By Mary Delamater,Staff Writer

POLAND – Sandra T. Knowles was elected selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor Friday in a four-way race, Town Clerk Judith Akers said.

Knowles received 277 votes to win the three-year position.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to represent people in such a great town,” Knowles said Friday night.

“One of my jobs, I think, is to try to make an atmosphere that is inclusive,” showing the many new residents who have moved north from the Portland area that “Poland is more than just a place to eat and sleep.”

Knowles is retired and has served on the Planning Board, Budget Committee, Pottle Hill Board and Poland Concerned Citizens Committee, and chaired the Town Office Expansion Committee. She said she is concerned about the lack of public input in town government, getting new residents involved in the community and the lack of affordable housing in town.

The former Lewiston Housing Authority director for 17 years said it was gratifying to see residents show up to vote, indicating their concern for their government.

“The best news was we had a great turnout,” she said, referring to the more than 550 people who participated in the elections. “I think people were interested in it.”

And that interest made her win sweeter, she said.

“It’s particularly gratifying to me because I’m not a native; I’ve only lived here 23 years,” Knowles said.

Others vying for the position were Paul I. Harriman Jr. with 226 votes, Buffy M. Morrissette with 16, and Stephen E. Robinson with 28. Robinson was the incumbent and filed nomination papers, but decided later to not seek another term. His name was still on the ballot.

Incumbent Norman E. Davis and newcomer Kimberly A. Moody were elected to the School Committee in a four-way race. Davis, chief executive officer of Morin Brick Corp. of Auburn, had 247 votes. Moody, executive director of the Disabilities Rights Center, received 222.

Their terms are for three years.

Candidates Joseph L. Parent got 148 votes and Jill A. Libby had 104, Akers said. Brian Mello led a field of write-ins with 84 votes.

Winning three-year terms for Ricker Memorial Library trustees were Arlene I. Friis with 378 votes and John G. Merrill with 372.

Akers said 553 voters cast ballots.

“That was a good turnout,” she said, compared to about 300 last year. The town has about 3,900 registered voters, she said.

The annual town meeting begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Poland Regional High School auditorium. Among the warrant articles are ones to slow residential growth, to prohibit conflict of interest by family members in elective offices, and to buy a $380,000 rescue vehicle.