Selectman Jody Dickerson will remain on the Board of Selectmen for another term, after easily beating Dale Jones 771-281.
In the middle of an excited crown gathered at the Marion VFW May 15, the two gentlemen shook hands after the results were read, and Jones congratulated Dickerson on his win.
“Honorable campaign,” said Jones to Dickerson. “Congratulations.”
Dickerson’s words could hardly escape his mouth, overjoyed with his win.
“I’m very excited that the voters of Marion will allow me to continue to serve the town,” Dickerson said. “
There was tabletop banging and cheers for Planning Board newbie Jennifer Francis, who took second in the three-way race for the two seats on the board. She will join incumbent Steve Gonsalves who came in first. The two bumped out Planning Board Chairman Stephen Kokkins and Todd Richins. Gonsalves brought in 711, Francis 522, Kokkins 490, and Richins 171.
“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Francis. “And I want to look forward…”
There will be a new face on the Marion School Committee, along with a familiar one. Newcomer David MacDonald came out on top of a tight race with 572; Michelle Oullette brought in 550, and Jessica Harris came in with 526.
“I’m excited about having my first opportunity to serve the community,” said MacDonald, turning toward Oullette seated next to him. “We both worked very hard to achieve this.”
Oullette’s face said it all with wide eyes and a wide smile. “I want to cry. I’m emotional,” said Oullette. “I’m very grateful.”
The new town moderator is Patricia McArdle with 572 votes, beating Matthew William Nowick with 379 votes.
Ray Pickles ran uncontested for assessor, bringing in 894 votes. John Howard ran for reelection uncontested, receiving 869 votes.
There were three ballot questions, and ‘yes’ prevailed in each of them.
Question 1 allows for the snow and ice removal of private ways. The result was 716 yes, 374 no.
Question 2, a Proposition 2 ½ exemption to purchase the new fire pumper, passed with 716 yes, 374 no.
Question 3, another Prop 2 ½ exemption, came in with 672 yes, 400 no. However, on Town Meeting floor May 11, the Board of Selectmen passed over the article to allocate the funds, choosing to wait until the new fire chief is chosen so he or she can be a part of the decision making process. The tally was 671 yes, 380 no.
By Jean Perry
