MILLINOCKET – Veteran Town Councilors Jimmy Busque and Chairman David Nelson held off three newcomers’ challenges to keep their seats for three more years, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.

With 435-450 absentee votes yet to be counted, Busque had 1,110 votes and Nelson had 1,116. They easily defeated challengers Martin Cyr, who had 644; John Raymond, who had 417; and Shirley Snider, who had 264.

It was too close to call late Tuesday, but voters seem to have said no to a ballot question regarding whether to appropriate another $30,000 for the Millinocket Area Growth and Investment Council, or MAGIC, with 938 votes no and 865 votes yes, Town Manager Eugene Conlogue said.

Busque will be thrilled when he gets news of his re-election, said his wife, Diana, when she was reached at home late Tuesday. An ardent outdoorsman, Jimmy Busque was hunting somewhere outside of town and cellular telephone range, she said.

“I’m excited. I am really happy,” said Diana Busque. “I think the council is working very well together so I think getting those two back in office is really good.”

Nelson, 44, was honored and satisfied with his win. A chairman for only a year, he said he was pleased to have restored a more businesslike attitude to council meetings. The council has also increased road repair, school funding and created safe zones for town children, he said.

“It’s important that all the voices are heard and that we have constructive dialogue,” Nelson said. “I have learned a lot about civics and politics, and most important of how to work with people over the last year.”

Voters leaving the town polls at Stearns High School during the day Tuesday praised Nelson for his work but gave a virtual benediction to Busque. Nearly all interviewed spoke highly of Busque’s anti-environmental preservationist stance, his outspokenness and love of the town.

“Jimmy looks out for the area, and he’s anti-green, which is good for this area,” said John McLaughin, 50.

“I know Jimmy from way back when, and he’s always been a good guy,” said Dan Cyr, 44.

“He seems to be for supporting Millinocket and not for furthering his own concerns,” said Jennifer Boynton, 25.

“I have seen him speak in public, and he does a good job,” said Laurie Jameson, 37.

Millinocket had a strong voter turnout. As of 5 p.m., 1,443 voters out of about 4,300 had voted, Town Clerk Roxanne Johnson said.

“It has been a very steady, busy day all day,” Johnson said.

“I already wish it was Wednesday,” Deputy Town Clerk Erica Porter joked.