WOODFORD -- Ronald Higgins, who has sparred with other elected officials in Woodford, beat out two challengers Tuesday and was re-elected to a three-year term as town clerk.
Higgins received 59 votes, edging Frank Paliasano and Virginia Ulitsch, who received 44 votes and 36 votes, respectively.
The town clerk has been a point of contention in Woodford for nearly two years. A feud between Higgins and the Select Board has disrupted town business and caused tempers to flare with accusations of lying from both sides at meetings.
Meanwhile, Steven Wright was elected to a three-year term on the select board.
The town budget was approved by a vote of 114 to 25. The school budget was approved by a vote of 101 to 37.
Residents also voted to give the trustee of public funds permission to use up to $235,000 in a reserve fund to pay down a line of credit with People’s United Bank. The town obtained the line of credit to pay for repairs following Tropical Storm Irene. Any money reimbursed by the federal government for the repairs will go back into the reserve fund.
Additionally, a town charter was approved. It will now go before the Legislature for final approval. Select Board Chairman Ryan Thurber said officials are seeking a charter to "enable some checks and balances" within town government.
-- Neal P. Goswami
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