Scenes, Words from the Polls

Though than in past years, many people lined the driveway to Burlington High School today in support of their candidate of choice.

The atmosphere outside the polls was enthusiastic but civil as supporters for the different candidates enjoyed the nice Spring weather as they stood holding signs and waving to voters as they arrived.

The major contested race in this election is for the one open seat on the Burlington Board of Selectmen. The three candidates are Daniel Grattan, Michael Runyan and Virginia Mooney.

Supporters at the polls had a variety of reasons for backing their candidate of choice.

Michael Proulx, a Runyan supporter, said he was out holding a sign because he thinks Runyan's invovlement in civic programs in town and his work ethic make him a great selection for the board.

"Mike is a great guy, he is involved in a lot of the civil programs in town," he said. "He's also a hard worker. When mike sets his mind to something he will get it done."

John Sullivan, also a Runyan supporter, said he was in favor of the candidate because of his position on business.

"Mike is the only candidate who is an advocate for the business community," he said. "He will keep us on the cutting edge and bring big business to Burlington."

Dan Raske was out holding signs for Grattan. He explained he supported his candidate because he feels Grattan is best positioned to keep the town up to date and support twenty-first century technology in operating the town.

"We have four selectmen that are not well versed in technology and we don't need another," he said. "Technology is the future for the town and Dan can fill a void in that regard. We need someone who can talk to [Schools] Superintendent Eric Conti, who is computer oriented, on his level." 

Jeanette Patuto was also supporting Grattan.

"I think he would be a terrific asset for the town," she said of the candidate. "He has served on different boards and follows what is going on and what needs to happen. He would be good for the town."

Candidate Mooney, who was waving to voters as they arrived at the polls this afternoon, said she has been getting a good response to her campaign.

"People have been very supportive," she said. "It's been great. If this turns out to be a winner, that is more than fine with me."

There were also people out for other offices. School Committee candidate Kristin Russo, who is one of two candidates running for two empty seats, was out to greet voters. Though she is almost guaranteed a spot on the committee, she said she has been reaching out to voters and is happy with the response she has had to her candidacy.

"The response has been excellent," she said. "I'm really impressed with people's thoughts and their willingness to reach out and express them. Hopefully that will continue after the election."

Mark Woods, a write-in candidate for Town Meeting in Precinct 3, said he decided to run because there were fewer candidates for the precinct than open seats. Neighbors and friends encouraged him to participate and he decided to try and serve.Woods said he is concerned about zoning issues and development projects and has reservations on such proposed projects as the and the development on .

"In general I want to make sure the town has a controlled philosophy to development," he said. "I think when it comes to Muller Road and Dave and Busters there needs to be more vetting before people can make an informed decision."

Finally, the election also featured a food-drive to support People Helping People, Inc. and the Burlington Food Pantry. As of this afternoon there was enough collections to send out one shipment to the pantry and more were coming in as voters arrived.

"It seems like it's been pretty succesful," said Rod MacDonald, who was working with table with his wife, Cathy MacDonald. "Over the years people in town have become more away of the need for food assistance and have supported the effort."

Check back later tonight for election results on Burlington Patch.