Danvers Election Winners: Select Board, School Committee Picks

DANVERS, MA — Gardner Trask claimed victory in his quest for a sixth term on the Danvers Select Board and Matthew Duggan earned the second Select Board seat, while Robin Doherty and Alice Campbell won the two School Committee seats up for grabs, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

Trask faced three other challengers in his bid for another three years.

Trask tallied 1,444 votes (25.4 percent), with Duggan second at 1,177 (20.7 percent). Timothy Donahue third at 1,093 (19.3 percent) and Richard Bettencourt fourth at 1,085 (19.1 percent. There were 865 blanks and 10 write-ins.

"I have, with all your help, won my sixth term for Selectman!" Trask posted on his Facebook page about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night. "Thank you all who provided such support. It is humbling, and I promise to work hard to affirm the trust you have put in me."

Trask gave "special thanks" to his family, as well as senior campaign manager Anthony Panciocco Sr.

Doherty and Campbell won the two open School Committee seats out of a field of four.

Doherty outpaced the competition with 1,785 votes (31.6 percent) with Campbell second with 1,229 votes (21.7 percent).

"I am honored that you voted for me to serve on the Danvers School Committee," Doherty posted. "I would like to thank my family, my friends, and all my supporters. I am more than grateful to all of you. I am fortunate that the Danvers community has instilled its trust in me to work with others to assist in moving the school system from good to great.

"I am excited to bring my long-standing passion and expertise in education to the School Committee. Additionally, I look forward to bringing a new voice, perspective, and ideas. l am eager to collaborate with all stakeholders, increase accountability and communication, build stronger curricula, and create a safer learning environment for all students."

Campbell also thanked her supporters and said she would have more to say once results became official.

Johann Hunter was third with 1,043 votes (18.4 percent) and Mark Zuberek was fourth with 735 votes (13.0 percent).

The Public Library Trustee race was a contested one with five candidates running for three seats.

Donna Hopkins was first with 1,370 votes (24.1 percent), with Dana Hagan second at 1,264 (22.3 percent) and Jessica Cargile third at 1,261 (22.2 percent).

Holly Irgens was fourth at 1,157 votes (20.3 percent) and Joseph Younger was fifth at 695 (12.2 percent).

Patricia Frazier was uncontested in her bid for another one-year term as Town Moderator.

Town meeting members were also determined.