Reemsnyder wins third term as first selectwoman in Old Lyme
Old Lyme — Democrat incumbent Bonnie Reemsnyder has secured a third term as first selectwoman.
The race was closer than many expected, with Reemsnyder receiving 1,278 votes, and Republican challenger Cathy Carter receiving 1,009.
Reemsnyder said she was "delighted," and that she had a lot of work left to do.
She specifically named the Sound View improvement project, improvements to the boathouse at Hains Park and an administrative order to finish a wastewater management plan for the town's shoreline neighborhoods of Hawk's Nest, Miami Beach Association, Sound View, Old Colony Beach Association, Old Lyme Shores Beach Association and an ancillary area along the shoreline, as unfinished business.
Carter said she wished the administration "all the luck" with what they're working on, and that she looked forward to seeing what happens in the next two years.
The race between the two women seemed relatively cordial. At one point during Election Day, Reemsnyder showed Carter her 3-week-old grandson, Zane.
Reemsnyder said she didn't run a negative campaign, but one mailer sent out by Carter's campaign was "over the top." That mailer, she said, was depicted with dark colors and said the "real Reemsnyder record."
Asked whether it was a clean campaign, Carter said, "It's politics." She said she challenged Reemsnyder's record but didn't go against her character.
"I like Bonnie," Carter said.
Democrat Mary Jo Nosal received 1,120 votes and Republican Arthur E. Sibley Jr., received 1,150 votes, enabling them both to secure spots on the Board of Selectmen. Both are incumbents.
A total of 2,321 people voted, about 46 percent voter turnout.
Two Republicans and one Democrat got seats on the Lyme-Old Lyme Board of Education.
Democrat Michelle Roche, an incumbent, got the most votes with 1,255. Republican Stacy Winchell received 1,184 votes and Republican Erick Cushman received 1,138 votes.
Five candidates were vying for three seats on the board. Vice chairman Paul Fuchs was unseated. Newcomer Peter Hunt also lost.
Twitter: @JuliaSBergman
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