Thibeault coasts to easy win, all articles pass amid sparse vote totals

From left, selectman candidate and eventual winner Ryan Thibeault, fire chief write-in candidate Stephen Duchesneau and Milton Fire and Rescue Chief Nick Marique stand outside the Milton polls on Thursday. (Lebanon Voice photo)

MILTON - Political newcomer Ryan Thibeault won handily over two tough challengers to win the selectman's seat vacated by outgoing chair Tom Gray, holding off Larry Brown and Thomas McDougall in Thursday's snow-postponed town elections.

Thibeault, who ran on a platform of change, transparency and accountability, garnered 326 votes to Brown's 123 and McDougall's 87.

A low voter turnout in stark contrast to the presidential election of several months ago was attributed by many to the absence of any big-ticket controversial money items.

All 16 articles passed easily with the exception of Article 9, which called for a four-year $115,000 lease/purchase agreement for portable radios for Milton Fire. The article, which was recommended unanimously by the budget committee and selectmen, narrowly prevailed, 266-261.

All others breezed through, including money for fighting the invasive plant European Naiad, a ballfield trust fund, improvements to the town beach boat ramp and a step/pay plan for employees of Highway, Solid Waste and Government Buildings.

Thursday's voting had been postponed from Tuesday's traditional voting day due to the snowstorm that dumped upwards of 18 inches of snow in Milton and the Northern Seacoast.

Town Moderator Chris Jacobs, who called for the vote postponement, lamented the low voter turnout, but said it was sort of expected, given the lack of any big-money or contentious items on the ballot.

Meanwhile, other races of note went as follows:

Pamela Arnold bested Mackenzie C. Campbell for treasurer, 313-201.

Michael Tabory's (301) and Brian McQuade (292) won the two seats available on the Zoning Board of Adjustment over Larry Brown (234).

Nick Marique easily kept his fire chief slot with 359 votes, which featured 164 write-ins.