SELECT BOARD MEMBER Phil Crawford is sworn in by Town Clerk Linda Emerson after the Town Election’s results were announced on Tuesday night. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Select Board member Phil Crawford was re-elected to a fourth three-year term in the Town Election on Tuesday.
According to the unofficial results released by Town Clerk Linda Emerson, Crawford defeated Historical Society Treasurer Bob Gillon 428 votes to 215 votes, representing a 66 percent to 33 percent margin.
Crawford defeated Gillon 112 votes to 68 votes in Precinct 1, 66 votes to 44 votes in Precinct 2, 87 votes to 42 votes in Precinct 3 and 163 votes to 61 votes in Precinct 4.
The unofficial results revealed that 664 out of the town’s 9,470 registered voters cast ballots in the Town Election, representing a 7 percent turnout.
Emerson swore Crawford in after she announced the Town Election results. Attendees gave Crawford a round of applause.
Crawford thanked his wife, Ellen, for running his re-election campaign.
“Ellen did a tremendous job,” said Crawford. “I would like to thank my family for helping us out. I would also like to thank everyone who held signs for me as well as everyone who allowed me to put a sign in their yard. Thank you all. I also want to thank all of the residents who voted for me. I appreciate it. I am looking forward to serving another three years on the board, and continuing all of the work that I have been doing for the last 10 years.”
Gillon, who was not at Town Hall when Emerson announced the Town Election results, thanked the voters who supported his second straight Select Board campaign in an email sent to the Villager.
“While I am disappointed with the results, I would have been more disappointed with myself for not trying,” Gillon wrote. “First, I have to thank my biggest supporter, my wife Linda, who spent 12 hours with me at the high school holding signs and greeting voters. Thank you to a support team captained by Mrs. Patricia Campbell, along with my sister Judy, who spent the weekend and voting day stumping for my election. I would not have been able to reach out to the residents of Lynnfield without their assistance. Thank you to all the voters who I had the pleasure to meet and talk with about my campaign, including long-term and new residents, looking for changes in town management. The fight for change is not over. As voters, we must move forward and attend more and more Town Meetings for our voices to be truly heard.”
After Emerson announced the Town Election results, the Select Board reorganized. Joe Connell was elected as chairman, Dick Dalton was elected vice chairman and Crawford was elected clerk.
“Congratulations Joe,” said Crawford.
Connell said it was an honor to be elected Select Board chairman.
“I would like to thank Phil Crawford and Dick Dalton, who have held their positions prior to me,” said Connell. “I have learned a lot from both of them. They have been remarkable leaders and role models for me, and I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me and what they have done for this town.”
Connell also thanked Town Administrator Rob Dolan and Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin for their “hard work and complete dedication in serving this town.”
“They make sure the Select Board is set up for success,” said Connell. “They have a remarkable staff who works hard every day in Town Hall. Their positive personalities and work ethic is unmatched. I can’t thank you both enough.”
Connell said the residents serving on the town’s various boards and committees are “remarkable.”
“It’s humbling to see the talent that fills these mostly volunteer positions,” said Connell. “What makes this town so great is the people. They care so much about this town.”
Connell said the next year will be “busy” for the Select Board and the town. He noted that the $63.5 million public safety buildings and Town Hall project will be getting underway later this year and the final design for the Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail will continue progressing. He also hopes the new War Memorial will be completed next year.
“I am looking forward to all of these great challenges that we have before us,” said Connell. “I promise that I will work hard to the best of my ability to serve you well. I will always be there to listen, understand, continue to build trust, develop the relationships that are needed and keep my humility and my gratitude to best represent this town and its citizens as I hold the position of Select Board chairman for the next year.”
After Connell concluded his remarks, he was given a round of applause. Connell’s wife, Kate, was full of pride while watching her husband get sworn in as Select Board chair.
Uncontested races
In addition to the contested Select Board race, six incumbents running unopposed in the Town Election were re-elected to their respective positions.
School Committeeman Jamie Hayman was re-elected to a fourth three-year term after receiving 487 votes. Emerson swore Hayman in after she announced the Town Election results, and the meeting’s attendees gave him a round of applause.
Planning Board Vice Chair Kate Flaws got re-elected to a second five-year term after earning 471 votes.
Town Moderator Joe Markey was re-elected to a fifth one-year term after receiving 437 votes.
Library Trustees Chair Robert Calamari got re-elected to a sixth three-year term after earning 485 votes.
Board of Assessors member Bonnie Celi was re-elected to a fifth three-year term after receiving 468 votes.
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Vice Chair James Wilkie got re-elected to second five-year term after earning 464 votes.