First Selectman David Bindelglass was sworn into office Wednesday morning at Town Hall after winning a third term in Tuesday’s municipal election. He handily defeated his Republican challenger, Wendy Bowditch, 1,623 votes to 1,182.
Bindelglass will lead a new Democratic majority Board of Selectmen with Selectman Nick D’Addario. Longtime Selectman Robert Lessler decided not to run again after 24 years in office, creating a Democratic opening.
Joining them on the board will be incumbent Republican Selectman Kristi Sogofsky, who was reelected for a third term. Sogofsky received 1,354 votes and D’Addario, 1,444 votes.
The Democrats won more seats than they have ever held in the past. Lessler summed up the historical victory: “Dave is the first Democratic first selectman to be reelected two times and the first Democrat to serve for six years. It’s the first time Democrats have ever held a 4-to-2 majority on the Board of Finance.”
Democrats also won both open seats on the Region 9 Board of Education and seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Assessment Appeals over their challengers. The Republicans maintained their incumbent office holders for treasurer and town clerk. Republican Tax Collector Krista Kot ran unopposed.
In the uncontested race for the Easton Board of Education, Alicia Young received 1,710 votes to fill a four-year vacancy, while Beth Natt (1,484 votes) and Jeff Parker (1,282) will serve full terms. The complete unofficial election results are posted on the town’s website and will be updated as additional results become available.
Bindelglass was jubilant when reached Tuesday night after the results were tallied. “The Democrats performed unbelievably well across the board,” he said. “It reflects the incredibly hard work the candidates put into the race. It will be a pleasure working with Nick on the Board of Selectmen. It’s the first time the Board of Finance will have a 4-2 Democratic majority. The two Democrats on the Region 9 Board of Education both won their seats. Our other candidates in contested races, Tim Hughes for treasurer, and Whendi Cook Broderick for Town Clerk, came in close as newcomers.”
Bowditch posted the following message on the Easton Republican Town Committee’s Facebook page after the election. “I want to congratulate everyone who won their races today. Easton runs on the power of its volunteers and those willing to serve our community. I look forward to seeing David, Nick and Kristi work closely together to lead our town forward, with the integrity and commitment all our residents deserve. That is a sentiment I am confident will apply to all of our elected Boards.”
She went on to write, “I am especially pleased to see Christine Calvert and Debbie Szegedi continue in the roles to which they have so selflessly committed themselves. Easton is better for their service. Lastly, I want to again wish Bob Lessler all the best in his well-deserved retirement. Enjoy your Thursdays, Bob. The election may be over and the outcomes may not be what I personally wanted, but I know that Easton truly wins when it has leaders who put our town first.”
Sogofsky, who was re-elected for a third term on the board, thanked the people who came out to vote. “I am honored to be able to continue to serve on the Easton Board of Selectmen, ” Sogofsky said. “While the overall election results are not what I had hoped for, I am committed to fighting for what’s best for our community. I remain focused on continued preservation, improved communication and increased transparency across town departments. Thank you to the more than 2,800 people who took the time to cast a ballot.”
Bindelglass said he looks forward to continuing to work with the elected officials and the community in his new term, which began today. “In the heat of the moment campaigns can get a little heated,” he said. “But in the end we’re all neighbors, and we will work together for the good of the town.”
