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In close contest, Loucks bests Bartram

SHARON — Republican Bob Loucks  earned more votes than Democrat Tom Bartram in the municipal election held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and will be the town’s new first selectman.

Loucks received 552 votes while Bartram received 513.

“I feel that a lot of people have put their confidence in me; this is a bigresponsibility,â€� Loucks said after the ballots were counted.  “I hope we can all forget party lines now and get together, to get Sharon back on the road and out of the ditches.â€�

Bartram, who has served as a selectman for 16 years, thanked residents of the town for allowing him to serve and represent them.

“There have been some really joyful things that have come out of it and some disappointments,� Bartram said. “I’m going to miss all of it. But I wish everyone well.�

Loucks’ term of office will  begin Tuesday, Nov. 17. His first Board of Selectmen’s meeting as first selectman will be on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Sharon is the only town in the state where a first selectman candidate cannot be bumped down to the regular board if he or she earns enough votes.

The only other contested race in town was for the Zoning Board of Appeals alternate; Democrat Ian Hochstetter (540 votes) won over Republican Howard Randall (438).

Of the 1,898 voters registered for this election, there were 636 Democrats, 578 Republicans and 684 unaffiliated voters.

Loucks is the first Republican first selectman after two terms served by Democrat Malcolm Brown, who retires this year.

Lakeville Journal

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