Voters oppose CPA, elect McSweeney
By Jay TurnerClick here to see all election results, courtesy of the town clerk’s office.
A grassroots effort to make Canton the latest beneficiary of the state’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) came up short at the polls on Tuesday as voters said “no” to a proposed ballot question by a fairly wide margin.
In an otherwise quiet election that drew an estimated 11 percent of voters to the polls, five of the town’s six precincts — all but precinct 2 — voted to reject the measure, which would have allowed Canton to establish a dedicated fund for the specific purpose of preserving open space and historical resources and developing affordable housing.
It marked the second time in the last six years that Canton has voted against the CPA, although this time it was considered a mild surprise to supporters, many of whom had engaged in a coordinated campaign effort, led by the political action committee Voters for the Preservation of Canton.
Meanwhile, in the election’s only contested race, John McSweeney garnered 630 votes compared to Paul Alfano’s 448 to win a return to the Housing Authority board, which he had previously served on from 1985 to 1995.
Alfano, who had once maintained a summer position with the Housing Authority, was hoping to continue in public service with the board after relinquishing his seat on the Board of Health, which went to former BOH member Dr. Richard Levrault.
Levrault, who received 965 total votes, was among 10 candidates who ran unopposed — a group that included incumbent selectmen Avril Elkort, who was reelected for a ninth term with 957 votes, and Gerald “Sal” Salvatori, who was reelected with 880 votes.
Other incumbents reelected on Tuesday were Town Clerk Tracy Kenney with 1,020 votes, Assessor Rocco Digirolamo with 937 votes, School Committee member Cynthia Thomas with 899 votes, Planning Board member Jeremy Comeau with 830 votes, and library trustees Joyce Wiseman (869) and Joan Schottenfeld (834). Also elected for library trustee was newcomer Beth Magann with 851 votes.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=12642
Posted by Jay Turner
on Apr 4 2012. Filed under News, Town Election, Town Government.
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