By Amanda Estes
Staff Writer
Opponents to the proposed $56 million bond for South Portland High School were out in force at the polls on Tuesday, rejecting an increase in the city’s indebtedness to fund additions and renovations to the school by a nearly 3-1 margin.
Out of 6,489 residents who voted on Tuesday; 4,724 residents voted against the bond and 1,561 were in favor of the measure, with some 204 residents choosing not to vote on the issue.
Peter Walsh, a District 3 resident, said he didn’t have any trouble making up his mind about how to vote on the school bond.
“I’m not spending $56 million on anything,” he said before leaving the South Portland Community Center.
The bond would have carried $29 million in interest payments.
In District 1, Betsy Carson said she doesn’t have any children in the South Portland school system, but said, “one thing I would spend money on is education.”
Responding to the election results, Co-chair of SPHS-YES! Susan Adams said the problems at the high school are only going to increase, driving up future renovation costs.
“We continue to believe that there is no realistic hope of state funding for this project,” Adams said. “It is imperative that our City Council and our new City Manager make the High School a top priority.  SPHS-Yes! will continue to keep the issue at the forefront until it is resolved.”
South Portland voters also vetoed a state bond referendum for $43.5 million in funds for renovations, improvements and additions to the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College System and the Maine Maritime Academy. Overall, however, it appeared Maine voters were in favor of the bond.
Voters elected some new faces to the South Portland City Council and school board. Incumbent Linda Boudreau and Thomas Blake edged out their competition in a four-way race for two at-large city council seats with three-year terms.  
“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Blake said on Wednesday morning. He said he found the campaign to be enlightening and enjoyed the opportunity to walk the community and talk with residents.
Blake also said he enjoyed the competition.
“It was actually pleasing to see four people step up to the plate,” he said. “I’ve always been a believer that competition breeds success.”
There were no surprises in the South Portland School Board race as four candidates sought election to three uncontested seats. Current School Board Chairman Richard Carter will serve another term in his District 1 seat. Sara Goldberg will occupy a District 2 seat and Ralph Baxter Jr. and Karen Callaghan will serve in two at-large seats left vacant by William Harris and Mark Reuscher.  
Cape Elizabeth voters demonstrated they are content with the current town council by re-electing current chairman Paul McKenney and Mary Anne Lynch to another three-year term. McKenney and Lynch were the top two vote getters in a three-way race with Greg Altznauer.
Lynch said she consider people like Altznauer, who are willing to throw their hat into the ring, an asset to the community.
Question 4, which calls for a $35.5 million bond to invest in land conservation and preserve recreational opportunities, was an important issue for Lynch in this off year election.
Resident Emily Springer also said preserving open space was a significant issue bringing her to the polls this year.
Out of 2,500 total votes, Cape Elizabeth voted 1835 to 640 in favor of the bond. Voters statewide also approved the measure.
In the a three-way school board race, incumbent Rebecca Millett and John  (Jack) Kennealy were the two top-vote getters, edging out Michael Foley for a three-year term on the board.
“It was really great to have it be competitive with I think such strong candidates,” said Millett on Wednesday. “I take that as a good sign that Cape Elizabeth citizens are very interested in local government.”
Incumbent Patricia Brigham was uncontested in seeking re-election to Kevin Sweeney’s unexpired term on the board.