There were two races heading into the May 12 town election and incumbents on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee and the local town school committee were successful.
Margaret McSweeny took 469 votes to defeat challenger Jennifer Marie-Zora Stewart, who netted 190 votes.
“I am grateful that Marion reelected me so that I can continue to do this meaningful work,” McSweeny said after the vote. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the administration, the staff of our schools and my fellow School Committee members to make sure that our school district is one that is safe, supportive and equitable for all.”
On the Marion School Committee, incumbents Nichole Nye McGaffey and Mary Beauregard retained their seats against challenger Mirian Nawoichik. McGaffey, and Beauregard received 479 and 465 votes, respectively. Nawoichik received 167 votes.
Reached after the election, McGaffey said she was honored to be reelected and working with the “amazing” school administration, parents, staff and other stakeholders. She said she is excited that the committee voted on appointing a school resource officer for the next school year.
McGaffey last year ran as a write-in candidate when no one had stepped up to become an official candidate. McGaffey will start her first full term on the board.
“The parents are really involved, and we appreciate the feedback we get from them,” she said. “Everyone is really involved and super passionate about their children getting the best possible education they can.”
Beauregard was elected in 2020 and now serves on the Policy and Equity subcommittees, the Joint School Committee and as the Marion representative for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.
“I’m so grateful that Marion voters decided to let me continue serving. Thank you to those who value and support our work,” Beauregard said.
All other candidates ran uncontested.
Norm Hills, first elected in 2017, ran unopposed and will start his third term on the Select Board. He received 532 votes.
The Planning Board will have two new members after Hills and Chris Collings retired from their seats at the end of their terms. Incumbent Eileen Marum received 444 votes, and newcomers Ryan Burke received 460 and William Dale Jones 390. There were three open seats and no races.
On the Board of Health, appointed incumbent Albin Johnson, who is also a founding member of the board, was the lone candidate and received 521 votes.
Incumbent Pat DeCosta took 545 votes as the only candidate for a three-year Board of Assessors position.
Peter Winters, a recent appointee, took 523 votes as the sole candidate for a two-year Board of Assessors post.
Out of the town’s approximate 4,459 registered voters, 671 residents cast a ballot.
Town of Marion Election
By Jeffrey D. Wagner