Lynn Teachers Union president retains post

LYNN – Lynn Teachers Union President Alice Gunning fended off a challenge from teacher Thomas Tone Wednesday to retain her spot as head of the organization for another term.Gunning’s 212 votes just topped Tone’s 189, ensuring that Gunning will lead the group for a ninth year in 2009-10.The only big upset of the night was Breed Middle School teacher Brant Duncan, who beat the nomination committee’s choice, Mayralice Sutherland, for the spot of first vice president by a count of 299-100.Duncan will join incumbent Catherine Deveny as assistants to Gunning after the second vice president topped challenger and school committee candidate Richard Starbard for the position by a tally of 280-1.Financial Secretary G. Donald White, Corresponding Secretary Colleen McElligott-Liporto and Recording Secretary Diane Dawe will all retain their posts while former first vice president Paul Mailloux will swap spots with Duncan and serve as sergeant at arms.Gunning did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.