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Thorpe turns in paperwork for election recount

Date: 1/2/2013

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — Candidate Angela Thorpe handed in her petition for a recount of the ballots in the Dec. 18 special election for James Driscoll's seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Town Clerk Thomas Florence confirmed to Reminder Publications that Thorpe returned the paperwork, which required at least 10 signatures from each of the town's four precincts and an explanation as to why she was requesting the recount and that a recount has been scheduled for Jan. 5 at 9 a.m.

"The reason for that time is because that is when the volunteers needed to conduct the recount are available," Florence said, adding that Thorpe has elected to have the votes recounted by hand as opposed to electronically.

Thorpe lost the election for a the remainder of a term on the Board of Selectmen that is set to expire in April 2013 to Peter Punderson by 12 votes, 836-824.

She had 10 days until Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. to return the petition.

In a recent press release, Thorpe said that "the voters of East Longmeadow deserve the reassurance of a second look at this election's results" because of the recent alleged attempt by former Selectman Enrico "Jack" Villamaino's to defraud the voting process during his run for state representative for the Second Hampden District.

Despite the possible recount, Punderson and the rest of the board have continued to function normally. Florence explained that because Punderson and Debra Boronski, who won the vote for Villamaino's seat at the same special election, were sworn in, any actions taken by the board would be considered legal.

Recounts are open to the public. Members of the Elections Committee, a police officer and Town Counsel James Donahue must be present.

Thorpe was not available for comment as of press time.