PARIS — Robert Wessels is the newest selectman, beating opponent James Hakala by a single vote.
According to Town Clerk Elizabeth Knox, the tally was 163 to 162, with a single write-in vote for Buddy Coffren.
Knox said they counted the totals twice to be sure, and allowed the public to inspect the ballots afterward. “They came up with the same total.” She said 304 voted Thursday, and another 22 had submitted absentee ballots.
“Talk about close,” Wessels said. He was in Norway attending the Cash Mob during the ballot count and returned to Paris just after counting had finished.
“I’m very excited about the year to come and what we can get accomplished together,” Wessels said. He’s replacing Ted Kurtz, who resigned from the board to focus on his law firm. The term ends in June 2013, when the seat will be up for re-election.
“I’m looking forward to having a nice, productive year with the board,” Wessels said.
Next Monday’s meeting could be the first time the board has five members since Kenneth West resigned in late April.
Comments are no longer available on this story