ESSEX — Challenger Dexter Lee-Viator topped incumbent Selectmen Chair Alva Ingaharro, 508-235, in the only contested race on Essex’s election ballot Monday.
Moments after learning of his win, Lee-Viator celebrated outside the Public Safety Building polling site with about a dozen of his supporters.
“I’m thrilled,” he said. “I was never certain of this. I went in knowing anything could happen.”
The election also saw voters approve two overrides of tax-limiting Proposition 2 ½ which had been previously approved by annual Town Meeting on May 4.
Question 1, asking to access an additional $268,722 in real estate and personal property taxes to supplement Essex’s operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, was approved 438-301.
Question 2, to assess an additional $185,727 in real estate and personal property taxes to supplement the town’s assessment for Manchester Essex Regional School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, passed 460 -287.
Outside the Public Safety Building polls, several voters shared their thoughts on the election.
Kevin Phoenix said people in Essex need to be more invested in local issues.
“It’s nice there’s a contested race,” he said. “There’s not enough participation in local politics.”
Nelson Emmons said he believed representation on town boards needed to be changed.
“We need new leadership in this town like we do in this country,” he said.
While Emmons did not say how he planned to vote on the override questions, he said town officials need to be more cognizant of money matters.
“We need to be more fiscally responsible,” he said.
Michelle Kempskie said the school override was needed to support local students and show the town’s dedication to in the Manchester Essex Regional School District.
“I feel it’s critical Essex step up and support the schools,” Kempskie said.
Barry O’Brien predicted the school override question would pass. He said Essex residents want the regional school district to succeed.
“This is going to happen,” O’Brien said. “The citizens of Essex support and sustain the well-being of Essex.”
Doug Woodman, president and co-CEO of Woodmans Inc., is a third-generation co-owner of Woodmans of Essex. He is related to Lee-Viator.
“He’s young and excited,” Woodman said. “I think some of the leadership in town is a little bit stale.”
As headed into the polls, resident Jamie Ellis said he still needed to make up his mind.
“At the last minute, I’ll pull the trigger,” he said.
But Julie Scofield had little doubt about her voting preferences.
“I’m looking for a new face,” Scofield said . “There’s no doubt in my mind that I will vote for a new face.”
Results in Monday’s election were were posted only moments after the polls closed at 8 p.m.
Town Clerk Amy Akell said 759 of the town’s 3,042 registered voters cast ballots.
Elected in the ucontested races were:
— Board of Assessors: Incumbent Sally Ann Rich won 616 votes and a two-year term, while Stephen A Poulis won a three-year term with 576 votes.
— Moderator: Jeffrey D. Jones won 603 votes for another three-year term.
— Board of Health: David Marks Driscoll won reelection for a three-year term, garnering 582 votes.
— Constables: The two three-year terms were won by incumbent William J.S. Knovak with 507 votes and Robert P. Bradley with 404 votes.
— Manchester Essex Regional School District School Committee: Incumbent Theresa Lee Whitman won 581 votes and a return to the committee for a three-year term .
— Board of Library Trustees: Ginger Mae Driscoll earned 599 votes for a three-year term.
— Planning Board: Incumbent Shelly Bradbury picked up 562 votes for a five-year term.
The day got off to a slow start.
“I’m hoping for a good turnout,” Akell said early Monday morning. “But the first hour has been a bit slow.”
By 11:20 a.m., Akell reported 192 votes had been cast.
“It’s still slow,” she said.
At the end of the day, Akell said the election was conducted without a hitch.
“Things went smoothly,” she said. “That’s the best we could have hoped for.”