WHITING — Whiting saw two races go to paper ballots at its annual town meeting on Tuesday evening. After some discussion on the school director’s position, 24 residents present at the meeting cast ballots for Tara Trudo while 19 voted for incumbent Cady White. Trudo will serve a three-year term.
After several of those present left at the end of the school meeting, the 27 voters left got a choice for town moderator between incumbent Ellen Kurrelmeyer and Elizabeth Curran. They favored Curran by a tally of 14-13. Kurrelmeyer kept her position as school moderator.
Curran also was elected as a new auditor, replacing the retiring Elaine Boudette. Another new face in town government is Dennis Ethridge, who was elected to fill the lister’s position vacated earlier this winter by Gloria Bertrand.
In uncontested elections, Selectman Bob Wood and school Treasurer Heather Bouchard were re-elected by voice vote.
The municipal spending plan passed as proposed — $300,252. That figure represents a 3 percent spending increase over the current budget. The $664,735 school spending proposal also passed on a voice vote as warned.
Town Clerk Gale Quenneville said their was a lively discussion on the article asking Whiting residents if they want erect a “wall or plaque” honoring the town’s veterans. One suggestion was to expand the concept to also recognize Whiting residents who offered community service in other forms, such as the Peace Corps.
“It was very positive with lots of good ideas,” Quenneville said.
A committee of four volunteers was formed to explore the idea further and bring back some concrete plans to next year’s town meeting.