SB2 fails in Bristol despite majority vote; Anderson defeats Glassett

BRISTOL — A petitioned article to adopt the official ballot — or SB2 — form of Town Meeting failed to achieve a 60 percent majority needed for passage during Tuesday’s balloting.

With 411 votes cast on the measure, the article needed 246 affirmative votes to pass. There were 227 votes in favor and 184 votes against it.

This was the third time petitioners have sought the adoption of RSA 40:13. They argue that Town Meeting turnout is lower because of young people having family obligations and older people having difficulty in getting out. It is easier for people to make a quick trip to the polls than to sit through a long meeting, they say.

A majority of the town agrees, but they have failed to reach the super majority needed for passage.

The total number of ballots cast was 423, representing 20 percent of registered voters in Bristol.

Town Clerk Raymah Simpson said that turnout was less than last year, when the town was hit with a blizzard. Bristol received only about 6 inches of snow this year, although other areas received much more.

In the race for selectman, Wayne Anderson defeated Robert “Rob” Glassett, 205-193. Both had previously served on the Budget Committee, Glassett having served as chairman and Anderson as vice chairman.

The Budget Committee had four open seats with three candidates running. Former selectman Shaun Lagueux received 259 votes, Robert Emerson received 242 votes, and John Sellers had 231.

There were 96 write-ins for the fourth seat, and Paul Simard was elected with 33 votes.

The other race on the ballot was for three library trustees. Winners were Nancy Dowey with 287, Martha Hulsman with 199, and Wayne Evans with 168. Andrew Adams received 144 votes.

In uncontested races, Edward “Ned” Gordon was elected as moderator for two years, with 378 votes; and Elizabeth “Betty” Seeler received 365 votes as trustee of trust funds.

All of the proposed zoning amendments passed.