A long line waits at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in Gorham’s Ward 2 polls at Shaw Gym. Voter turnout was 60.3%, according to the town clerk. Robert Lowell / American Journal
Gorham voters Tuesday chose Phil Gagnon, Rob Lavoie and Seven Siegel to serve three-year terms on the Town Council.
Gagnon
Gagnon tallied 2,914 votes; Lavoie, 3,191 ; and Siegel, 3,864.
Incumbent Councilor Janet Kuech was defeated in the crowded seven-way race for three available council seats. Councilors Ben Hartwell and Jim Hager did not seek re-election.
Gagnon, a former Town Council chairperson, is finishing a three-year term on the School Committee. He advocates for attracting business to expand the town’s tax base.
“I am humbled and honored to return to the Town Council for another term,” he said Wednesday.
Lavoie, a chiropractor, favors honoring the town’s roots while planning its future. He had been a leading figure in promoting outdoor recreational activities in town.
Lavoie
Lavoie could not be reached for comment by the American Journal deadline.
Siegel, a product manager who serves on the town’s Planning Board, hopes to develop a long-term strategy to solve school overcrowding, the need for more businesses in town and high residential taxes.
“I want to thank the people of Gorham for believing in me and my vision. I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the council, the town staff, and the appointed committees to make our town the best it can be for everyone,” he said.
The best part of his campaign, he said, was hearing about what excites residents, what makes them hopeful for the town’s future and “people sharing their own vision of the town with me.”
The new councilors will be sworn in at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in a special meeting in the council chambers at the municipal center, 75 South St. The board will choose a new chairperson and vice chairperson.
Siegel
Also on Tuesday, Gorham voters approved a referendum 4,986 to 3,826 to amend the town’s charter to double the amount the town can spend on a capital expenditure, from $250,000 to $500,000, without asking voters for approval.
Town Clerk Laurie Nordfors reported 9,350 ballots were cast representing a 60.3% turnout of 15,505 registered voters. Voting appeared brisk throughout the day at Ward 2 (Shaw Gym) with long lines waiting to cast ballots.
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