Cross-endorsed, 12-year Repub­lican incumbent Barbara Henry earned 910 votes to Mr. McDonald's 43. Republican Selectman Russell Dirienzo received 556 votes and fellow Democratic incumbent Robert "Bucky" Lowe earned 319, besting second selectman challenger Mr. Holroyd's 36 votes.
Mr. McDonald and Mr. Holroyd declared themselves candidates in October, which the selectmen deemed unfair to voters, as it gave little time for a public debate.
"As I've stated before, compe­tition is good, and we have no problem with being challenged," said Ms. Henry. "But if there was real sincerity, they would've thrown their hat into the ring earlier, rather than slinging mud at the end."
Mr. McDonald took exception to Ms. Henry's position and last week erected a roadside sign that read: "BARBARA, GOT DEBATE? YOU PICK THE PLACE + TIME." He told another newspaper in this publishing group that the sign was merely to "bring levity" to the situation but said concerning a debate, "Give me an hour's notice and I'd be there."
He said he's not surprised by his poor numbers, as he "came late to the party," but was shocked to discover that an additional question on the referendum, which asked whether Zoning Commission members should be elected, failed 508 to 356. "It floored me that people didn't want the opportunity to vote," he said.
The challengers, who only first met each other about two months ago, have openly criticized the selectmen for years. Mr. McDonald, who often shows up at selectmen's meetings to speak against matters ranging from the acceptance of the town-wide property revaluation to the Zoning Commission raising lot size minimums from three to four acres.
He and Mr. Holroyd, who is in litigation with the town concerning agricultural development rights on his land, strongly advocate an elected zoning board, as opposed to an appointed one. They were instrumental in getting the question on the ballot.
The night before the elections the two write-in candidates, and Mr. Holroyd's wife, Shelly, appeared at the selectmen's meeting, one that quickly became a verbal shoving match between the challengers and the incumbents.
"Why did you suggest and pass a resolution for a 'no' vote on the [zoning election question?]" Mr. Holroyd asked of the selectmen, who had previously decided they would approve the vote but would vote against the measure. "You underestimate the town's intelligence."
"I'm not opposed to an election ... but I'm entitled to an opinion," Ms. Henry responded.
When Mr. McDonald told the selectmen he would be pleased to debate, Mr. Dirienzo, who accused Mr. McDonald of being disingenuous, snapped back with "four years from now run sooner."
As the meeting devolved to shouting, Ms. Holroyd expressed serious agitation over the fact that the Holroyds have been wrapped up in a zoning dispute with the town for a number of years. In an outburst, she accused the selectmen of duplicity and false promises.
As the discussion became heated, Mr. Dirienzo had choice words for Mr. Holroyd.
"Tom, there's an election tomorrow," he said. "If you win God bless you."