Last Friday Swan’s Island residents voted overwhelmingly to continue the tradition of living on a dry island.
When asked to decide on a Local Liquor Option Referendum, allowing liquor sales on the island, voters exercised their rights and sent a clear message that tradition should not be changed.
Swan’s Island, population 327 residents according to the 2000 census, recorded 249 votes on the liquor option referendum. Town Clerk Gwen May reported that a record 100 absentee ballots were cast in the February 27 vote, considerably more than in last fall’s Presidential election when only 63 absentee ballots were received.
Two separate questions were on the ballot. In Question 1, voters were asked if they would approve liquor sales on the premises of a licensed establishment (restaurant sales). Question 1 was defeated 156 to 93. So 63 percent of voters voted no on this question.
In Question 2, voters were asked if they would approve sale of malt liquor and wine to be consumed off the premises of the licensed establishment (store or take-out sales). The second question was defeated 154 to 94.
Both questions did not allow Sunday sales of liquor.
According to Selectman Dexter Lee, “The balloting used to take place every two years in every town in Maine. It is now done only by petition.” A petition with the required number of signatures was submitted to the Swan’s Island Board of Selectmen in January. Upon receipt of the petition, the selectmen had 45 days to take action, which meant scheduling a town vote.
There is no record of the island ever allowing liquor sales. The closest vote was on November 4, 1980, when 122 voters cast ballots against the sale of liquor ordinance and 100 were in favor.
A vote on alcohol sales had not taken place since 1987 when it was voted down by a large margin.
From the time the petition began circulating to the time of the vote, residents were deeply divided on the issue. Those on both sides of the issue voiced their opinions at a February 16 meeting.
Prior to the public meeting, two letters were received by many registered voters on the island. Both letters urged residents to get out and vote on the issue, but each had a different message.
One letter, with the names of several island businesses on it, suggested possible economic growth and the creation of much-needed jobs would result if the liquor referendum passed.
The other letter, which was unsigned, asked residents to consider the negative impact of passing the referendum: an increase in crime, vehicular accidents and medical emergencies.
The February 16 meeting, moderated by Selectman Sonny Sprague, allowed anyone who wanted to express a viewpoint the opportunity to do so, in a respectful manner.
Joan Harding spoke in favor saying, “I support it and am willing to give alcohol sales a chance. I think it would help businesses.”
Speaking against the referendum was Josh Joyce who said, “As a firefighter, EMT, and father of four, I don’t want to take that chance.”
Others shared their thoughts on the issue as well, including Swan’s Island Police Chief Jerry Michaud. He cited statistics on alcohol-related crimes, which were very few. “I don’t think alcohol related crimes will increase,” said Michaud.
After the results of the vote were posted, storeowner Sheena Kennedy commented, “This is a sad time for the island.” Many people voting in favor of the liquor referendum felt that alcohol sales would help sustain the only store on the island, a vital piece of the year-round community.
Candi Joyce, who voted against the referendum, stated, “I like the island’s unique cultural personality. I just like keeping the traditions of the island the way they have always been.”
Just three days after upholding the tradition of a dry island, residents voted at their annual Town Meeting to purchase a Breathalyzer for the Swan’s Island Police Department.