BATH

Tuesday’s low turnout at the polls etched out some very small margin wins in the state primaries.

Will Neilson of Arrowsic won the Democratic race for Maine House District 53 against Allison Hepler of Woolwich by 19 votes, based on preliminary election results.

A Woolwich Selectwoman, Hepler hoped to represent District 53, which includes Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond.

Neilson now must challenge incumbent Rep. Jeffrey Pierce, R-Dresden, in November.

In addition to being the co-owner of Bath’s Solo Bistro restaurant, Neilson is an attorney and chairman of the Arrowsic Planning Board. His involvement in the community includes organizations like Main Street Bath, Bath Rotary Club, Bath Freight Shed Alliance and the Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network, among others.

In 2013, Neilson sought to be a Democratic Party nominee in a special election for a Maine Senate position that was vacated by Sen. Seth Goodall following his resignation. Eloise Vitelli, also of Arrowsic, won the nomination and the seat instead.

Neilson said Tuesday night it was a hard fought primary battle against Hepler, who was a well qualified candidate.

“I thought we both worked really hard and I’m delighted to have moved forward,” Neilson said. “I’m hopeful that perhaps this race can generate more light than heat, but that sort of depends on how Jeff Pierce wants to play it in the fall.”

He said he had a lot of support from many friends, and it is a good feeling to have own.

“Part of my motivation to run is that over the years, I have found myself developing what seemed to me, a clearer and clearer voice that I feel called to use in the service of the common good,” Neilson said. “So right from the get-go my desire has been to bring more light than heat.”

There are many motivations for politics. In Neilson’s case, he has got older and more experienced.

“I think I’ve come to understand more about how the world works and I think I bring a perspective and precocity… I think I see things somewhat more clearly than many and I hope that I can articulate them clearly,” Neilson said. “I think there are big issues that are much bigger than just our district.”

For example, he said, “I think from my perspective we have economic issues that need to be dealt with because the prevailing ideology at the moment is just detached from reality.”

dmoore@timesrecord.com