Gay rights, a constitutional amendment and five questions asking for public approval to borrow $83 million in bonds drew voters to polls around the Lakes Region on Tuesday. In most towns, more than one third of registered voters cast ballots.
With a 55/45 percent split statewide, voters struck down a People’s Veto to overturn a new law aimed at protecting people of differing sexual orientations from discrimination.
“I think it’s an overwhelming victory for civil rights in our state,” said Jesse Connolly, spokesperson for Maine Won’t Discriminate, a political action group that campaigned for the No vote. “People understand that discrimination happens and that we needed to put a stop to it.”
Voters also approved a constitutional amendment to tax working waterfront according to current use and nearly $80 million in bonds for highways, land conservation and job growth. A $9 million bond to support improvements to university buildings in the UMaine system is razor-thin and still too close to call.
On Tuesday, voters at the polls in Standish, Raymond and Windham shared reasons how they voted and why.
Jeff Garnett of Standish voted ‘Yes’ on Question 1.
“I voted yes because it’s more benefiting my views as a Christian of what I think as far as what marriage is between a man and a woman and not between,” Garnett said. “I know it’s not a marriage amendment but I think it’s a step in that direction.”
Madeleine and Naomi Winterfalcon of Standish both voted “No” in defense of gay rights.
“We are lesbians and we’re really tired of the Right trying to dictate basic human rights which is all this is about,” Madeleine said. “It’s not about marriage, it’s not about preserving anything. It’s about adding sexual orientation to the Human Rights Act so that we don’t get thrown out of our apartments or fired from our jobs. That’s all it says.”
“Also it’s a minority group inciting the majority to vote against another minority,” Naomi added. “And Christians are included in the Human Rights Act so it’s totally discriminatory for that group to decide that they don’t want another group in the Human Rights Act.”
As for the bond questions, Joanne Adams, who recently moved to Windham, said she voted “more yeses than nos” and felt it especially important that she vote for the university bond because she is enrolled in the seniors program at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
Craig Clark of Raymond voted in favor of all of the bonds.
“They seem to be all in the best interests of the state,” Clark said. “From college improvements to bridgework, land use and access issues for both the coast and inland waterways, we have to try to prevent people from being priced out of their own state.”
However, Ken MacLeod, also of Raymond, had different view on bonding.
“I voted against most of the bond questions just because I wanted to send the message that the state needs to stop spending and start cutting the budget,” MacLeod said. “They need to stop spending my money.”
Cathy Dodge of Raymond and Thomas Madsen of Windham both voted for the working waterfront amendment.
“I voted yes on the fisherman and land use questions,” Dodge said. “You’ve got to feel bad for all those folks who’ve been fishermen for generations and can’t seem to pay their taxes.”
“I think we need to preserve the waterfront for our fishermen,” Madsen said. “And we need to be able to get around the state safely on highways and bridges.”
Tom Gazzelloni of Windham is a dedicated voter who said he comes to every election every year.
“I voted yes on 1 and no on all the bonds,” Gazzelloni said. “I have nothing against gay people. Maine is one of those places that you can be terminated from your job for anything. They shouldn’t be given special rights. They should change the law so it encompasses everyone.”
As for the bond questions, Gazzelloni had this to say, “I think until we get our house in order, we can’t be borrowing money.”
Gazzelloni said that he listens to talk radio, reads newspapers, and watches TV news to stay informed on election issues. And when it comes to voting, Gazzelloni quotes the old clichA?©, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”
Anne MacLeod, daughter of Ken and Karen MacLeod, finds shelter beside her mother during voting at Jordon Small Middle School in Raymond. Raymond was one town that voted to uphold Maine’s new gay rights law. Raymond also voted to adopt most of the bond questions as well.Send questions/comments to the editors.
