Longtime moderator retains position in Ashfield election

Ashfield’s longtime Moderator Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg, pictured, handily defeated opponent Evan Barth by a vote of 164 to 31 during Saturday’s town election.

Ashfield’s longtime Moderator Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg, pictured, handily defeated opponent Evan Barth by a vote of 164 to 31 during Saturday’s town election. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By DIANE BRONCACCIO

For the Recorder

Published: 05-06-2024 11:11 AM

ASHFIELD — Longtime Moderator Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg handily defeated opponent Evan Barth by a vote of 164 to 31 during Saturday’s town election.

The race for a one-term term as moderator was the only contest on the ballot. Voters also supported a $225,000 tax-levy limit override, making it possible for the town to order a new highway truck, with 136 in favor and 43 opposed.

Two hundred and eight residents came to the polls, which is about 14% of the town’s 1,458 registered voters.

Incumbents that won re-election to three-year terms are Selectboard member Steven Gougeon, Board of Assessors member Mary Link, Constable Warren Kirkpatrick, Park Commissioner Virginia Wiswell and Sewer Commissioner Nancy Hoff.

Tree Warden Thomas Poissant was re-elected for a one-year term, and Gail Wiedmann is on the Park Commission for a one-year term.

Jayme Zapata was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Health, and Laura Pitter was elected to a two-year term on the Finance Committee.

Library Trustee Sage Franetovich was reelected to a five-year term, and Kate McKenney won a two-year seat on the library board. Planning Board member Robert Cherdack was reelected for a five-year term.

Write-in candidate Rachel Wang received 26 votes for a three-year seat on the Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee, replacing Jennifer Markens, who did not seek reelection.

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Kyle Taylor received the highest number of write-in votes for a three-year Finance Committee seat for which there were no candidates on the ballot, but he did not accept the position, so the town moderator must appoint someone to fill that post. Also, a second seat is available on the School Committee, although the resignation came in too late for that position to go onto the ballot. The Selectboard is in charge of appointing someone to fill that role, according to Town Clerk Alexis Fedorjaczenko.