UPDATE: In a decisive election, Ellsworth voters have just elected three new City Council members amid escalating concerns over rising property taxes and local development pressures. The unofficial vote totals reveal a tightly contested race, with the top three candidates securing their positions by a margin of just 76 votes or fewer.
Patrick Shea emerged as the frontrunner, garnering 1,283 votes. Following closely were Carol Patterson-Martineau with 1,231 votes and Marrina Smith at 1,229. The election, held on November 7, 2023, saw John Linnehan fall just two votes short of making the cut, finishing with 1,227 votes, while Earl Awalt and Timothy Carter trailed behind with 1,101 and 766 votes, respectively.
This election marks a significant shift in Ellsworth’s governance, as all three newly elected councilors—Shea, Patterson-Martineau, and Smith—have no prior experience in public office. Their predecessors, Michelle Beal, Tammy Mote, and Jon Stein, opted not to seek re-election, paving the way for fresh perspectives.
Voter sentiment has been largely driven by concerns over property taxes, which have surged in recent years. Candidates emphasized the urgent need for more affordable housing to attract new residents and alleviate the tax burden on existing homeowners. The election’s outcome reflects a community divided on how to tackle these issues.
While candidates like Linnehan, Awalt, and Shea advocated for a pro-business approach with fewer regulations, others, including Patterson-Martineau and Smith, pushed for a “smart growth” strategy. They aim to align development with Ellsworth’s updated comprehensive plan, focusing on preserving green spaces and enhancing walkability.
The election has profound implications for Ellsworth’s future. Local residents are anxious about how the new council will address the pressing issues of taxation, housing, and community development. The new councilors will need to navigate a complex landscape as they establish their priorities.
As Ellsworth braces for a new chapter, all eyes will be on how these elected officials respond to the community’s demands for better governance and sustainable growth. With rising property taxes and the need for affordable housing at the forefront, the council’s decisions in the coming months will be critical.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
