Driscoll keeps his seat on the Board of Selectmen

By Dan Cooper

Staff Intern

EAST LONGMEADOW - Selectman James Driscoll defeated his opponent, William Gorman, to retain his seat on the Board of Selectmen in the only contested race in the town elections on April 10.

"I'm very happy the town has put confidence in me for another three years," Driscoll told Reminder Publications. "I do wish we had more of a voter turnout, however."

There are 10,020 registered voters in the town, and 1,704 cast a ballot in the election, for a 17 percent turnout. Among the four precincts dividing the town, Precinct 1 had the largest turnout with 21 percent votes cast.

Town Clerk tom Floerence said that the 17 percent turnout was actually better than he projected. "I had projected a 15 percent, so we did a little bit better than I projected," Florence said. "You can never get enough people out to vote, though."

Florence said he believed that only one contested race may have led to the low turnout. "There usually is more interest if there are more candidates,' he added.

"I'd like to get the word out more and let people know about their right to vote," Florence said. "I want them to know they can make a say."

Florence added that hopefully more people will come out for future elections.

Following Driscoll's victory, the Board of Selectmen reorganized on April 11 after his swearing in. "It was the unanimous decision by the Board that Jack Villamaino take over duties as the Chair," Driscoll said. Selectman Joe Townshend retained his position as Director of the Board of Health and Driscoll became the clerk of the Board.

Villamaino defeated Gorman for an open position on the Board of Selectmen in January.

"My goals for the next three years include continuing to follow through with the renovation of the Senior Center, continue to work on the five year plan for the IT department, and focus more on the Community Preservation Committee," Driscoll said.

Driscoll added that Carolyn Brennan was officially approved by a two to one vote as the new director of the Council on Aging.

The Board of Selectmen position was the only contested race in this year's election.

Other victors included James Johnston, assessor; John Maybury, Public Works; William Fonseca and Robert Mazzariello, School Committee; Virginia Robbins and David Boucher, Library Trustees; Louis Calabrese, Planning Board; Jennie Cavanaugh, Housing Authority; and James Shiels, town moderator.

The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for April 24.