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Date: 4/17/2023
HARDWICK — Results from the April 10 election were announced on April 11, with 23.1% of 1,970 registered voters turning out to vote this year, as opposed to only 3.5% of 1,929 registered voters last year.
Contested races
For the position of selectman for a three-year term, Eric Vollheim won with 275 votes against Elizabeth Cyran, who garnered 170 votes.
Vollheim said, “It’s good that these positions are being contested and we have elections instead of just one person running every year. There are positions on every board and committee, and people cycle in out of them — the strength of any board is the mix of people. We’ve got lots coming and need to be getting along to get things done.” Vollheim said the input of many opinions and experiences was important, quoting a saying from General S. Patton, “If we’re all thinking alike, nobody’s thinking.”
For a one-year position on the K-12 Quabbin Regional School Committee, Kristyl Kelly won with 208 votes against Anne Van Arsdell, who received 187 votes.
Kelly said, “I’m excited to have an opportunity to help our school system help our kids. I want to continue to encourage our students to have a voice and be active and engaged in their academic communities.” This is Kelly’s first time running for office.
For a term of three years as a member of the Board of Health, Paul Mailhot won with 225 votes against candidate for reelection, Stanley Remiszewski, who received 209 votes.
Mailhot said, “First I would like to thank everyone that voted for me, I appreciate the voter’s confidence in my abilities. I am looking forward to working with the other Board of Health members to serve the town of Hardwick and its residents.” This is Mailhot’s first time running for office.
Uncontested races
Curtis Stillman was elected to the position of Paige Agricultural Fund Trustee for a term of five years, receiving 375 votes.
Stillman said, “I’m excited to be able to take the first step into being more involved in my town and community, and preserving what we hold so dear here in Hardwick.”
This is Stillman’s first time running for town office.
William Cole was elected as Planning Board member for a term of one year with 376 votes. Cole said, “I am glad to be in a position to help understand and navigate a multitude of issues that are in front of the town already, or will be very soon.” This is Cole’s first time running for town office.
Reelections
The town clerk position for a term of three years went to Ryan Witkos with 433 votes. Witkos also was reelected town moderator for a term of three years with 427 votes.
A Board of Assessors position for a term of three years went to Jennifer Kolenda with 416 votes.
A three-year term for a position on the K-12 Quabbin Regional School Committee went to Emily Cartier with 357 votes.
James Barnes with 336 votes, and Jacqueline Easter with 331 votes, were both reelected for three year terms as Paige Memorial Library Trustee.
Planning Board members had two reelections for three year terms. Harry Comerford, with 364 votes, and Jenna Garvey, with 328 votes, filled these positions.