Republican Senator Susan Collins won in China on Tuesday during the US midterm elections. While the town shares a name with the country, the local contests were centered on fire engines, budgets, and paving rather than Beijing.
In the lakeside town of China in northeastern Maine, Collins outpolled Democrat Troy Jackson by 1,333 votes to 871, according to the town’s general election return. However, Jackson defeated Collins statewide to win the Senate seat.
Residents in China also voted on a separate ballot regarding a question that had divided elected officials: whether the town should spend up to US$750,000 on a new fire engine. The town would own the pumper-tanker, which the China Village Volunteer Fire Department would use. According to the local newspaper Town Line, the five-member select board had voted three to two to recommend the purchase. Residents backed the purchase by more than two to one, according to a handwritten tally published by the town.
Regarding the funding for the truck, residents had already set aside US$200,000 at a June town meeting. On Tuesday, they authorized the town to borrow up to US$550,000 to cover the balance. Any grants or donations toward the truck would reduce the amount the town could borrow, dollar for dollar.
In China Grove, Texas, located on San Antonio’s eastern edge, voters decided on street maintenance. Residents voted on whether to renew a sales tax that sets aside a quarter of a cent on every taxable dollar for repairs and maintenance. Early, unofficial returns from San Antonio broadcaster KENS 5 showed 387 votes in favor and 198 against.
Another China Grove, located in Rowan County, North Carolina, held elections for three town council seats. According to the Salisbury Post newspaper, two seats went to newcomers. Diane Folk led a six-candidate field with 789 votes, followed by Mike Upright with 638. Incumbent Don Bringle finished one vote behind Upright but secured the third seat, polling 28 votes more than fellow incumbent Arthur Heggins.
The town of China in Maine has a historical story regarding its name. According to the town clerk’s account, residents chose the name Bloomville in 1818. When their representative reached the legislative seat in Boston, he learned the name was already taken. Because home was a week’s journey away by horse and wagon, he was left to suggest another name and borrowed the title of a favorite hymn, which was called “China”.
