ERVING — Former Principal Assessor Jacquelyn Boyden will join the Selectboard on July 1 after winning a three-year term against runner-up Gerald Sykes III in a 80-55 vote.
Town Clerk Richard Newton confirmed the results late Monday night, with a 10% voter turnout in Monday’s election. The Selectboard was the only contested race between Boyden, 63, and Sykes, 39, who sought the seat vacated by James Loynd.
Earlier this year, Boyden retired after 27 years as principal assessor. She said she felt this was the right time to throw her hat into the ring to continue her service to Erving.
Boyden began her time in Erving town government in 1993 on the Erving Elementary School Committee. She has continued her service on the Planning Board, as well as the Recreation Commission and Board of Assessors, among others.
Boyden said she didn’t view her run for Selectboard through a political lens, but rather through community service. She shared her goals of helping Erving grow through new businesses and diversifying the tax base, and she said her experience in Town Hall makes her a good candidate for the highest elected body in Erving.
“I’m very honored that the voters of Erving elected me,” Boyden said on Tuesday, adding that she’s excited to begin her service on July 1.
Boyden reiterated her thoughts on wanting to serve the town without an agenda, noting she’s hoping to come in on her first day and learn what the Selectboard is working on, rather than coming in to make sweeping changes.
“I’m going to go in and take my time, and see what needs to be done,” she said.
Additionally, Boyden will continue to serve on the Board of Assessors, explaining that she wants to be able to share her knowledge of assessing with the board and the new principal assessor, Diane Sumrall, rather than acting as a consultant, which would cost the town additional money.
Following his loss to Boyden, Sykes posted online to voice his gratitude for those who did vote for him in his second run for Selectboard, while wishing Boyden well.
“While the results didn’t land in my favor, Erving is still in good hands,” Sykes shared. “I know she cares deeply about our town, and I’m committed to working with her and the rest of the board to keep Erving strong, safe and welcoming for all of us.”
Boyden also wished Sykes well on Tuesday, sharing her appreciation for his statement online and reaching out to congratulate her.
Other races
Outside of the Selectboard, the other positions on the ballot were uncontested, and some of them saw failures to elect due to a lack of ballot candidates and an insufficient number of write-in votes.
The failures to elect included the treasurer, the second of two three-year School Committee seats and constable. The second seat for the Planning Board and the Recreation Commission is pending acceptance by Laura Bezio, who received three write-in votes for Planning Board and two write-in votes for Recreation Commission.
Additionally, the only ballot question, to make the treasurer position appointed, was approved with 98 “yes” votes and 34 “no” votes.
The remaining results are as follows:
- Board of Assessors, three-year term — Jacquelyn Boyden, 100 votes.
- Library trustee, three-year term — Linda Downs-Bembury, 117 votes.
- Moderator, one-year term — Richard Peabody, 111 votes.
- Erving Elementary School Committee, three-year term — Daniel Hammock, 110 votes.
- Tree warden, one-year term — Glenn McCrory, 114 votes.
- Planning Board, three-year term — Debra Smith, 109 votes.
- Recreation Commission, three-year term — Kathryn Gaudet, 116 votes.
- Board of Health, three-year term — Sally Delaney, 117 votes.
