BUCKLAND – Barry Del Castilho of Upper Street has become the town’s newest selectman. He won Tuesday’s three-way election race with 245 votes, while opponents Helen O’Gorman got 108 votes and Tuyet Linh “TL” Lafleur got 49.
Del Castilho, 71, has been a municipal manager for 40 years, with 24 years spent as town manager of Amherst. “I have no agenda,” Del Castilho told residents at a recent candidates night. “I offer you my experience.”
He spoke of the need for more and better communication between town boards. He will serve out former Selectman Kevin Fox’s term until the Annual Town Election in May.
Tonight (Sept. 12) will be Del Castilho’s first Selectboard meeting as a selectman. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
“I’ve already started doing my homework,” Del Castilho said, after the election. “Running for office is not part of my experience, so I’m grateful for everyone who helped in that effort. And I’m grateful to everyone who voted. The turnout was very good.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens and the town, and I’ll do my best,” said Del Castilho.
Running unopposed on the ballot was Finance Committee appointee Raymond B. Lanza-Weil of School Street. He was elected to the remainder of his three-year term.
According to Town Clerk Janice Purington, 405 voters out of about 1,200 registered voters cast their ballots on Tuesday.