Portland’s referendum to protect scenic views could have citywide implications, but the donations flowing into the “Yes” and “No” campaigns in the final days before Tuesday’s election are coming from those with vested real estate interests around the eastern waterfront.

Since Oct. 20, developer CPB2 has contributed an additional $20,000 to a political action group trying to defeat Question 2, which could significantly limit the company’s planned redevelopment of 10 acres of land it owns along upper Fore Street. To date, the developer has invested at least $60,000 to defeat the referendum.

Meanwhile, Barbara Vestal, who authored the proposed ordinance, and her husband, Edwin Chester, have donated at least $8,000 to the Save the Soul of Portland PAC, which is advocating for passage. The couple live across from the proposed development at 58 Fore St. – which may affect their view of the harbor – as do Atlantic Street resident Sherwood Hamill, who has given at least $4,500 to the Save the Soul of Portland PAC, and St. Lawrence Street resident Peter Macomber, who has given at least $4,000.

Question 2 would establish a scenic overlay zone over 58 Fore St., prohibiting buildings from rising from the waterfront land above Fore Street. It would also set up a process for other residents to protect scenic views, although any future proposal for scenic view protection would have to be evaluated by a task force and ultimately approved by the City Council.

Passage of the proposal Tuesday also would require developers to submit their development plans when asking the city to rezone a piece of land.

If passed, the ordinance could not be changed for five years and then, unlike other citizens’ initiatives, it could only be repealed or amended by another citywide referendum, rather than by the City Council.

Heading into the closing days of the election, Portland’s Future, a PAC opposing the ordinance, has a significant fundraising advantage over proponents, having raised nearly $100,000 over the course of the campaign. Campaign finance reports show they are using that money to send direct mailers to residents and run advertisements on the radio.

Portland’s Future also donated $9,000 to a separate political action committee set up by magazine publisher Maine Media Collective, which devoted a whole issue of Old Port Magazine to argue against passage of the question, triggering an ethics complaint over a lack of disclosure by the magazine.

City Clerk Katherine Jones said she is still reviewing the complaint and expects a ruling early next week.

Save the Soul of Portland, meanwhile, has raised roughly $27,000 throughout the campaign and is looking to reach voters in the closing days by phone and by canvassing neighborhoods.

According to 24-hour reports filed with the city clerk’s office, which are required for any contribution exceeding $5,000 or an expense exceeding $1,000 after Oct. 20, the group paid Savvy Inc., a public relations firm owned and operated by Dennis Bailey, more than $5,400 to make phone calls in support of Question 2.

Bailey said in an email those calls are being made by volunteers.

“We’ve matched them with people power, going door-to-door across the entire city,” Bailey said in an email. “We think we’re in good shape, even though we’ve been vastly outspent.”

Meanwhile, CPB2 made a $10,000 donation to Portland’s Future on Oct. 22 and another $10,000 donation two days later. Finance records show similar expenditures on direct mail and radio ads.

David Farmer of Portland’s Future said the group continues to grow to include advocates for the poor and for seniors, supporters of affordable housing, small businesses and large, and a coalition of entrepreneurs and labor. The campaign plans to reinforce its mailers and radio ads with personal conversations, he said.

“Going into the final weekend, we’re concentrating on having one-on-one conversations with Portland voters and will have canvassers and volunteers knocking on doors right through Election Day,” Farmer said.

“It’s clear that momentum is on our side and Portlanders from every part of the city and all walks of life are supporting the No on 2 campaign, but we remain focused on talking to as many voters as possible.”

Randy Billings can be reached at 791-6346 or at:

rbillings@pressherald.com

Twitter: randybillings

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