Freccero, Thompson, Villamaino top vote-getters in election

Date: 4/18/2011

April 18, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — Richard Freccero stood by the bar at Fazio's Ristorante & Pizzeria at his post election party with a look on his face that could be summed up in one word.

"Contentment," he said with a smile. "I'm very content."

Freccero had good reason to feel that way, after capturing the most votes of any candidate in a four-way race for two seats on the School Committee in the town's only contested race.

The retired former principal of East Longmeadow High School garnered 1,437 votes, which eclipsed incumbent Vice-Chair Greg Thompson, who won the second seat with 1,077 votes, as well as incumbent Angela Thorpe's 556 votes and fellow challenger William Bednarzyk's 135 votes.

A total of 1,835 voters came to the polls, a turnout of 16.6 percent of the 11,052 registered voters in town.

Precincts 1 and 4 boasted an 18 percent turnout, while Precinct 3 had a 17 percent turnout. Precinct 2 lagged behind with 13 percent of its population making its way to the polls.

Town Clerk Thomas Florence said he had expected a turnout of around 12 percent and the numbers were a pleasant surprise.

"I think the turnout is a product of the quality of the candidates," Freccero, who was the leading vote-getter in all precincts, said. "The town had four very qualified candidates to choose from, so while I am very happy with the result, I have compassion for those who didn't win because in my mind all of us deserve to be on the School Committee."

Freccero, who emphasized his "uniqueness" as a resident, educator, father and retired person in his campaign, said his experience within the district as principal was most likely a major factor in his success.

"I think it's a validation of my 23 years as principal of East Longmeadow High School," Freccero said. "I think people recognized my experience and what I have done for the district in the past."

He added that former students played a major role in his election.

"They have been terrific," Freccero said. "Past East Longmeadow High School students, current students, parents, the community has been very supportive."

Freccero also put an emphasis on making sure students meet and exceed federal educational standards in mathematics and English.

"As a School Committee, I believe our role is to provide the schools the resources to meet the common core standards with equipment, as well as training," Freccero said. "It is very important we afford the staff the opportunity for professional development so they are prepared to assist our students in achieving those goals."

Freccero expressed gratitude to his supporters in an impromptu speech at Fazio's and hinted that while he is committed to working for the School Committee now, there is the possibility of future political campaigns for other positions.

Freccero, Thompson and Thorpe spent the day, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the polling location at Birchland Park Middle School. Thompson stayed at the school for the unofficial announcement of the results by Florence, an announcement that was met with jubilation by his supporters.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to work," Thompson said. "I think the school district is heading in a new direction in education and I'm very excited to continue to be a part of that."

Thompson focused on his past performance and his familial history in the town throughout his campaign and said his past service on the committee was a major contributor in the retention of his seat.

"I think my track record on the School Committee certainly helped a great deal," Thompson said.

Jack Villamaino retained his seat on the Board of Selectmen, receiving 1,295 votes in an uncontested race.

Daniel Burdak also held onto his seat on the Board of Public Works, while Amieland Singh and Claudine Bouchard both won three-year terms as library trustees.

Alessandro Meccia earned a spot on the Planning Board and Martin Grudgen was voted into a seat on the Board of Assessors.

Debra Boronski's write-in campaign garnered her an open seat on the Housing Authority.