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A $1 million bond issue to conserve farmland is trailing, but may be too close to call.

From staff reports November 4, 2009

Two Windham town councilors appeared to be on their way to defeat Tuesday night, and a proposal to borrow $1 million for conservation land was trailing by a margin that was too close to call.

With 95 percent of the roughly 7,000 votes cast having been counted, William Tracy had a comfortable lead in the four-way race for a three-year at-large council seat. Peter Busque was leading in the race for a one-year at-large seat.

In the West District race, Matthew Noel was in the lead. Scott Hayman was leading in the race for the North District seat on the council.

The $1 million bond for conservation farmland was trailing, 3,448 to 3,083.

The race for a three-year at-large seat had four candidates. With the partial returns, Tracy had 2,590 votes, Priscilla Cutts had 1,275, David Nadeau had 1,343 and Brad Saucier had 801.

Tracy, who was raised on a dairy farm, said he would balance preservation of open space with development.

Nadeau, who has served on the town's Planning board for eight years, said he was running to help create the town's long-term economic development plan.

There were three candidates for a one-year at-large term. Busque, who said he would emphasize making Windham business-friendly, in part by changing zoning, received 3,360 votes.

Elizabeth Wisecup, who has served on the council for the past six years, received 1,747 votes. David Lyndon, who received 1,206, said his independence would be key to helping the council resolve infighting.

In the West District race, Councilor Robert Muir received 1,590 votes, Thomas Gleason received 1,714 and Noel received 2,646.

Noel said the town needs to put out a welcome mat and emphasize its proximity to Portland in attracting business.

Commenting on the $1 million bond proposed to buy the Clark Farm property, Noel said, "the council voted for the bond when we can't afford to maintain the current infrastructure, and the parks and roads we currently have."

In the North District race, Hayman had 4,150 votes and Stephen Demetriou had 1,806.

Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at: dhench@pressherald.com