Incumbents representing Gorham and Buxton to the Maine House of Representatives were re-elected to their seats Tuesday.
Voters sent Chris Barstow, Dave Farrington and Don Marean back to Augusta.
In Gorham, Democrat Chris Barstow defeated Republican challenger Harold “Butch” Freeman 2,610 to 1,338, in District 129.
“I’m humbled and privileged to serve a third term for the people of Gorham,” Barstow said.
Democrat David Farrington of Gorham retained House seat 130, representing parts of both Gorham and Buxton. He defeated Ryan Harnden, a Gorham Republican, in Gorham 1,241 to 819, and in Buxton, 626 to 493.
“I’m very gratified to have been given another term,” Farrington said Wednesday. “Its especially pleasing that I won in both towns.”
Farrington said the vote indicates a message that voters want the current leadership, but want changes in issues like spending and relieving the tax burden.
Another incumbent winner, Don Marean, a Republican from Hollis, took both Buxton and Hollis, defending his District 131 seat from challenger Bonita Breault of Buxton. Marean defeated Breault, 1,061 to 927, in Buxton and 1,137 to 643 in Hollis.
Marean is looking forward to returning to his legislative duties. “I’m very happy to be there,” Marean said.
Although the Taxpaer Bill of Rights was defeated, he agreed with Farrington that voters sent a message to legislators. He said voters want tax relief and more work on health care. “They deserve something,” Marean said.
Gorham’s victorious legislative delegation celebrate at a gathering of Democrats at a restaurant in Gorham Tuesday. The trio are, left to right, Rep. Dave Farrington, House District 130; Sen. Phil Bartlett, Senate District 6; and Rep. Chris Barstow, House District 129. Send questions/comments to the editors.
