Jeffrey Howland wins write-in vote for moderator

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

NEW BRAINTREE - Glenn Merkel, recently retired businessman and long-time resident of this town, running unopposed for the one-year selectman’s seat vacated by Magi Ziff in January, was elected in Monday’s election. He will serve with veteran incumbent Martin Goulet, who ran unopposed for another three year term, and present chairman Robert Hunt.

Write-in candidate Jeffrey Howland won the one-year term as moderator left vacant by Howard Ziff’s January resignation. Howland, who with his family has lengthy ties to New Braintree, is chairman and long-time member of the planning board.

Cynthia Cheever sought and won, unopposed, Howard Ziff’s other town position, a three year slot on the board of health.

A one-year seat on the planning board, up for grabs, had several write-in votes, with no confirmations at press time.

Other incumbents returned to office are: Deborah Houston, assessor, 3 years; Janet Pierce, tax collector, 3 years; Leslie Miller, finance committee, 3 years; Miller also seeks another 3 years as cemetery commissioner; Mary Lefevre, library trustee, 3 years; Paul LaRoche, planning board, 5 years; James A. Brown, constable for 3 years. Kelly Hilcoff won an unopposed 3 year library trustee position.

Casting ballots in the election were 90 of 685 registered voters, 13.14 percent participation.