Without a single contested race or a question on the ballot that inspired much in the way of interest, Mattapoisett’s local election saw 218 voters during the extended hours the polls were open on May 19. At the request of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger and her team manned the polls at Old Hammondtown School from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, one hour earlier than in previous years.
Heuberger confirmed that there are 4,690 registered voters in Mattapoisett. Usual voter turnout tops out at about half of that. She said in uncontested races 2 to 3 percent is about normal. On ballots where some level of decision-making has been required such as town elections in the prior three years, the polls saw up to a 14% turnout.
On the ballot question asking voters whether or not to exempt the town from the provisions of Proposition 2 ½ for bonds to finance ongoing roadway repairs throughout the village neighborhood, 126 voters agreed while 50 voters disagreed, and 42 voters left the space blank.
The uncontested elected offices found Selectman Paul Silva receiving 156 votes with three unsuccessful write-in votes. Assessor Leonard Coppola received 161 votes, and James Muse for the Mattapoisett School Committee received 158 votes.
The Public Library trustees are William Asci, receiving 156 votes and Amy Ligmitz-Harken, 142. John Eklund, Mattapoisett’s long-time moderator will return to his gavel with 166 votes. Al Meninno, Jr received 155 as a commissioner on the Water/Sewer Commission.
Barry Denham, who received praise for the handling of snow removal and related winter storm issues for the 2014/2015 winter as highway surveyor received 173 votes with four write-ins. Russell Bailey received 155 votes for a three-year post on the Board of Health, while Ken Dawicki received 163 votes for a one-year stint on the Board of Health.
Nathan Ketchel, who sought to fill one of two open slots on the Planning Board, received 150 votes for a five-year seat at the table. Suzanne Kennedy received 154 votes for a two-year position with the Mattapoisett Housing Authority, and last on the ballot were William Hall and Michelle Hughes receiving 158 and 162 votes respectively for two-year posts on the Community Preservation Committee.
By Marilou Newell
