Russ Anderson
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SOUTHWICK — Select Board candidate Russ Anderson outpolled challenger John Cain by 20 votes to take the open seat in what could be called a low-key campaign during the annual municipal election on May 13.
“I’m humbled by the support … thank you,” Anderson said on May 14 about those who voted for him.
According to the unofficial result compiled by Town Clerk Christie Myette, Anderson garnered 477 votes to Cain’s 457, a difference of 2.1%.
Noticeably absent during the campaign were standouts, which are considered a staple of most elections throughout the state, including on election day.
Anderson explained why he decided against having standouts: “It does nothing.”
He also said that people have told him that often standouts appear to be protesting something and that others have confided in him that the standouts in front of Town Hall can come across as intimidating to voters.
About Cain, Anderson said he “respects his commitment to the town” and desire to do “what’s best for it.”
Cain will continue serving on the town’s Water Commission
Cain, in a text message, thanked his supporters.
“I would like to thank everyone who took interest in this election and the future of our town. I hope the best for our small community,” he wrote.
He also wished “good luck” to Anderson.
Anderson also ran for the seat without another staple of elections: knocking on doors.
He said using social media and a mass mailing, he offered prospective voters his phone number and email address to contact him directly.
“People called and emailed and we discussed the issues important to them,” he said.
Also, largely absent during this election were the ubiquitous yard signs.
One voter said they only began seeing Cain signs in the week or two before the race.
That same voter said they only saw one of two Anderson signs around town.
Perhaps that was the reason for the low turnout at the polls. Myette reported that only 947 residents, out of 7,736 registered voters, cast a ballot.
As for the future and any goals, Anderson said he was committed to moving the town forward but also recognized that funding town operations for the foreseeable future will be a significant challenge.
“There’s only so much money to go around,” he said. “We’ll need to be looking at efficiencies to reduce costs, for fresh ideas, and thinking outside the box to get ahead of it.”
Select Board members Douglas Moglin and Diane Gale congratulated Anderson on the win.
Gale thanked Anderson and Cain for putting their names forward.
“I thank both John Cain and Russ Anderson for wanting to commit their time and energy to this important role,” Gale wrote in an email.
About Anderson, she wrote: “[He] comes with a wealth of municipal and large-scale management experience, so I expect a very quick segue into those healthy deliberations and solid decisions that will benefit the townspeople long-term.”
She also recognized Jason Perron, who won a seat on the board in 2022. Initially, Perron filed papers but then withdrew citing his desire to spend more time on his family, and himself as he winds down his career as a police officer in Westfield.
“I want to recognize and thank Jason Perron for taking the leap in 2022 to run for the Select Board. Jason worked to bring counterpoints forward to ‘business as usual’ and together with Doug and I, we have had some robust discussions on the path to final actions,” Gale wrote.
Anderson also thanked Perron for his three years of service on the board.
“I respect and appreciate Jason bringing new ideas to the table. That is never easy and I hope to continue with some of his efforts,” Anderson said.
Moglin also congratulated Anderson.
“I congratulate Russ on his victory. I was fortunate to be able to shake his hand and congratulate him shortly after the polls closed, and I look forward to working with him,” Moglin also wrote in an email.
Moglin also added that Anderson has excelled at every role he has had in the town.
Anderson served seven years as the town’s Fire Chief, currently serves as a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee and spent about eight months serving as the town’s interim Buildings and Grounds supervisor.
“I welcome his past experience as he joins the Select Board,” Moglin said.
No other race was contested.
