Allaire out in Rutland, Montpelier picks McCullough, Barnes bests Owens in Newport

Milton voters say no to anti-CRT school board candidates

Newbury’s loud NO to new juvy detention center

Michael Doenges, a political newcomer, has been elected as the new mayor of Rutland City. He defeated three-term incumbent David Allaire.

In addition to Doenges, several other political newcomers also joined the Board of Aldermen in this election. The ousting of longtime incumbent Thomas DePoy added to the changing political landscape of Rutland City.

During his campaign, Doenges emphasized the need for more formal planning efforts in City Hall, which resonated with many voters. Doenges has said that federal and state transportation agencies can help fund roadway projects through organizations like the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, but the city must have a plan and agreement to build roads to certain standards. By doing so, the city can receive a higher match for its funds and repair more roads.

The unofficial vote total shortly after polls closed was 1,710 to 1,317 – Newport Dispatch.

Barnes new mayor in Newport – Beth Barnes has secured her position as Newport City’s new mayor, having received 230 votes on Tuesday night. Roderick Owens received just 76 votes less than Barnes.

During her campaign, Barnes has stressed the importance of keeping Lake Memphremagog clean and safe.

“We are situated on one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen,” Barnes said in a letter to the community at the start of her campaign. “It is our responsibility as citizens and good neighbors who use the lake to demand that our waters remain clean, toxin free and safe for all who use it.”

Barnes has also expressed her concern about the Coventry landfill.

“We do not deserve to live in the shadow of the State’s only landfill which receives trash from the rest of Vermont as well as 20 percent from out-of-state,” Barnes said. “It is perched dangerously close to our most precious asset, and economic driver, Lake Memphremagog. As Mayor I will work with others to eventually see it closed.”

Barnes also says she will help promote Newport as a place to celebrate and recreate.

The City Council members elected to the two open seats were Chris Vachon, and A. Carter Fineganan. Vachon, an incumbent, received 368 votes on Tuesday. – Newport Dispatch

Montpelier picks McCullough – Longtime City Councilor Jack McCullough has been elected mayor of Montpelier, the Montpelier Bridge reports. McCullough, a progressive Democrat, succeeds Anne Watson, also a P/D, who was elected to the Vermont Senate in November. 

Lobbyist Andrew Brewer and real estate company owner Tim Heney were elected to Council seats. 

Anti-CRT candidates not chosen for school board in Milton – Nicholas Smith and Allison Duquette, both running for school board following a successful anti-CRT citizen petition drive, lost by similar margins in school board races yesterday, the Milton Independent reports. A published graph shows both candidates finishing with about 950 votes, and the winners with about 1100.

Small town to State of Vermont: no, no and heck no – Over 91% of Newbury voters opposed by a 601-56 margin the state’s plans to develop a juvenile detention center in yesterday’s ballot voting, the Journal-Opinion reports.

The turnout was substantial for a town meeting election as 658 ballots (44%) were cast out of 1,506 on the checklist. The overwhelming majority voted absentee. By contrast, turnout in Thetford and West Fairlee where officer elections were conducted by ballot was around 13% in both towns.

The State and the small Orange County town have been tussling over a proposed replacement for the Woodside Juvenile Detention Facility. The state wants it there, and town officials – and now voters – say it’s a bad fit for their community.