Voters will decide a contested Select Board race this year, with a challenger seeking the seat held by Chair Kevin Johnson.
The challenger, Ellen Glew, has lived in Harpswell since 2002 and works part time as an employee benefits consultant. Her local volunteer experience includes the Harpswell Anchor, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program and the Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department board.
Glew said she is running to help preserve Harpswell’s character by promoting transparent leadership, careful use of taxpayer dollars, and support for housing, town services, natural resources and the fishing economy.
Town Clerk Cathy Doughty confirmed that both Glew and Johnson filed nomination papers with enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Johnson has served on the Select Board for nearly 12 years, including roughly two-thirds of that time as chair. He has said he is seeking reelection to continue overseeing major projects such as a planned $6 million municipal fire and rescue station on Mountain Road, which voters approved in June.
Glew was one of the most vocal opponents of the referendum to build the station, saying the proposal needed more study.
The election will take place as part of Harpswell’s annual Town Meeting on March 14. The board chair is chosen by the full Select Board after an election and is not directly elected by voters.
In addition, two incumbent members of the Maine School Administrative District 75 Board of Directors are running unchallenged for their second terms: Gregory Greenleaf and William “Bart” Beattie. Doughty said both have submitted valid nomination papers and will appear on the ballot.
Beattie had previously planned to forgo a second term on the school board.
“My intention was not to run, but when I learned that no one had stepped up, I felt compelled to get my name on the ballot,” Beattie said. “I don’t want to leave the board shorthanded or the town with one less representative. I’m happy to serve a little longer with hopes that someone else raises their hand before next time around.”
Both Select Board and school board seats have three-year terms.
Editor’s note: Ellen Glew volunteers with the Anchor as part of a team that assists with mailings and distribution, among other tasks. This team does not direct or review news coverage. The Anchor does not endorse candidates for office.
