Stonington - Democratic First Selectmen Ed Haberek Jr. was elected to his third term Tuesday as he easily defeated Republican newcomer Richard McKrell by a 4-1 ratio.

Elected to the Board of Selectmen were the two incumbents - Democrat George Crouse Jr. and Republican Glee McAnanly. They defeated McKrell, who as loser of the first selectman's contest automatically entered the race for selectman. Thirty-four percent of the town's 12,128 registered voters cast ballots.

The outcome was expected as Haberek has been a popular first selectman and has received praise for not increasing the town budget as well as his handling of the March 2010 flood and the tropical storm in August. In the latter event, residents here had their power restored quicker than in surrounding towns as Haberek brought in a CL&P liaison who worked closely with town officials in the emergency operations center.

McKrell was handicapped by a lack of name recognition and late entry into the race. He did not become a candidate until late August, when he attended the Republican caucus to ask for help in the fight that he and a large group of residents were waging against a now-approved housing project off Mary Hall Road. At the caucus, Republicans unexpectedly endorsed him to run against Haberek.

"Voters told me at the polls today that they were happy with how the town was being managed, the initiatives we have and the way we've got through a number of difficult storms the last two years," Haberek said Tuesday night as he accepted congratulations in the basement of Town Hall.

Elected to the three positions on the Board of Education were Democrats Craig Esposito and Frank Todisco and Republican Deborah Downie. Former Republican Selectman Stephen Bessette has just two votes less than Downie.

All the other races were uncontested. Incumbent Democrat Cynthia Ladwig was elected town clerk; incumbent Republican Gisela Harma was elected tax collector and Republican Marty Booker treasurer. Democrat John O'Brien and Republican Bryan Bentz were elected to the Board of Finance and Republican David Harma to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

j.wojtas@theday.com