Larsen wins school board race, voters approve $159K for Curtis Memorial Library

Ryan Larsen garnered almost 75% of the vote to win a two-way race for a seat on the Maine School Administrative District 75 Board of Directors on Saturday, March 12.

Larsen, of Harpswell Neck, received 534 votes, 74.58% of those cast in the race. Tyler Washburn, of Orr’s Island, received 182. Larsen will join the board in June, replacing Linda Hall, who did not run for reelection after 12 years on the board.

“I am looking forward to joining the board and doing what I can to help the district,” Larsen said Saturday evening. “I really appreciate everyone who voted for me and am grateful for the support that so many have provided.”

Washburn said that he had congratulated Larsen on his victory. “While we ultimately came up short today, I want to thank my supporters for having my back over these last few months,” Washburn said.

He added that as a newcomer to Harpswell, he knew his candidacy was a long shot.

“I ran anyway because I wanted to stand up for our families and give the people in our town a choice,” he said. “I pledged to stay positive and I kept my word. … One thing is for sure — I will continue to be an advocate for our families because I still believe that we are all in this together.”

Harpswell’s annual contribution to Brunswick’s Curtis Memorial Library passed easily, 542-117, with 82.25% of voters favoring the sum of $159,089.

In uncontested elections, Selectman Jane Covey and Tax Collector Jill Caldwell won reelection with 631 and 664 votes, respectively. Interim Town Clerk Cathy Doughty won her first term as town clerk with 673 votes.

All terms are three years.

A grant from the Maine Humanities Council supports the Harpswell Anchor’s reporting on town government.