East Lyme - Republican Paul M. Formica won a third consecutive term as first selectman Tuesday, easily besting his Democratic challenger, former selectman Mark O. Princevalle, on a big night for the Republicans as the party swept all the town boards.

Formica cruised to re-election, 3,580-622, in a race that lacked a central issue for voters to coalesce around. Turnout was a moderate 33 percent.

In a celebration at Flanders Fish Market, Formica said he was excited by the victory.

"I'm overwhelmed by the mandate given to all the things we've been doing for the past two years," Formica said. "This was a team victory."

Formica ran on a platform defined by prudent financial management and investment in the town's infrastructure.

In the past two years, Formica pushed for a water connection to a reservoir owned by the City of New London, which should eventually end the unpopular summertime water rationing.

Formica also advocated for the purchase of 301 acres around Darrow Pond for open space and as part of the water connection project.

Both issues passed at townwide referendums.

Reached Tuesday night, Princevalle, an East Lyme native who has lived in Chicago part-time for the past nine months, said the results were "decisive" and offered his congratulations to Formica.

Selectman Mark Nickerson, who was also re-elected, said the GOP candidates felt as if they were part of a team.

"It's Formica's team," Nickerson said. "He has an impressive style."

Democratic Selectman Rob Wilson, who won re-election, reflected on the bipartisan nature of the town in recent years.

"It's been constructive," Wilson said, "and it turns into good government."

Republicans, who are outnumbered by the Democrats in terms of registration, nevertheless maintained control of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Education and the Board of Finance.

The other selectmen elected were Republicans Holly Cheeseman and Kevin Seery and Democrat Rose Ann Hardy.

Voters also elected half of the 10-member school board. Those elected were Jaime Barr, Tim Hagen, Pamela Rowe, Jill Carini and Christopher Sandford.

s.chupaska@theday.com