Election 2006 recap
Despite downpours lasting from noon through the evening and a significant conservative turnout against an operating override, Mitch Cohen was elected to the Board of Selectmen at the 2006 annual election. Mitch brings extensive experience from both the municipal and school sides of government, and is expected to be a very active member of the Board.
Mitch was the only Democratic candidate for Selectman. He joins Chairman Shirley Mosczynski, Vice-Chairman Paula Brouillette, David Furno, and other new member Michael Hughes on the board. The following morning the Worcester Telegram & Gazette lauded Mitch with the affectionate label “longtime town politico.” The story continued, “Mr. Cohen said he was grateful to voters and supporters who worked with him on his campaign. He said he plans on getting right to work on the board, and hopes to bring budget planning experience he has gained as a member of the Capital Improvement Committee to his role as a selectman.”
The occasional humor of election day revolved around the short tenure of President William Henry Harrison. Harrison’s inauguration took place in similarly foul weather. He took ill and died as a result one month into his term. Thankfully all participants on May 9th were better prepared than the late President Harrison and are reportedly in excellent health.
Other Democrats elected or re-elected in uncontested races: Tom Devlin, School Committee; Sharon Brotherton, Treasurer; Gail Swenson, Cemetery Commission; David St. George, Constable; and Joe Saster, Water/Sewer Commission. In the only other contested race, Republican Merritt “Pete” Tetreault defeated independent Brenda Roy for Library Trustee. Pete is well respected on both sides of the aisle and received the sactive support of many Democrats. We wish him well in his new position.
Both questions on the ballot were defeated. The first question would have granted permanent tenure to the current Town Clerk. The second was a $450,000 override to provide additional school staffing, one new police officer, and one new firefighter/EMT.
Many thanks go out to all those who stood in the rain supporting our candidates, and to Shirley Cooney who hosted the annual election night celebration and warm home cooking throughout the day.
