After weeks of debate, a petition and a public forum, Westport residents said “yes” to allocating $50,000 toward preserving the 144-acre parcel of their island at Squam Creek, according to the June 14 election results provided by Gaye Wagner, town clerk and registrar of voters.

The secret ballot vote, which was 127 in favor and 84 against, was in response to the question: “Shall the Town of Westport Island authorize and pledge $50,000, to be matched by private donations, for funds to be used in support of the acquisition...”

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) is working to acquire the parcel and has been soliciting donations to fund the $411,000 acquisition by a deadline of Dec. 31. The $50,000 contribution from the town benefited KELT’s efforts beyond the actual amount. In a briefing at the public hearing held on May 26, KELT president Dennis Dunbar explained that some grant funds were dependent on the town supporting the acquisition. At the June 25 town meeting, island residents will vote on additional warrant articles to fund the amount.

In a statement released to the press, Dunbar said:

"Today's vote is a major step towards preserving one of Westport Island's most important habitat areas and early settlement sites near the historic center of our town.  The recreation opportunities, wildlife values, wetland values, historic values and natural beauty of a preserve at Squam Creek will be highly valued for generations to come. Now the hard part begins; raising the balance of the funds required.”

Dunbar also indicated that those wishing to hike the area may do so on Saturday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m. KELT will provide guides to assist hikers. The hike will take about 90 minutes.

In other election results, George D. Richardson, Jr. was overwhelmingly returned to the position of first selectman by a vote of 168 with 24 write-ins.  Gary Cromwell was also returned as road commissioner (188 in favor, 16 write-ins.) Both RSU 12 school referendum questions passed.

Primary election results for the island were as follows:

Republican Primary Ballot:

Congress, District 1: Mark Holbrook 53; Ande Allen Smith 26; State Senator, District 13: Dana Dow 73; Rep. to Legislature, District 89: Stephanie Hawke 72; County Commissioner, District 1: Hamilton Meserve 71

 Democratic Primary Ballot:

Congress, District 1: Chellie Pingree 70; State Senator, District 13: Christopher Johnson 69; Judge of Probate: William Avantaggio  65.