Voter Turn-Out Is 58 Percent

By Wiley Wood

In an off-year election that drew 58 percent of the electorate to the polls, Sue Dyer, Norfolk’s incumbent first selectman, defeated first-time challenger Matt Riiska with 53 percent of the votes, winning 317 to 286.

The other positions on the Board of Selectmen were uncontested. The incumbents, Leo Colwell and Joshua DeCerbo, will continue as selectmen for another two-year term.

The position of tax collector went to the challenger, Sarah Bruso, who unseated Eleanor LaForge by a vote of 299 to 287.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will retain commissioners Larry Freedman and Schuyler Thomson, who defeated Tom Fahsbender, appearing on the ballot for the first time.

The vote for alternates on the Zoning Board of Appeals went to Chris Peterson (D), and Alan Boucher (R), who defeated Frank Trager.

The remainder of the races were uncontested. Chelsea Byrne will continue to serve as town treasurer. Michael Sconyers, David Torrey and Nina Ritson will remain on the Board of Finance, with Leo Groppo and Grant Mudge as alternates. Sara Heller was elected to the Board of Education, and Kim Crone and Donna Rubin were re-elected to it. Schuyler Thomson is on the Board of Assessment Appeals. Daniel Green, Mary Bazzano-Reeve and Melissa Robinson will serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The total number of votes cast in the first selectman race was 603, out of a total electorate of 1044. Norfolk’s voter turnout of 58 percent compares with a statewide turnout estimated at 30–35 percent.