L-R: Acushnet School Committee candidate, Ebony McGlynn; and Selectboard candidate, Eric Chew, and his daughter Sophia Merrey, hold signs outside the polling places in Acushnet on Saturday, 5/13/23. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The voters of Acushnet returned all incumbents to their seats, and elected a new member to the School Committee in the annual town election on Saturday, 5/13.
Acushnet had two contested races: Selectboard, with incumbent David Wojnar receiving 568 votes,* and challenger Eric Chew receiving 307.
The School Committee had three people running for two seats, with incumbent Ron Houde receiving 510 votes, and challenger Melissa Cordeiro receiving 488 to gain a seat on the committee. Ebony McGlynn came in third with 379.
“I’m excited to represent the students and families of Acushnet,” said Ms. Cordeiro after hearing the preliminary results on Saturday evening as Town Clerk Pamela Labonte received them from the precincts.
Ms. Cordeiro said she felt she won because her volunteer work and being a teacher meant she was well known in town.
“People know who I am,” she said.
Mr. Chew also heard the results as they were called in. Although he lost, he said it was a great experience.
“It was the best experience I’ve had in a long time,” said Mr. Chew, adding he enjoyed meeting people, and appreciated all the support he got. “It was a fun experience. I’ll be back.”
Mr. Wojnar did not return an email by press time asking for comment, but he did post on Facebook writing, “Thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement. A special thank you to my wife Melissa, Jacob and Nathan for all their support and hugs!”
Uncontested races included: Leslie Dakin, Moderator; Pamela Labonte, Town Clerk; Robert Brown, Board of Assessors; Robert Medeiros, Board of Health; Bryan Deschamps and Steven Boucher, Planning Commission; Joanne Cioper, Cemetery Board; Joan Howland, Library Trustee; Michael Matton, Park Commission; Norman Fredette, Tree Warden.
Two candidates ran write-in campaigns for Library Trustee, Michelle Skaar and John Roy. Those results were not available by press time.
*Numbers are preliminary. The results had not been certified by press time.
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Click here to download the 5/18/23 issue: 05-18-23 StampOutHunger
Click here to download the Ice House fight video: 05-03-23 IceHouseParkingLotFight
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