ELECTION: Slow, Steady Pace at Precincts 1 and 3

With an override question at stake, a steady, slow trickle of voters streamed through the Abbot School from late morning to early afternoon, May 2.

The overall mood among poll checkers inside precincts 1 and 3 was upbeat. But all said they were not being overtaxed by long lines.

“Right now it’s dead,” said Alan Chaffee who was checking in voters with his wife Judy. “This morning it was busy but there wasn’t a steady line in front of us.”

Outside the building a group of sign holders stood in the light drizzle with puddles underfoot signaling support for candidates from School Committee and selectmen – two of four contested races that prompted voters to take sides.

Ilene Tatroe held a sign supporting the override request.

“I have a daughter at Abbot in the fifth grade,” she said. “these teachers work very, very hard and I want to ensure that these teachers who work in our system stay in our system.”

The override request represents a push for a permanent property tax increase over the limitations of Proposition 2 ½, a state law limiting property tax increases to 2.5 percent plus new growth. It was the School Committee members, led by member Tom Clay, who advocated for the tax increase in order to fill a 6 percent gap in teacher salaries as compared to a market basket of similar communities. The increase would raise $1.6 million over three years, representing a gradual tax increase over the first three years topping off at $181 annually on an average assessed house of $490,700. The $181 increase would continue permanently thereafter.

“I voted yes for the override because I have two children in Westford Schools and I’ve seen how hard the teachers work,” said Marcia Macres, the mother of a high school senior and an eight-grader. “I’ve got four more years in Westford schools and I want the teachers to feel appreciated in their jobs so that my child will benefit.”

But Robert and Joanne Boutin, both in their early 80s, said they voted against the override.

“I can’t afford the real estate taxes as it is,” said Robert Boutin. “It opens the door for all the other unions to ask for a raise. The teachers have a way for negotiating a contract and that’s what they should follow.”

Boutin said it was the override issue that prompted him and his wife out to vote, despite a ballot full of candidates.

“The override was the only reason I came to vote,” said Boutin, who noted that property taxes in Westford were due the day before.

“I agree with him,” said Joanne Boutin. “We voted against the override.”

Heather FitzPatrick, one of only two Finance Committee members to vote against recommending the override, according to the March 2 committee minutes, said she is concerned about the town’s budget.

“There are some things that could put us in trouble. Health Care. We don’t know what that’s going to do,” she said, standing outside the Abbot School.

Inside the building, Judith Culver was pondering the minimal turnout.

“It’s much less traffic than we expected…I thought there would be more activity, she said.

The School Committee race has three candidates, Megan Eckroth, Alicia Mallon, and Gloria Miller for two seats. The Selectmen’s race has the same – Elizabeth Almeida, Tom Clay, and Dennis Galvin vying for two seats. There are also three candidates – Tom Severo, Don Siriani, and Susan McNeil Spuhler — for the one post of town moderator. A one-year unexpired term for the Board of Health has both Joanne Belanger and Shunhe Xiong competing. The uncontested seats are: library trustees – Hajo Koester and Robert Price; Housing Authority: Diane Holmes; Planning Board, five years – Dylan O’Connor; Planning Board, three years – Tom Spuhler. Board of Health – Zac Cataldo and Michele Pitoniak-Crawford.

Summing up the slow but steady voting pace inside the Abbot School gym was Judy Chaffee, who referenced a penchant around town for keeping hands occupied in meetings.

“Too busy to knit,” she said with a smile.