Shedd wins; Moffatt reelected; police commission fails

Shedd is successful in write-in campaign, tops Holmes, Patch and Murphy

Over 50 percent of the town's registered voters went to the polls yesterday and many of them paved the way for a successful write-in victory for David Shedd. The article to create a police commission failed.Shedd won a three-year seat on the board of selectmen, defeating three other candidates, the closest by over 140 voters. Frank Moffatt retained his seat on the school board; and the police commission article failed by nearly a two to one margin. There were 945 of 1800 voters who cast ballots."We had a huge turnout," Leslie Mallett, town clerk, said. "I have to give all parties credit for getting people out to vote. We had some big issues this year and people wanted their vote to count."Shedd, who was appointed by selectmen last April to fill out the remainder of the late Richard Patch's term term on the board, said he would not sign-up for office, but a group of citizens launched the write-in campaign on his behalf and he said he'll accept the post if elected by write-in. His phone line was busy for hours last night as he received congratulatory calls from townspeople. Shedd received 455 votes to top Bob "Homer" Holmes, 307; John Patch, 117; and John Murphy, 50.The other contested race, for school board, saw Moffatt, the incumbent, defeat former school moderator Rob Clark, 544-302. Clark also received 90 write-in votes for school moderator."I just want to thank the people for their support," Moffatt said by phone last evening. "I'm really happy that the voters said they want me for another three years. Now, I'm really looking forward to the school meeting (Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Josiah Bartlett School). "... I was nervous all day," he said. "I'm just happy I won. I look forward to the next three years -- I think they're really going to be pivotal and I want to be a part of the decisions... I'd just like to say thank-you very much for allowing me to serve you another three years."The big ballot question, petitioned by Holmes, asked voters if they are in favor of adopting a police commission. If so, would they like to see the governor appoint three people to the commission, which could be done within a month, or wait until next March when voters can select their own candidates for the post. The vote failed 595-323. Selectmen received positive feedback on a fee rate identical to what Jackson adopted last year and is presently charging to dispose of construction material at the transfer station. The fees would be: small pickup $15; small pickups with sideboards, $20; half -ton pickups, $20; half ton pickup with sideboards, $25; three-quarter ton pickups, $25; three-quarter ton pickups with sideboards, $35; One ton trucks, $35; one ton trucks with sideboards, $45; 4X6 trailer, $20; and 6-by-6 trailer, $25. The non-binding question passed 427-223.