Dimitria Sullivan and Sarah MacDonald Win Dedham Selectmen Race

DEDHAM — Voters have elected Dimitria Sullivan and Sarah MacDonald to fill the two open seats on Dedham’s Board of Selectmen, according to unofficial results posted Saturday night. MacDonald led the way receiving 2,408 votes, while Sullivan had 2,359, Carmen Dellalacono had 1,209, and William Ralph received 1,095.

Voters on Saturday lucked out with great weather from the afternoon into the evening with temperatures reaching 73. Town Clerk Paul Munchbach said plenty of voters were coming in after shopping and picking the kids up at soccer practice. According to the town clerk's office, voter turnout was around 23 percent.

MacDonald won over voters with her promise of bringing more transparency and communication between residents and elected officials. MacDonald said a big part of making sure tax dollars are used properly is ensuring the public is informed. In a debate on April 4, MacDonald said the town needs to be more active on social media and find new ways to reach the public.

"Two-thirds of people get their news online," MacDonald said.

Several residents sent Patch letters to the editor, advocating for MacDonald’s platform calling for more transparency.

“Sarah is a unique kind of leader,” resident Jessica Porter told Patch. “While many officials pay lip service to improving communication, Sarah genuinely believes Dedham works better when everyone has a say, and she works to make that a reality. She goes above and beyond to do her homework, solicit multiple perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions.”

At the debate, Sullivan promised to take a critical look at how tax dollars are spent in town. She said the town needs to focus its tax dollars on things residents actually want and make sure seniors are taken care of.

"We have to look at how we are spending taxpayer's money," Sullivan said. "We have to answer tough questions...What does the community want? Are we happy with our services. Do seniors have housing choices."

In a letter to the editor, resident Patricia Sampson told Patch she trusts Sullivan to make these decisions because she’s served a variety of roles in Dedham’s town government and has helped secure grants.

“Dimitria has a long history of serving this town in many areas, including School Committee, Capital Expenditure and DEP. She created "Dancing with the Dedham Stars", which to date has raised over $150,000 to support educational and youth programs,” Sampson said.

In the other contested races, Mary Ellard won the open Board of Health seat, receiving 2,032 votes compared to 1,948 for Allison Staton. Lisa Moran was elected to the Parks and Recreation Commission defeating Alix O'Connell 2,204-1,810. Challenger John Kane has been elected to the Housing Authority defeating incumbent John Wagner by 7 votes. Kane finished with 1,682 compared to Wagner's 1,675. All results are still considered unofficial.

The full unofficial results can be found below:

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