget Committee. School spending garnered the lion’s share of the new budget. Voters approved $2,664,336, which accounts for 68.17 percent of spending. The school budget increases by $125,154 or by 4.7 percent. …
Read moreHugger, Graham seeking election to Edgecomb municipal posts
Last year, Ted Hugger was all smiles attending his first-ever town meeting. Now, the Edgecomb businessman is the only candidate seeking election to the board of selectman. Edgecomb will conduct municipal elections from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 20.
The annual town meeting begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21. Both events take place in the municipal building. Hugger, a Michigan native, and his wife Jill own the Cod Cove Inn on Route 27. The Huggers moved to Edgecomb in 2014. The…
Read more‘An Act To Legalize Marijuana’ to go before Legislature; could be on November ballot
AUGUSTA - Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap issued an amended determination on remand from the Business and Consumer Court, finding that the citizens' initiative petition for "An Act To Legalize Marijuana" (see at…
Read moreGraham seeks school committee seat
This story has been updated
A parent who had four children attend Edgecomb Eddy School is seeking a school committee seat. Mark Graham, 48, plans on submitting his nomination papers Tuesday. He is the only candidate seeking to replace current school committee chairman Sarah Clifford, who decided against seeking another three-year term.
Graham has lived in Edgecomb for eight years. He is Camden National Bank’s director of facilities, purchases and records. He has held the…
Read moreCandidates introduce themselves to Lincoln County Democrats
Lincoln County Democrats got to hear from a number of registered candidates for seats in the Maine House of Representatives and Senate at their monthly meeting March 21 in Newcastle.
Speaking briefly at the meeting to describe their relevant experience and to highlight what would be their legislative priorities were:
- Allison Hepler of Woolwich, running to represent House District 53, which includes Dresden in Lincoln County. She faces a primary contest with William Neilson of…
Finally, it was our turn
Like the rest of the state, Democrats and Republicans saw huge turnouts last weekend nearly overwhelming the undermanned Lincoln County polling sites.
It shouldn’t have been a surprise. After being hammered with polls and results from other states, it was our first chance to have a say in this most unusual presidential sweepstakes.
In most years, the local Republicans are very organized. On Saturday, they were not. County Chairman Stuart Smith of Edgecomb admitted they planned…
Read moreWe need to make some changes
As caucuses and primaries continue throughout the country, predictions of record turnouts are holding true. Voters are showing they fully intend to exercise their rights and responsibilities as Americans to choose their next president, many of them for the first time in their lives.
How sad, then, that in so many of the caucuses they’ve literally had to spend hours to make their voice heard. Long lines in the rain…
Read moreGov. LePage explains Trump endorsement
Maine Gov. Paul LePage explained his endorsement of Donald Trump March 5 during the Lincoln County Republican Presidential Caucus in Wiscasset. LePage addressed over 700 voters who attended the quadrennial event in selecting the GOP’s 2016 presidential nominee.
In 2015, LePage was torn between governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Jeb Bush of Florida. LePage’s first choice was Christie, but neither candidate survived beyond the South Carolina Primary held Feb. 20.
“I…
Read moreSanders wins in LC Democratic caucuses
A large turnout at the Lincoln County caucus sites played an important role in the success of candidate Bernie Sanders, who won over Hillary Clinton in every town reporting results by 5:30 p.m. with the exception of Southport, where the vote was split 19-18.
Jarryl Larson, the convenor for Edgecomb, said that the difference in a normal presidential year and this year was astounding. Edgecomb normally sees about 10 people at any given caucus, she said.
“This year, we had about 60…
Read moreIf Minnesota can do it, Maine can do it
Dear Editor:
Sometimes I read the comments that follow an Op-Ed or letter to the editor. When it comes to Rank Choice Voting, also known as Instant Runoff Voting, I was a bit stunned when a writer thought the proposed improved voting method was too complex or too difficult for Maine voters - really?
First, if you have already voted in past elections you know how to mark…
Read morePersonal encounters
We’ve found ourselves a bit envious of our neighboring New Hampshire residents of late. Why? They get to personally meet — or at least see and hear — most of the candidates for President who come to their home state to woo them in hopes of earning their vote in the nation’s first primary of the season.
Granted, televised debates provide an opportunity for all of us to familiarize ourselves with the candidates’…
Read moreAlna:
Damariscotta:
Sandra Shea and husband Dean Shea take part in a written ballot vote at a May 25 Wiscasset town meeting on the school budget.
SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Voter Registration deadline - By Mail: Last day for by-mail registration to vote in General Election. October 18, 2016
Voter Registration Ends: Last day to register to vote in person for General Election. (same day as election) November 8, 2016
Absentee Ballot return deadline: Last day for absentee ballot to be received for the General Election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. November 8, 2016
Keith Rendall, left, and Quincy Brimstein stand next to the driveway at the Wiscasset Community Center, where residents were deciding spending and other issues June 14.
SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
TOWN OF BOOTHBAY
WARRANT
FOR THE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2016
State Of Maine
County Of Lincoln
To a Resident of the Town of Boothbay in said County.
Greetings:
In the name of the State of Maine, you are hereby required to notify and warn the voters of the TOWN OF BOOTHBAY in said County and State, qualified by law to vote in Town affairs, to meet at the Boothbay Town Offices in said Town, on Tuesday, the 8th day of November, 2016 at 8 am, then and there to act upon Article 1. The polls for voting on Articles 2 through 6, shall be opened at 8 am, and will close at 8 pm.
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To vote by secret ballot on the following Referendum Question:
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds or notes in an amount not to exceed $1,150,000 in order to finance the costs of public street paving, sidewalk, curbing, drainage and other improvements for Route 27 in the Boothbay village center and related public street improvements, with the bonds to have such dates, maturities, denominations, interest rate(s) and other details (including provisions that the bonds may be subject to call for redemption with or without premium), as the Board of Selectmen shall determine, and to appropriate the same for said purpose (see Financial Statement), to be effective only if Articles 3 and 4 are also passed at the November 8, 2016 referendum.
Note: Total estimated debt service of this bond or note issue is $1,531,227, of which principal is $1,150,000 and estimated interest cost at rates ranging from 1.0% to 3.88% depending on the year of maturity over 20 years is $381,227.
Note: Tax revenues from the Development Program #3 Boothbay Commercial Development Omnibus Municipal Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and Development Program are anticipated to be sufficient to pay in full the debt service on these bonds.
The Board of Selectmen recommends a “yes” vote.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT – TOWN OF BOOTHBAY
Financial Statement: The following financial statement applies to the question set forth above. The issuing of bonds by the Town of Boothbay is one of the ways in which the Town borrows money for certain purposes. The following is a summary of the bonded indebtedness of the Town of Boothbay as of September 1, 2016:
Principal amount of Bonds of the Town now Outstanding and Unpaid: $ ____0.00_
Interest to be paid on Outstanding Bonds: $ ____0.00_
Total Principal and Interest to be Repaid on Bonds Outstanding: $ ____0.00_
Additional Principal Amount of Bonds Authorized but not yet issued: $ 0
Total principal amount of new Bonds to be issued if approved by the Voters: $1,150,000
Estimated of potential new interest on such additional Bonds: $ 381,227
Estimated total of Principal and Interest to be Repaid on new Bonds if approved: $ 1,531,227
When money is borrowed by issuing bonds, the Town must repay not only the principal amount of the bonds but also interest on the bonds. The amount of interest to be paid will vary depending upon the rate of interest and the years to maturity at the time of issue. The validity of the bonds and of the voters’ approval of the bonds may not be affected by any errors on the estimates made of the costs involved, including varying interest rates, the estimated cost of interest on the bond amount to be issued and the total cost of principal and interest to be paid at maturity. If the actual amount of the total debt service for the bond issues varies from the estimate, the approval by the electors is nevertheless conclusive and the validity of the bond issue is not affected by reason of the variance.
Daniel G. Bryer Jr.
Daniel G. Bryer Jr., Town Treasurer
Article 3. To vote by secret ballot on the following Referendum Question:
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a “Business Partnership Initiative Agreement” with the State of Maine (acting by and through its Department of Transportation) and PGC5, LLC, providing for the payment of up to $3,300,000 of the costs of public street paving, sidewalk, curbing, drainage and other improvements for Route 27 in the Boothbay village center and related public street improvements, with the State of Maine Department of Transportation to pay 30% (up to $1,000,000) of such costs, the Town to pay 35% (up to $1,150,000 to be financed by the bonds described in Article 2 above) of such costs and PGC5, LLC to pay 35% (up to $1,150,000) of such costs, and on such further terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen deems to be in the best interests of the Town;provided, however, that the Board of Selectmen shall conduct a public hearing, with prior notice, on the agreement prior to execution of the same; and to be effective only if Articles 2 and 4 are also passed at the November 8, 2016 referendum.
The Board of Selectmen recommends a “yes” vote.
Article 4. To vote by secret ballot on the following Referendum Question:
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Boothbay Development Program #3 Boothbay Commercial Development Omnibus Municipal Tax Increment (TIF) Financing District and Development Program and adopt the First Amendment to Development Program for the District, such designation and adoption to be on the terms and provisions of the “First Amendment to Development Program #3 Boothbay Commercial Development Omnibus Municipal Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and Development Program” (the “First Amendment”) as has been on file in the Town Clerk’s Office, a copy of which is incorporated herein by reference; (ii) to make the findings set forth in the First Amendment; and (iii) to submit to the State of Maine Commissioner of Economic and Community Development for approval such applications and further documentation as may be necessary or appropriate for final approval and establishment of the First Amendment to the District and the Development Program and financial plan pursuant to 30-A M.R.S.A. Chapter 206, with the Town Manager being hereby authorized to make such revisions to the Development Program as he deems reasonably necessary or convenient in order to facilitate approval by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, as long as such revisions are not inconsistent with this Article or the basic structure and intent of the Development Program, to be effective only if Articles 2 and 3 are also passed at the November 8, 2016 referendum.
The Board of Selectmen recommends a “yes” vote.
Article 5. To vote by secret ballot on the following Referendum Question:
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a Credit Enhancement Agreement with C & L Forestry Wood Pellets Inc. (the “Company”), substantially in the form attached to the Town of Boothbay Municipal Development and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #3 (Boothbay Commercial Development District) Development Program, with any changes thereto as approved by the Board of Selectmen, providing for the Town to pay to the Company, for a term of 20 years, 75% of the tax increment arising out of the taxes paid on property owned by the Company and located in the District.
The Board of Selectmen recommends a “yes” vote.
Article 6. To vote by secret ballot on the following Referendum Question:
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into an agreement with the State of Maine (acting by and through its Department of Transportation) that allows the State of Maine to use the Town owned-property located at 911 Wiscasset Road (Tax Map_U19_, Lot _15-D_) as a “Park and Ride Lot” at which the public may park their vehicles, such agreement to be for a term not to exceed 10 years and on such further terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen deems to be in the best interests of the Town.
The Board of Selectmen recommends a “yes” vote.
The Registrar of Voters’ Office will be open to correct any errors in or change a name or address on the voting list, to accept the registration of any person who became 18 years of age on or before the day of this Special Town Meeting, and to accept new enrollments.
A person who is not registered as a voter may not vote in any election or town meeting.
You are hereby directed to advertise this warrant in the Boothbay Register at least fourteen (14) days before holding of said meeting. Thereof fail not and have this special town meeting warrant posted with your doings thereon at a time and place mentioned. Given under our hands at Boothbay, Maine, the _14th_ day of _September_, 2016.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Dale C. Harmon, Chairman
Douglas W. Burnham, Vice Chairman
Steven C. Lewis
Charles R. Cunningham
Stephen W. Ham
A TRUE COPY ATTEST: CONSTABLE