Democrats finally join Little Compton Town Council

Republicans hold 3-2 council majority; Democrats, Independent take school seats

By Bruce Burdett
Posted 11/6/18

LITTLE COMPTON — The first full-on press by Little Compton’s Democrats in many years broke the Republicans' long-time lock on the Town Council ...

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Democrats finally join Little Compton Town Council

Republicans hold 3-2 council majority; Democrats, Independent take school seats

Posted

LITTLE COMPTON — The first full-on press by Little Compton’s Democrats in many years broke the Republicans' long-time lock on the Town Council in Tuesday’s elections.

Republicans hold a 3-2 majority, but welcome two Democrats, Andrew Moore and Larry Anderson.

Bob Mushen was the top council vote-getter. The School Committee race was led by Democrat Rita Kenahan.

Democrat Louis DiPalma beat Republican Amy Veri by 1065 to 687 in the Senate District 12 race here.

The council had been an all-GOP team since at least 2004.

Republicans had campaigned on an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” theme, pointing to their record of low taxes, lean government and reliable services.

Democrats — this time in number — countered that parts of government are indeed broken — council meetings in town are all but inaudible, the town has virtually no internet presence, there is no town administrator now in place …

And both sides said the town really needs to maintain its quiet, rural character and begin serious planning for a future of rising seawater.

Statewide, town voters favored Gina Raymond for governor 982-615 over second place Allan Fung; Sheldon Whitehouse and David Cicilline were also big winners here.

Results....

Town Council

Robert L. Mushen (REP) 1004 11.9%

Andrew W. Moore (DEM) 922 10.9%

Gary S. Mataronas (REP) 915 10.8%

Paul J. Golembeske (REP) 888 10.5%

Lawrence G. Anderson (DEM) 844 10.0%

Karen D. Ryan (DEM) 837 9.9%

Fred M. Bodington, III (REP) 801 9.5%

Jeremy T. Allen (DEM) 775 9.2%

Monica S. Hopton (REP) 742 8.8%

Heath S. Comley (DEM) 713 8.4%

WRITE-IN 11

0.1%

School Committee

3 to elect

Rita A. Kenahan (DEM) 1125 26.4%

Polly Gracia Allen (Ind) 1113 26.2%

Patrick McHugh (DEM) 1057 24.8%

Michael W. Rocha, II (REP) 935 22.0%

WRITE-IN 26

0.6%

4. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES

Approve

1459

88.9%

Reject

183

11.1%

5. TOWN OFFICIALS

Approve

1088

68.1%

Reject

510

31.9%

6. TOWN OFFICIALS

Approve

1332

82.4%

Reject

285

17.6%

Uncontested local candidates winning re-election in Little Compton included:

• Scott A. Morrison, town moderator

• Carol A. Wordell, town clerk

• Mary-Jane M. Garrington, town treasurer and collector of taxes

• Dennis M. Canario, District 71 Representative

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