The Choice of Weston Selectman Was Not Even Close

The official tally in the election race for selectman was, as a Bruins fan would say, a “squeakah” with a difference of only 21 votes.  But the tally was also clear.  Doug Gillespie was the winner and I congratulate him for his seemingly effortless campaign success.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many friends and Weston neighbors who were willing to be identified as supporters of my campaign, notwithstanding some invidious comments about how reputable persons should be cautious about associating with me because of others who were also supporting my candidacy.  My own insistence on securing the explicit consent for listing supporters excluded many who have since affirmed willingness to be listed.  That would have made for a considerably longer list.  I am grateful for that support, both published and unpublished.

I also thank the many contributors to the Committee to ElectBill Sandalls.  Their contributions will help defray the cost of my campaign significantly.  I am grateful for that support.  Financial reports on the Committee will be timely filed for public viewing at Weston Town Clerk’s office.

Most important of all, I thank the friends who worked on my campaign both this year and last, when I ran for moderator.  While a candidate may joke about the psychic income that is the compensation for seeking and holding elective office in town government, I can only marvel at the willingness of friends who put in hard work and long hours for someone else’s campaign.

Many supporters are urging that I seek a recount by hand of the election result.  After giving this much thought, I have decided not to do so.  While the margin of loss is narrow, I believe it is sufficiently large to offset any random miscount of a few votes.  I am also confident in the care and integrity of our Town Clerk, Deborah Davenport, to have overseen a fair and honest result.  I believe a recount is not necessary.

Beyond the ballots cast in this election, I am mindful that the total of 1,605 votes for both candidates for selectman represents only 20 percent of Weston’s registered voters.  This number is almost identical to the total ballots cast last year when the candidate for selectman was unopposed but also drew 351 blanks.

While I campaigned on the theme that it is time for a change for more open town government and more fiscal restraint, Doug Gillespie stated “If you believe Weston is well run, as I do, vote for me.”  If my opponent’s votes are added to the 80 percent of registered voters who were not sufficiently motivated to show up at the polls and vote for change, the May 11 choice of selectman, whether by vote or default, was not even close.  So it seems needed change will not come until more residents and taxpayers come out and vote.   

Bill Sandalls

Wood Ridge Circle