Polimeno Re-Elected, Puccia Narrowly Wins Open Seat on School Committee

In 2010, Krissy Polimeno and Lisa Puccia were part of an emotionally charged three-person race for two seats on the Tewksbury School Committee. Polimeno got in, while Puccia was odd-person out.

Fast-forward three years and Puccia and Polimeno were once again part of a three-person race for two seats on the school committee. But there were differences. The race was far more low-key this time around and this time both women were voted into office.

Polimeno was easily re-elected with 2.039 votes. Puccia grabbed the second slot, slipping past Ray Lisiecki, 1,276-1,139.

Polimeno said there were differences in running as an incumbent this time around.

"Last time, I was just talking about what I wanted to do," she said. "This time I could talk about what I had wanted to do and what I accomplished -- and then what I still want to get done."

Polimeno was quick to praise the work of Arthy Bennett, who has served as campaign manager for both of Polimeno's successful elections.

"Arthy really knows how to run a campaign," she said. "She was the real difference."

The race for the second seat was close throughout the evening, as results were announced precinct by precinct. In the end, Puccia won six of the eight precincts. Lisiecki claimed wins in Precincts 4A and 3 to prevent the sweep.

Puccia admitted that heading into Election Day, her level of optimism was not very high.

"This was really unexpected," she said, "Last time (2010) was a really learning curve for me. I think I was much better prepared this time.

"I'm really excited and I can't wait to get to work."

Voter turnout in Tewksbury was just 13.1 percent, the lowest in recent memory. Just 2,744 voters cast ballots.