UPDATE: Ellsworth voters have just elected three new City Council members in a closely contested race that saw the top five candidates separated by a mere 76 votes. The unofficial results from July 15, 2025, confirm that Patrick Shea led the pack with 1,283 votes, followed closely by Carol Patterson-Martineau with 1,231 votes, and Marrina Smith, who secured 1,229 votes.
The election comes at a critical time as residents voice mounting concerns over escalating property taxes and development pressures. The results highlight a significant shift in the council’s composition, as the outgoing members—Michelle Beal, Tammy Mote, and Jon Stein—chose not to seek re-election.
The race was marked by a fierce debate over the future of Ellsworth, with candidates offering differing visions on how best to address the city’s challenges. While Shea, Awalt, and Linnehan campaigned on pro-business platforms, advocating for fewer restrictions, Patterson-Martineau, Smith, and Marichal pushed for a “smart growth” approach that emphasizes sustainable development and community well-being.
John Linnehan, a familiar face in local politics, narrowly missed a council seat, finishing fourth with 1,227 votes, just two votes shy of Patterson-Martineau. His conservative stance and past business practices drew scrutiny, but his long-standing commitment to the community remains evident. Earl Awalt, who received 1,101 votes, and Timothy Carter, who garnered 766 votes, also expressed concerns about property taxes, with Carter advocating for increased regulation on vacation rentals to safeguard affordable housing.
The close election results underscore the divided opinions among Ellsworth residents regarding property taxes and development strategies. Candidates emphasized the need for more affordable housing to alleviate the tax burden while maintaining the city’s unique character and green spaces.
With these new council members in place, residents are eager to see how they will address the pressing issues facing Ellsworth. The council’s first meeting is anticipated to be pivotal as the new members outline their priorities and strategies for tackling the community’s challenges.
As the city moves forward, all eyes will be on the newly elected officials to deliver on their promises and work towards a sustainable future for Ellsworth. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
