enlarge Doug Jones/Staff Photographer

Laura McKenney employs a lamp to help illuminate her Election Day work Tuesday at the Knights of Columbus hall on Pool Road in Biddeford.

Mass gatherings: Permit and bond changes approved

Voters approved changes to the town's mass gathering ordinance Tuesday night in a 957-542 vote.

The changes shift responsibility for issuing mass gathering permits for events expected to draw 500 or more people from the police chief to the Board of Selectmen.

They also require organizers of the larger events to obtain a surety bond to protect against damages to public property.

Town officials insist the changes were made to allow the town some control over large-scale events held on private property and would have no impact on political demonstrations.

The Maine Civil Liberties Union issued an opinion saying the changes could restrict freedom of speech. As a summer home for the Bush family, Kennebunkport has long drawn protesters.

Revaluation: Fourth time's the charm, passing 800-715

Voters narrowly approved a townwide revaluation Tuesday, the first since 1998. The vote was 800 to 715.

It was the fourth time in recent years voters in Kennebunkport were asked to consider whether the town should conduct a full revaluation. The measure was rejected in previous years.

Since 1998, inequities in the assessed values of properties in town grew, as some properties increased in value at faster rates than others.

The state's 2006 valuation report, the latest report, revealed that Kennebunkport's total valuation was at 39 percent of market value.

Many residents supported another revaluation to iron out inequities. A number of residents , however, also opposed the move this year, with some saying the town should wait for the market to level out before proceeding and others arguing for property tax reform at the state level.

BIDDEFORD COUNCIL

At-large: Flood, incumbent Lamontagne win 3-way race

Retired newspaper publisher David Flood and incumbent George "Pete" Lamontagne were the winners in a three-way race for at- large seats on the Biddeford City Council.

Flood received 2,389 votes, with Lamontagne gaining 2,367 votes. Political newcomer Robert Dee received 1,315 votes.

Flood, the retired owner of Mainely Media, stressed the importance of redeveloping downtown Biddeford and encouraging the departure of the Maine Energy Recovery Co.

Lamontagne said he believed one of the most important issues facing Biddeford is caring for the city's elderly, many of whom are having difficulty staying in their homes because of high tax bills.

Dee, who lives on Granite Street near the Biddeford Airport, expressed concerns about safety and noise issues at the airport. He said he believes the airport benefits only a small number of people though it is supported by all Biddeford taxpayers.

Ward 1: School Committee member bests ex-councilor

Biddeford School Committee member Patricia Boston beat former City Councilor Ronald Peaker by a vote of 383-319 in the race for the seat representing Ward 1 on the Biddeford City Council.

Both candidates stressed the importance of gaining control of the city's finances. Boston said she would look to cooperate with neighboring communities to operate more efficiently.

Peaker said he would pass a municipal hiring freeze to limit spending and try to improve communication at all levels of city government.

Boston also is a supporter of the continued revitalization of downtown Biddeford.

Ward 1 encompasses Biddeford's coastal neighborhoods.

Ward 3: Former councilor defeats school volunteer

Former City Councilor Clem Fleurent beat out school volunteer Roland Pelletier Jr. on Tuesday in a race for Biddeford's Ward 3 City Council seat, according to unofficial results.

Fleurent, a former city councilor and truck driver, ran on a platform of controlled spending and "common-sense" decisions. He also said other priorities would be maintaining the city's streets and controlling growth of the airport.

Pelletier, a retired Army veteran...