Erving voters say ‘no’ to $3.7M debt exclusion

Voting at Erving Town Hall on Monday.

Voting at Erving Town Hall on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Election worker Nancy Krulic hands a ballot to Thomas Adamski at Erving Town Hall on Monday.

Election worker Nancy Krulic hands a ballot to Thomas Adamski at Erving Town Hall on Monday. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Staff Report

Published: 05-08-2024 4:40 PM

ERVING — Monday’s election saw incumbents reelected to their roles, including Highway Superintendent Glenn McCrory, who fended off Anthony Cunha for a one-year tree warden position, as well as the rejection of a debt exclusion to pay to demolish the International Paper Mill, which failed 146-91.

Voters rejected the $3.7 million Proposition 2½ debt exclusion for the IP Mill at 8 Papermill Road, which would supplement a $600,000 grant the town received for demolition.

While residents rejected the borrowing on Monday, Town Administrator Bryan Smith said he anticipates the Selectboard will still discuss it with residents at Annual Town Meeting on May 8, as it is the final article on the warrant. That discussion, he said, will inform future decisions about the site. To pass a debt-exclusion vote, it must get approval at both Town Meeting and at the ballot box.

Two hundred and forty-two ballots were cast. The full results for Monday’s election are as follows:

■Selectboard, three-year term — Jacob Smith, incumbent, 186 votes.

■Board of Assessors, three-year term — Daniel Hammock, incumbent, 196 votes.

■Town clerk, three-year term — Richard Newton, incumbent, 214 votes.

■Library trustees, three-year term — Daniel Hammock, 199 votes.

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■Moderator, one-year term — Richard Peabody, incumbent, 206 votes.

■Erving School Committee, two seats with three-year terms — Mark Blatchley and Mackensey Bailey, both incumbents, 176 and 172 votes, respectively.

■Erving School Committee, one-year term — Daniel Hammock, five votes.

■Tree warden, one-year term — Glenn McCrory, incumbent, 150 votes, Anthony Cunha, 60 votes.

■Constable, three-year term — Daniel Hammock, 194 votes.

■Planning Board, three-year term — Joseph Newton, 207 votes.

■Recreation Commission, three-year term — Devon Gaudet, six votes.

■Board of Health, three-year term — Jeffrey McAndrews, incumbent, 206 votes.