Longtime Southwick Town Moderator James Putnam gives the thumbs-up to newly elected Moderator Celeste St. Jacques following the June 9 town election. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
SOUTHWICK – Selectman Russell S. Fox was re-elected June 9, beating opponent Brett Colson, and Celeste St. Jacques won the Town Moderator seat with 537 votes to opponent Marcus Phelps’ 355 votes.
Those were the only two contested races this year and Town Clerk Michelle Hill said voting was steady throughout the day. There were approximately 170 absentee and early voting ballots cast.
Fox has been a selectman for 17 years and said he was happy to receive the overwhelming majority of votes and looks forward to continuing to serve the town.
“It’s been a great honor and privilege serving my community. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some tremendous people,” he said after the results were announced Tuesday night. “We have a beautiful community.”
Poll worker Kirk Sanders stands behind a plexiglass shield at the Southwick Senior Center during the June 9, 2020 election. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
St. Jacques is a political newcomer who moved to Southwick 17 years ago and began paying close attention to town government after longtime Moderator James Putnam announced he would not seek re-election. On Tuesday, St. Jacques was excited.
“I’m very happy people in our town came out and supported and believed in me,” she said. “I think that together we can accomplish great things.”
Putnam, who will run one last Town Meeting June 16, said he was happy to see a “fresh face” stepping up in town government.
“I am excited to turn it over to a new person,” he said of the position. “I’m looking forward to helping Celeste in any way I can.”
A voter enters the first floor entrance at Southwick Town Hall June 9, 2020, where voting took place inside the Senior Center for the first time. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
Putnam said he had a “great run” as moderator. “I’ve really enjoyed doing this,” he said.
The election Tuesday took place in the Southwick Senior Center at Town Hall for the first time. Hill said after the May 19 special state election it was clear that in order to keep social distancing and a good flow for voters, especially older adults, moving voting to the first floor would ease the process.
Hill said all precincts would continue to vote in the Senior Center in upcoming elections.
All other candidates, including to the School Committee, Community Preservation Committee, Library Trustee and others, were elected.
