Shrewsbury Ward 2 Candidates Campaign For Votes in Hot Race

Though the day started off slowly at the Shrewsbury polls, candidates were out along with their friends and family to do some last minute camaigning. 

The electioneers at Saint Michaels said they were gearig up in hopes of a bigger lunchtime rush, and another rush after schools and work let out as well.

Voters who were out this morning in Ward 2 seemed largely to be drawn out over the debate over the Walmart proposed for the planned Kenrick Plaza redevelopment, which has dominated the three-way Ward 2 race for alderman between , and .

The aldermen up for reelection in Shrewsbury's other two wards were unchallenged.

Jill Murphy, a voter at Cure of Ars, said that she would have voted regardless, but that she was specifically concerned with the Walmart development plans. "I would just like to have more information on the issue before they move forward with any decisions," Murphy said. "I live in the Villas behind Kenrick Plaza, and I have concerns about what the development would do to our roadways."

John McDonnell, a voter at Cure of Ars, came with a busload of friends from the Our Lady Of Life apartments. "We came out because we're all very impressed by Dee (Wiecher)," McDonnell. "I've got very strong opinions on the Walmart issue. It seems like a case of the tail wagging the dog rather than the dog wagging the tail." 

"The Walmart development is going to be the big issue of the day," said local firefighter Tim Dorn, who was there along with fellow firefighter Ted Destatte to help campaign for Lauter. "We are some of the firefighters that stand with Mr. Lauter. We've seen a small crowd so far. Hopefully we'll see a larger turnout later in the day."

When asked about the race, Joseph Hess summed election day up suscinctly: "Honey, I'll give you a quote. I don't give a damn who wins, but you'd better not (complain) if you're not out here voting."

Polls closed tonight at 7 p.m.

More information on local races can be found on .