Recounts could be on way in Saugus Town Meeting races

SAUGUS – Though perhaps lost in the shadow of the Board of Selectman’s race, Town Meeting candidates endured a few nail biters of their own that has left at least one meeting member wondering if there could be a recount, or even two.”Look at the finishes in Precinct 10,” said Robert Long, who retained his seat in Precinct 9. “They have up to Nov. 15 to file for a recount – it could happen.”Peter Manoogian, Katie Marie Guarino and Michael Dockery came out clear winners in Precinct 10’s race with 295 votes, 246 votes and 190 votes, respectively. But Jon Gillis, Darren Ring and Joseph Palczynski Jr., all incumbents, finished with 180 votes, 179 votes and 178 votes, respectively.According to Town Clerk Joanne Rappa, candidates have up to 10 days after the election to file for a recount, though no one had filed as of Thursday.Precinct 1 also had a close finish with incumbent Willam Jones losing to newcomer Ronald Witten by a three-vote margin. Women topped the ticket in that precinct with Ann Devlin picking up 271 votes, Stacy Ann Billingsley 239 and Joyce Rodenhiser 225.Precinct 2 has three newcomers, also women, but one, Jeanette Meredith, has given up her seat after becoming the top vote getter on the School Committee. That is good news for Stephen Sweezey, who finished sixth but will now retain his seat. He will serve along with Stephanie Puracchio and Christine Moreschi, and incumbents Peter Rossetti and Thomas Falasca.Precinct 3 will also see changes because Maureen Dever and Paul Allan both won their seats handily but also won seats on the Board of Selectmen. That cleared the way for all the remaining candidates, incumbents William Stewart, Arthur David Connors Jr., David Cottam and Rick Smith, who has served previously, and Philip Rando, to serve.Precinct 4 had only five candidates, which ensures that each, Janet Leuci, Patricia McLaughlin, Albert Dinardo, Stephen Doherty and Robert Cox, won a seat.Precinct 5 also picked up two newcomers, Eric Robert Quinlan and Craig Carinale, along with incumbents Pamela Goodwin, who took home 317 votes, Laura Groark and Brenton Spencer. Incumbents Paul Petkewich and Betty Ann Sullivan did not make the cut.Incumbent Richard Christopher also lost his reelection bid to William Brown but Matthew Vecchio, Jean Bartolo, Sean Maltais and Joseph Attubato retained their seats.In Precinct 7 Patricia Ann Johnson, Kimberly Politano and Stephen McCarthy won their reelection bids but longtime Town Meeting member Timothy Hawkes and incumbent Stefano D’Anna lost theirs. Brian Costin and Michael Paolini will take their seats.Peter Vadala did not run for reelection, leaving an open seat in Precinct 8 and William Kramich failed to win his seat back, opening door for newcomers Eugene Decareau and Thomas Traverse. Incumbents Anthony Lopresti, Joia Cicolini and Joan Fowler will join them.In Precinct 9 newcomer Christopher J. Finn topped the ticket with 285 votes. Ellen Faiella came in second but gave up her seat after winning the number one spot in the Board of Selectmen’s race. That worked out well for Jeffrey Moses, who came in just three votes behind Edward Carlson and John Cottam, who tied with 148 votes each. Robert Long will retain his seat after placing third with 200 votes but out is long-serving member Edward Boesel.Novice meeting members will get their feet wet during the Nov. 18 special Town Meeting that kicks off at 7:30 p.m.