$1.8M Override and $1.75M School Study Get Green Light
Duxbury voters approved an override, a school study, and reelected two incumbent select board members in Saturday’s election.
The override was approved by 269 votes, with 2,128 in favor and 1,859 opposed.
Officials said the $1.8 million override will restore several positions including two police officers and two firefighter/paramedics.
It also will restore two elementary school teachers and a school department director of technology and allows for a tuition-free full-day kindergarten.
The $1.75 million feasibility study won by 786 votes.
There were 2,370 in favor and 1,584 against.
The study will look at renovating or replacing the aging Alden Elementary School.
Officials have said the school has been experiencing leaks and ventilation issues, and no longer meets the needs of a twenty-first century learning environment.
Incumbent select board members Michael McGee and Brian Glennon defeated challenger Derek Bennett.
McGee was the top vote getter.
He received 2,677 votes with Glennon receiving 2,409.
Bennett placed third with 1,487 votes.
In the planning board race, James Lampert won both the five year and two-year open seats.
He fended off challenger Deborah Frengesh, 274 to 40.
Town Clerk Sue Kelley tells WATD news that Lambert opted for the five-year term and that the two-year term is considered a failure to elect.
She said the select board and planning board will hold a joint meeting to appoint someone to fill the two-year seat.
Kelley also said that about 100 ballots must be hand counted and will be added to the totals early this week.
The other races were unopposed, including school committee with Matt Gambino and Aun Holland being elected; Edward Wadsworth, assessor; Cathleen Seaman and Lucy Weilbrenner to the library trustees, and Nicole Leing to the housing authority.