ROCKPORT — Voters here overwhelmingly supported two incumbents for the School Committee, and passed a $2.7 million Proposition 21/2 debt exclusion override on an election day that drew 34 percent of those registered to the polls.
The debt exclusion — which will pay for school roof repairs, continued school technology advancements, four school buses and a firetruck for Pigeon Cove station, among other capital projects — passed by more than a 2-1 margin, polling 1,230 votes for approval compared to 509 against.
In the race for School Committee, Chairman Brian Sullivan was the top vote-getter with 1,370 votes, and fellow incumbent Melissa Tingley netted 1,304, easily turning back a challenge from Jonathan Ring, who drew 474.
Outgoing Rockport Superintendent Rosemary DiTullio said she was pleased with Tuesday's election results.
"It's just a great day, I'm excited," she said yesterday. "It just says a lot about the town and its faith in the school system. There's no doubt about the will of the people. We're very grateful."
Town Administrator Michael Racicot said he has always enjoyed working with Tingley and Sullivan and looks forward to continuing to work with them in the future.
A proponent of the debt exclusion override, Racicot said he was pleased voters saw fit to approve the lone ballot question.
"I'm thrilled, absolutely thrilled," said Racicot yesterday.
Gap Head Road resident Ann Grieco, a Precinct 3 voter, backed the debt exclusion.
"I don't have kids in the schools, but I watched the hearings and read the paper and it made sense," Grieco said. "It sounded like something necessary to get done, and it will be less expensive to do it now."
Newly elected Selectmen Ellen Canavan and Andrew Heinze also weighed in on the debt exclusion yesterday.
Canavan did not vote on the question, but said she was "not sorry to see it pass."
"There are things to do, and if that many people want to pay for them that way, then it should be done," she said.
Heinze voted for the debt exclusion. He said it is better for the town to address the necessary capital projects now rather than putting the work off and risking possibly paying double in costs later.
In addition to his re-election yesterday, Sullivan was also celebrating the passage of the debt exclusion, and specifically the opportunity it affords the school system to update its technological infrastructure.
"I'm happy with the debt exclusion passing and very honored and happy to be given the opportunity to serve another term on the School Committee," he said yesterday.
Attempts to contact Ring were not returned by press time last night.
In recent days, several residents spoke out against Ring in the form of letters to the editor of this paper regarding his leadership position with Cape Ann Marriage and Family, a group for which Ring serves as chairman.
Sullivan would not comment on Ring's lost bid, but said it is "always good to have people come forward to serve."
"I appreciate any citizen willing to put their name out there and try to secure elected office," he said. "Melissa (Tingley) is highly qualified and brings tremendous talent to the committee. We have had a good committee in the past and will continue to have a good committee."
Tingley could not be reached for comment yesterday.
DiTullio said Sullivan and Tingley's sweeping victories were a vote of confidence for both incumbents.
"We're excited to have them back," DiTullio said. "We can pick up right where we left off. It shows the town recognizes the good work they've been doing."
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
DEBT EXCLUSION
Precinct 1: Yes, 347; No, 156.
Precinct 2: Yes, 394; No, 147.
Precinct 3: Yes, 489; No, 206.
Total: Yes, 1,230; No, 509.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Precinct 1: Sullivan, 386; Tingley, 385; Ring, 128.
Precinct 2: Sullivan, 416; Tingley, 402; Ring, 166.
Precinct 3: Sullivan, 568; Tingley 517; Ring, 180.
Totals: Sullivan, 1,370; Tingley, 1,304; Ring, 474.
VOTER TURNOUT
Precinct Registered voters ballots cast percent
Precinct 1 1,346 514 38.19
Precinct 2 1,788 561 31.38
Precinct 3 2,107 714 33.89
Total: 5,241 1,789 34.13
Source: Town clerk's office
