There were no races for the 5 Planning Board positions in the June 14 annual election, but term lengths were up for grabs.
PALMER – Kathleen M. Burns beat Planning Board Chairman Michael S. Marciniec by one vote as a result of Thursday's recount, so she will serve three years, and he will serve two, ending the confusion over term lengths.
There were no races for the five Planning Board positions in the June 14 annual election, but term lengths were up for grabs.
Burns, a newcomer to the board, and longtime member Marciniec tied for second place with 405 votes each, leaving office terms uncertain. The top two vote-getters are supposed to serve three years, with the third- and fourth-place finishers serving two, and the candidate with the fifth-highest number serving one.
Town Clerk Patricia C. Donovan said she was told after talking with state officials that a recount had to be held. Burns ended up with 406 votes, while Marciniec's number remained at 405.
Incumbent Thomas S. Skowyra remained the top vote-getter, but he picked up nine additional votes through the recount, going from 422 to 431. An initial number provided by the town after the election was incorrect.
New member Andrew M. Golas received two more votes, bringing his final number to 401. Incumbent Norman A. Czech's votes stayed the same at 369. Donovan said the results have been verified by the registrars.
Marciniec declined comment Friday.
Burns said she is glad the issue has been resolved. "I wish we could've flipped a coin," she said.
Burns said she wanted to serve on the Planning Board because she is interested in what's happening in Palmer, and future development.
"Now I'll have a front row seat," Burns said.