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Date: 5/24/2023
WILBRAHAM — While most of the contested races in Wilbraham’s May 20 Town Election resulted in decisive victories, Michael Squindo won a seat on the Select Board with 874, just 29 more votes than his opponent, Carmela Blair.
Incumbent Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee member Sherrill Caruana maintained her seat with 966 votes. The other winner in what was a three-way race for two committee seats was Michael Tirabassi, with 945 votes. This was Tirabassi’s second race for School Committee after unsuccessfully vying for a seat in 2022.
“It’s my third time and I’m so glad Wilbraham still puts their trust in me to serve them,” said Caruana. “I am also excited to welcome Dr. Tirabassi. I think he will add some insight and humor to the committee.” Caruana said, “Our real challenge will be to get the finances right. That is such a wall that we face.”
Tirabassi said, “I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the residents of Wilbraham to represent them on the HWRSD School Committee. I look forward to joining the committee and working together to make sure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the candidates for a well-run race. Finally, I need to thank everyone who helped with my campaign, especially my campaign managers Jessica and Marc, and my amazing wife Rebecca. Now I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
In the Planning Board race, John “Jack” Lutrell beat incumbent Bruce Allen Williams 961-569. In the month before the election, Lutrell’s supporters had peppered lawns with campaign signs urging voters to “Back Jack.”
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the voters of Wilbraham for electing me to the Planning Board,” Lutrell said, describing voting as the “most important civic duty.”
He continued, “I ran on a platform of smart development, protecting property values and enhancing public safety. I believe that my many years of work experience in site development and extensive travel throughout business districts across the country, helped make me qualified for this new role.” He noted his history of volunteerism in Wilbraham. He also commended Williams, “for running a very positive and professional campaign.”
Meanwhile, Cemetery Commissioner Donald Bourcier firmly held onto his office, with 1,144 voters supporting him, while 405 people voted for the other candidate, Mandell Harris Greene.
Of the 11,333 registered voters in town, 1,748 cast ballots. The turnout rate, 15.42%, is about average.
Assistant Town Clerk Debbie Brennan said, “In the past 10 years, the number of voters that turned out for local elections in Wilbraham fluctuated between 5% and 23%.” She added, “As you’d probably guess, the more contested races and ballot questions we have, the higher the voter turnout. We had four contested races on the ballot Saturday, and as expected, had a decent voter turnout.”