NEWRY — Former Selectman James Largess got the nod Monday night from town meeting voters, ousting Selectman Albert Brooks Morton.
Largess received 92 votes to Morton’s 79.
Three years ago, Morton was elected by a two-vote margin over Largess, who had served three consecutive terms as selectman.
Largess’ wife, Bonnie, was overwhelmingly re-elected to the SAD 44 board to fill a two-year term. She received 143 votes. Others receiving votes were Gary Drown, two votes; Tama Drown, two votes; and Pat Roma, Doug Webster and Seneca Corriveau, each receiving one vote. There were also 21 blanks, Deputy Clerk Kelly Scott said by email.
SAD 44 Director Whitney Gray was re-elected to fill a one-year term with 148 votes. Gary Drown received two votes, and Tama Drown, Doug Webster and Seneca Corriveau each received one vote. There were 17 blanks.
Town meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, in the Bear River Grange Hall. A potluck supper will precede it at 5:30 p.m.
Since Jim Largess won the three-year selectman seat, the board will have to decide how to resolve a conflict involving this and the town’s SAD 44 Withdrawal Committee. Morton, who is on that committee, will have to step down since he was defeated at the polls, committee lawyer Dan Stockford said last October.
Selectmen will have to choose another selectman to serve on the committee, either Gary Wight or Largess. Selectmen Chairman Wendy Hanscom can’t be on the committee, because she is employed by SAD 44 and reports to the superintendent, with whom the committee would have to negotiate.
Wight’s wife also works for SAD 44, but Stockford didn’t say Wight can’t be on the committee. Bonnie Largess isn’t employed by the district. However, she serves on the four-member Withdrawal Committee. So, theoretically, the Largesses might vote together on issues before the committee.
Selectmen are meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Town Office to review town meeting. They will also likely discuss the potential ramifications of a selectman and his wife serving on the Withdrawal Committee, but may ask Administrator Loretta Powers to check with Stockford first.
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