Thanks to the step by step support Marybeth Majestic gave the Gardiner Community Preservation Fund initiative over the past year, Gardiner now has a permanent on-going funding source to protect open space in Gardiner. Since February 1, 2023 when the 1.25% “buyer pays” real estate transfer tax became effective, there is approximately $40,000 collected in just three months (not including May yet) exclusively and specifically for open space protection.

These funds and this on-going program only made it onto the ballot because of Marybeth’s unwavering active support to move the program through the Town government. In November 2022, 75% of Gardiner voters voted yes to approve this program. As a member of the Community Preservation Fund committee, I saw Marybeth speak at public education meetings and explain how this Fund would work, and through her efforts and the citizens supporting the Fund initiative, the Community Preservation Fund is now accumulating dedicated funds for open space preservation as well as recreational uses.

Five years ago the Town of Gardiner open space planning was in ashes. The Town Board – led by Marybeth – revived the Open Space Commission. This is the kind of effort Marybeth puts into our Town- involving step by step planning, task management, attention to details, sometimes complicated – and leadership. Please vote for Marybeth on June 27 in the Gardiner Democratic primary. Your vote matters!