New Salem could see new face on Selectboard

Monday’s election in New Salem will see no contested races, though a new candidate is running unopposed to fill a two-year term on the Selectboard and there are two positions on the School Committee for which there are no candidates on the ballot.

Monday’s election in New Salem will see no contested races, though a new candidate is running unopposed to fill a two-year term on the Selectboard and there are two positions on the School Committee for which there are no candidates on the ballot. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Cathy Tyng, with Bonnie, picks up her ballot from New Salem election workers Lynn Layton and Marilyn Adams during the 2023 election. This year’s election will be held Monday, May 6.

Cathy Tyng, with Bonnie, picks up her ballot from New Salem election workers Lynn Layton and Marilyn Adams during the 2023 election. This year’s election will be held Monday, May 6. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By DOMENIC POLI

Staff Writer

Published: 05-03-2024 1:12 PM

NEW SALEM — Monday’s election will see no contested races, though a new candidate is running unopposed to fill a two-year term on the Selectboard and there are two positions on the School Committee for which there are no candidates on the ballot.

Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex, 24 South Main St.

Mailande DeWitt, a University of Connecticut School of Law graduate who currently serves as a New Salem Public Library trustee, is running to fill a two-year vacancy on the Selectboard left by Zara Dowling, who announced in February her plans to step down.

“I am running for this position because I want to dedicate more time to the town I grew up in. Furthermore, I want to get more involved in the preservation and conservation of New Salem,” DeWitt said in a candidate statement in the town’s e-newsletter, the New Salem News. “Having lived here since 2005, I want to help my community build upon and conserve the natural beauty of the town as well as help preserve and repair our historic buildings.

“Additionally, one of my long-term goals as a member of the Selectboard is to increase resident engagement, specifically with the young people of the town,” her statement continued.

Susan Cloutier, who chairs the Selectboard, is seeking reelection for a three-year term.

“I am proud to serve the residents of New Salem as a member of the Selectboard,” Cloutier said in her candidate statement in the New Salem News. “I came to the board with experience as a teacher and nature center director. Since moving here in 1980, I served on the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Broadband Committee and Tree Committee.”

David Cramer, the Planning Board clerk, is running for another term while Jenny Potee seeks another term on the Board of Health. Sue Dunbar is running for a position on the Municipal Light Board and Eric Hamm is seeking to secure another term on the Board of Assessors.

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Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.