Mansfield Town Election: First Impressions

The election today is mainly focused on the School Committee, as there are no other contested positions. Despite the poor weather, residents trickled into the MHS gymnasium to make their voices heard. Here are what some residents had to say after they voted. Please note that only some of the residents offered to say who they voted for.

"I felt that we needed change in the school committee," said resident Heather Gage. "I feel very confident about the people I voted for. I voted for [Kiera] O'Neill and [Wayne] Smith. I have two boys in special education in the school system, and I've lived here almost 13 years. I feel like we need more communication and we need more information about what's going on. Some new people in the school committee is definitely a good thing."

"I think it's important that we get the right school committee members with the budget we have," said resident Lynne Bjorkman. "We need educated people who understand fiscally responsible actions."

Bjorkman later said she voted for incumbants  Michael Trowbridge and Frank DelVecchio.

"The school committee election is really important to me,"resident Chrisine Johnston said. "[I voted for] Kiera O'Neill, because I really feel like the school committee needs some changes, and she has really succient reasons of why she wants to be there and they perfectly match my philosophy."

"I'm here for the school committee more than anything, because I have kids in the school systems," resident Maureen Driscoll said. "It was just an upsetting year last year with all the stuff that went on with the schools, I just wanted to make sure my voice was being heard."

Driscoll said she voted for Kiera O'Neill.

"It's my duty to vote and that's it," said resident Jean Fournier. He added that he voted for Michael Trowbridge.

"It's always important to come out and vote," said resident Jim Peloquin.

"In local elections we can have the most difference," said resident John McKenna.

"I don't necessarily agree with how things are being run today," resident Yvonne McNamara said.

"I don't necessarily keep up with the issues, but I think it's really important to vote," said resident Herbert Hawksly.

Fore more information on candidates, their experience and backgrounds, click .