Voters turn out in force amid North Canaan cliffhanger

Kent Town Hall saw a steady stream of voters on Election Day Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Alec Linden


Kent Town Hall saw a steady stream of voters on Election Day Nov. 4, 2025.
Northwest Connecticut delivered some of the state’s strongest voter participation — and one of its closest contests — in last week’s municipal elections.
North Canaan’s first selectman race was decided by just two votes, prompting an automatic recount that confirmed Jesse Bunce’s win. The town also led the region in turnout, with 53.5% of voters casting ballots, ranking 10th statewide among 169 municipalities.
Turnout across the rest of the Northwest Corner remained well above average. Kent followed with 47.7% (27th statewide), while Falls Village reached 44.2% (56th). Sharon, Cornwall and Salisbury hovered around the state average of 40%, posting 42.7%, 42% and 41.3%, respectively.
Even with few contested races, participation remained strong as voters returned many familiar faces to office. (Full results below.)
In Kent, Democrat Eric Epstein was elected first selectman for the first time in an uncontested race. He takes over from Marty Lindenmayer, who did not run.
The town also passed a local cannabis measure, 400 to 308, banning recreational cannabis dispensaries.
Salisbury voters again backed longtime Democratic First Selectman Curtis Rand, who ran unopposed.
In Falls Village, cross-endorsed incumbent Dave Barger (D/R) won another term as first selectman, maintaining a board that includes Chris Kinsella (D) and Judy Jacobs (R).
Cornwall residents re-elected Democrat Gordon Ridgway, who has led the town for more than three decades. Ridgway ran unopposed and remains one of Connecticut’s longest-serving first selectmen.
Sharon voters returned First Selectman Casey Flanagan (D) and selectmen Lynn Kearcher (D) and John Brett (U).
Poll workers throughout the region described Election Day as steady and orderly, aided by new state tabulators that flagged errors on ballots but required absentee votes to be processed separately. In Salisbury, a brief detour on Route 44 caused by a downed tree did not affect turnout.
In Kent, petitioning selectman candidate Ed Matson said he was encouraged by voter participation: “I was surprised by how busy it was, especially with the number of people who voted early.”
In Sharon, resident Suzanne Oliver summed up her reason for voting simply: “Participation.” Another voter added, “Everything that has a vote, you should vote for — it’s the only power we have.”

First Selectman:
Gordon Ridgway (D) 402
Selectman:
Rocco Botto (D) 332
John Brown (R) 123
Town Clerk:
Kathryn Lee (D/R) 469
Town Treasurer:
Richard Bramley (D) 434
Board of Finance:
Gary Steinkohl (D) 392
Carl Hermann (R) 201
Board of Finance (2 year):
Kate Sandmeyer Ward (D) 439
Board of Finance (Alternate):
Richard Wolkowitz (D) 389
Cody Gillotti (R) 134
Board of Education:
Martha Buehl (D) 392
Anna Kallman (D) 366
Katherine Scoville (R) 200
Kathleen Bodwell (R) 134
Board of Assessment Appeals:
Richard Wolkowitz (D) 344
David Cavalier (R) 124
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Phillip West (D) 346
Stephen Saccardi (R) 313
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Lynn Scoville (R) 316
Christi Bodwell (R) 234

First Selectman:
Dave Barger (D/R) 300
Selectman:
Chris Kinsella (D) 202
Judy Jacobs (R) 112
Board of Finance:
Ginger Betti (D) 215
Andrea Downs (R) 146
Richard Berzine (D) 154
Karl Munson (R) 111
Board of Finance (2 year):
Martin Deeg (D) 210
Marisa Ohler (R) 102
Board of Finance (Alternate):
Vanessa Pereira (D) 177
Henry Todd (R) 129
Board of Finance (Alternate - 2 year vacancy):
Hazel McGuire (R) 239
Board of Education:
Adam Sher (D/R) 281
Patricia Allyn Mechare (D) 222
Scott Miller (R) 88
Board of Assessment Appeals:
Hazel McGuire (D/R) 297
Tami Reid (D/R) 274
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Louis Timolat (R) 232
Stephen Dean (R) 232
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate):
Vance Cannon (D) 237
Lee Baldwin (R) 77
Constables:
Timothy Downs (R) 199
Thom Wilson (D) 181
Dennis Jacobs (R) 168
Donna Heinz (D) 159
Louis Timolat (R) 152
Elizabeth Pierce (D) 140
Matthew Hansen (R) 128
Regional Board of Education:
Patricia Allyn Mechare (D/R) 371

First Selectman:
Eric Epstein (D) 844
Selectman:
Lynn Mellis Worthington (D) 657
Lynn Harrington (R) 208
Edward Matson (U) 116
Town Clerk:
Darlene Brady (U) 622
Tax Collector:
Deborah Devaux (D) 843
Board of Finance:
Glenn Sanchez (D) 769
Nancy O'Dea Wyrick (R) 442
Board of Education:
Heather Brand (D) 686
Anthony DiPentima (R) 291
Board of Education (2 year):
Cinda Clark (D) 794
Board of Assessment Appeals:
Gary Ford (D) 679
David Yewer (R) 252
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Darrell Cherniske (D) 740
Karen Casey (R) 466
Donna Hayes (R) 461
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Stephen Pener (D) 722
Justin Potter (D) 707
John Johnson (D) 637
Nick Downes (R) 331
Mark Cowan (R) 221
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate):
Adam Manes (D) 756
Sewer Commission:
Elissa Potts (D) 764
Catherine Mazza (D) 718
Carmel Karina O'Meara (R) 266
Cannabis Regulation:
Yes 243
No 201

First Selectman: (Recount required)
Jesse Bunce (D) 572
Brian Ohler (R) 570 - Selectman
Selectman:
Melissa Pinardi (R) 559
Joe Sebben (U) 374
Town Clerk:
Krysti Segalla (R) 750
Town Treasurer:
Melanie Neely (D) 632
Emily Minacci (R) 487
Tax Collector:
Rebecca Mochak (R) 707
Board of Finance:
John Jacquier (R) 633
Emily Bottum (D) 518
Christian Allyn (U) 352
Brian Allyn (WI) 159
Board of Education:
Christopher Jacques (D) 541
Gina Terwilliger (D) 628
Amy Dodge (R) 698
Caitlin Tomko (R) 541
Amy Helminiak (D) 536
Board of Assessment Appeals:
David Jacquier (R) 754
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Cooper Brown (D) 679
Dalton Jacquier (R) 710
Walter Schneider (R) 595
Planning and Zoning Commission (Alternate):
Brian Allyn Jr. (R) 738
Tucker Whiting (R) 660
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Brian Allyn (D) 702
Matthew Freund (D) 709
Scott Zinke (R) 676
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate):
Joe Cieslowski (D) 690
Regional Board of Education:
Craig Whiting (R) 765
Shall Treasurer be appointed?
Yes 355
No 743
Shall Town Clerk be appointed?
Yes 350
No 743
Shall Tax Collector be appointed?
Yes 349
No 741

First Selectman:
Curtis Rand (D) 1,071
Selectman:
Barrett Prinz (D) 935
Kitty Kiefer (U) 516
Don Mayland (R) 457
Board of Finance:
Emily Vail (D) 1,064
Board of Education:
Lauren Brown (D) 999
Elizabeth Dittmer (D) 979
Natalia Smirnova (WI) 36
Board of Assessment Appeals:
William Tedder (D) 962
Peter Becket (R) 244
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Cathy Shyer (D) 994
Allen Cockerline (D) 930
Danella Schiffer (D) 926
Planning and Zoning Commission (Alternate):
Beth Wells (D) 984
Jen Ventimilia (D) 925
Zoning Board of Appeals:
Roxanne Belter Lee (D) 1,020
M.E. Freeman (D) 925
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate):
Cori Daggett (D) 1,001
Regional Board of Education:
Flora Lazar (D) 1,021

First Selectman:
Casey Flanagan (D) 647
Selectman:
Lynn Kearcher (D) 606
John Brett (U) 344
Town Clerk:
Biance DelTufo (D) 643
Town Treasurer:
Tina Pitcher (D/R) 686
Tax Collector:
Donna Christensen (D/R) 692
Board of Finance:
John Hecht (D) 593
Mary Robertson (D) 312
Board of Finance (4 year vacancy):
Mary Anne Toppan (R) 388
Board of Finance (2 year vacancy):
Michele Pastre (R) 402
Board of Education:
Terry Vance (D) 496
Pam Jarvis (D) 484
Cathy Winburn (R) 191
Chip Kruger (R) 168
Board of Education (2 year vacancy):
Peter Birnbaum (D) 612
Board of Assessment Appeals:
Debbie Hanlon (D) 628
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Stanley MacMillan Jr. (D/R) 668
Susan Lynn (D) 590
Planning and Zoning Commission (Alternate):
Andrus Nichols (D) 622
Zoning Board of Appeals:
James Wexler (D) 593
Scott Pastre (R) 296
Zoning Board of Appeals (2 year vacancy):
Theodore Coulombe (D) 613
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate):
Pauline Moore (D) 620
Regional Board of Education:
Sara Cousins (D) 618
D: Democrat
R: Republican
D/R: Cross endorsed
U: Unaffiliated/Petitioning
WI: Write In
Results compiled from town halls and the Secretary of the State's website.
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN — Anita L. (King) Gochey, 85, of 77 South Canaan Rd. died June 5, 2026, at Geer Village. She was the wife of the late Lester Gochey. Anita was born July 16, 1940,in Winsted, daughter of the late Ivan and Irene (Dulude) King.
Anita was well known throughout the Northwest Corner. She worked for many local businesses and organizations. Anita worked at the Rexall Drug Store, C.A. Lindell and Sons, Bob’s Clothing, Brooks Pharmacy, and the Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the cafeteria.She used her skills in calligraphy to complete the record books for the North Canaan Congregational Church.Anita’s daughter remembers her as being very creative with cardboard, and a loving mom.
Anita is survived by her son Raymond Gochey and his fiancee’ Chris Filkins of Hinsdale, Massachusetts; and her daughter Michele O’Brien of Sharon. She is also survived by her sister Denise Warner of Torrington and her brother Arthur King of Danbury. Her three grandchildren, Kyle Gochey of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Cody O’Brien of Georgia, and Sabrina O’Brien of Falls Village. Anita was predeceased by her brother, Martin King.
A Celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Saturday June 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home 118 Main St. Canaan, CT 06018.
Lakeville Journal
SHARON — Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14 surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on Fe 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.
A graduate of Brookfield High School, Susanne went on to work as a travel agent, a career perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit and love of discovering the world. She especially cherished her travels to Australia, London, and Hawaii, creating memories that she carried throughout her life.
Susanne had a lifelong passion for antiques and found joy in collecting and appreciating beautiful pieces filled with history and character. She was also deeply devoted to her beloved Boston Terriers, whom she lovingly raised and cared for over many years. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of the dogs she adored.
Above all else, Susanne treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Tayfun Berberoglu Sr.; her loving daughter, Jennifer; her son, Tayfun Berberoglu Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Faora and Sybella. Her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Susanne will be remembered for her caring nature, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal

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Lakeville Journal
SALISBURY — Rafael Porro passed away on January 6, 2026.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in his honor on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Rafael to join them in remembering and celebrating his life.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Lakeville Journal
Lakeville Journal
CANAAN- — Nicholas Gandolfo Jr., 94 of East Canaan passed on June 4,2026, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer and CLL Leukemia.
Nicholas was born and raised in East Canaan to Nicholas Gandolfo Sr. and Marie Zucco Gandolfo both Italian immigrants, a heritage Nicholas embraced with pride.
During his youth Nick had a passion for the outdoors especially hunting and fishing which he enjoyed throughout his lifetime.
Nick served in the Korean war as a Marine. During his heroic service he received many medals and citations,most notably for saving his platoon even while sustaining injury himself during the famed Battle Of The Hook. Nick showed selfless dedication to serving the needs of others. He was involved with the Marine Corps League with whom he established a scholarship fund, the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW, providing durable medical equipment (and Girl scout cookies)to various VA homes and hospitals including Walter Reed in Washington. Nick also aided and assisted in other charitable causes not just limited to veterans, he served his community, for example, by providing thanksgiving dinners to needy local families.
Nicholas served as a volunteer firefighter for the town of Canaan for 25 years.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, and his fiery disposition. He was a shameless flirt who competed with his pals on who would receive the most hugs at any social gathering. With his charm, he always won.
Nicholas is predeceased by five brothers and his longtime partner Marlene Strattman. He is also predeceased by his daughter, Karen Gandolfo.
Nicholas leaves behind his loving daughters and their partners, his grandchildren and their partners and his great grand children. He is also survived by his only remaining brother, Robert Gandolfo, with whom he greatly valued his love and support. Nick also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. In his words, he had a special relationship with nieces Melissa Gandolfo and Lynne Gandolfo.
The family wishes to thank Salisbury Visiting Nurses, the Winsted chapter of Veteran Affairs and Nicks longtime aide Robin Brazee Anstett.
Wake and burial services will be private, however our family welcomes you to a celebration of life on June 20,2026 at the Canaan Couch Pipa VFW between the hours of 12:00pm and 3:30pm
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to East Mountain House, PO Box 1405 Lakeville, Ct 06039
Nicholas spent his final days there surrounded not just by family but by an amazing team that provided exemplary care and support for which Nicks family is extremely grateful.

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