Barlow Re-Elected First Selectman

Republican Richard Barlow beat challenger Lowell Humphrey to win re-election as first selectman Tuesday. The tally was 1,362 to 802. 

"I've been honored to serve for four years and was extremely pleased the residents had the confidence in me to serve them for another four years," Barlow said. 

Humphrey, an unaffiliated candidate, did, however, get enough votes to get a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

"I certainly congratulate Dick," Humphrey said. "I look forward to working with him and everyone else on the board." 

Democrat Tom Sevigny also won election as did Republican incumbents David Gilchrist and Steve Roberto. 

Gilchrist said he was happy that he, Roberto and Barlow won re-election. He also said he looked forward to working with some new members. 

"I'm sure we're going to be able to work very well together," he said. "They're both competent people."  

Sevigny said he is honored to have won with some many candidates for selectmen and the possibilities that presented. 

"I'm exciting to win of course. It was an interesting race . . . hopefully we can move the town forward," Sevigny said. 

Current selectman Marc Cerniglia, who ran as a petitioning unaffiliated candidate did not get a seat. Kevin Jackson, a petitioning Republican also did not make it nor did Democrat George Thimot. Green party candidate Ben Holden also failed to win and received just 140 votes. 

"I honestly thought we'd do a little better," Holden said. 

For Board of Finance, Democrat Mary Tomolonius and Republican Kenneth S. Humphrey, both incumbents, won re-election. Also winning for Board of Finance was a newcomer to the board, Republican Bill Canny. 

Democrats Arthur Fournier and Todd Matt were not elected to the finance board. 

For Board of Education, Democrat Peg Berry, and Republicans David Briggs, Helen Treacy and Laurie McKenna won seats.

Gretchen Amrein Sonju, a Democrat selected to fill a vacancy about two years ago, did not retain her seat. 

Current Board of Education member Patti White said she was disappointed people vote the party line and did not elect Sonju, who she said has worked hard for the school board.

"I'm heartbroken she didn't get elected," White said. 

The proposed charter changes on the ballot passed 1,101 to 310. 

See the complete tallies here. 

In all, 2,397 voters, or 35.2 percent of the 6,805 qualified, cast a ballot. 

Democratic chairwoman Mary Tomolonius said she was a little disappointed that Democrats did not fare a little better. She also said she had hoped for higher turnout and acknowledged the recent weather and outages may have played a role. 

"I was a little surprised at the low turnout," she said. "Municipal elections are so important." 

Republican Town Committee Chairman Brian First said he feels all the candidates truly want what's best for the town.