How the voters decided in municipal elections

TABOR defeat reveals trust in government
Mainers' easy access to their representatives may make them skeptical of formulaic tax-and-spending caps.

Off-year voter turnout may hit 40-year high
Theories on why it may reach 60 percent include compelling ballot issues and renewed interest in politics.

Medical marijuana vote raises new issues
The state human services agency must develop rules for and train staff to deal with dispensaries.

Election Dispatches

Turnout key as Maine prepares for election
A state official predicts it will be 35 percent, about average for off-year voting.

Polling places in Cumberland, York counties

AG says marriage law not a school issue
Janet Mills says she could find no reference in Maine law regarding marriage in the public school curriculum.

Anti-TABOR forces attract more cash but trail in polls

Falmouth candidate, 71, hopes win inspires others
Fred W. Chase gets the most votes for Town Council; the school budget is approved.

South Portland OKs upgrades to schools
Voters decide to borrow $5.8 million to renovate the two middle schools and South Portland High.

Election Dispatches

Gorham voters OK school budget and fire stations
One would be built in the Little Falls area, and the other in West Gorham; both would be shared.

Kennebunk board of selectmen: Fiscal matters lead local candidates' agenda
Of the seven people vying for four seats, most vow to take a conservative approach to spending.

South Portland voters asked to borrow $5.8 million for schools
Also on the ballot are the school budget and a $3 million bond package for improvements to sewers.

Three candidates vie for two Yarmouth council seats
Economic issues are key, including ways to boost the town's revenue and hold down the tax rate.

SAD 15 hopefuls focus on school requirements, district unity
Two incumbents and a political newcomer vie for two board seats.

Kennebunk voters to rule on bonds, other town spending

Topsham school budget plan would cut positions
But most of a slight spending increase is covered by federal stimulus money.

North Yarmouth candidates accentuate experience, openness
The incumbent and the challenger in the contest for selectman offer differing priorities.

Disappearing campaign signs leave city candidate fuming
Just 12 of Jim Gooch's 120 signs are still standing, and some, he says, have been stolen more than once.

Wells Budget: Surplus funds help offset bigger budget
Residents must decide whether to approve a municipal budget that is 11.7 percent higher.

Saco council opposes school union budget
Voters in Old Orchard Beach, Dayton and Saco will decide on the spending plan next week.

Economy, water draw six to Wells selectman's race
The contenders for two seats want to help the town's taxpayers get more for their money.

Brunswick School Budget: Voters asked to approve a decrease in spending
If the almost $33.5 million school budget passes, residents will see no increase in property taxes.

Freeport school board approves budget of $23 million
Some spending choices are questioned but a long meeting produces few reductions.

Kennebunkport selectman candidates aim to control costs
Two incumbents and their challenger stress the need to keep taxes down.

Cumberland zoning stirs controversy
Voters will weigh in on a credit union in a mostly residential area and elect a school board member.

Kennebunkport: Ballot questions, budget up for vote
Residents will decide if the town should buy land that could be used for a new school or other uses.

Both Buxton selectman candidates boast years of service
Voters also will decide whether to further consider a town manager form of government.

Portland Charter Commission: Eight try for four at-large seats
The field of candidates features several political newcomers and three former mayors of the city.

Charter Commission: Candidates guided by career experiences
District 3: Joe Malone has a business perspective. Laurie Davis has had a 'ground-level' view on serving residents.

Charter Commission: Trio offers a variety of views on the issues
District 4: One wants to give voters the power to pick a mayor, but the others say it's too soon to take a position.

Charter Commission: Hopefuls take different approaches
District 5: One presents specific ideas; the other wants to wait until he's studied the charter and the issues.

Yarmouth to vote on budget Tuesday
The town budget does not include any major changes in services, cuts in programs or layoffs.

Charter Commission: Candidates drawn to public policy
District 2: Both have backgrounds that include the University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public Service.

Charter Commission: Hopefuls want voters to elect city's mayor
District 1: Benjamin Chipman also calls for consolidating municipal and school financial planning.

Election puts role of mayor at the fore
Nineteen people seek seats on a panel that may reshape how Maine's largest city is governed.

Standish pair vying for seat
A political newcomer is challenging an incumbent for a three-year at-large term on the town council.

Fire stations, school costs on Gorham ballot
Stimulus money would be sought to fund the stations, and the education budget would shave the tax rate.