The Independent Party took three seats on the Town Council and a seat on the Board of Education.

Republicans Ray Primini, who received 2,054 votes, along with Mary Ann Rosa (1,822), Glen Duplissie (1,698), Tom Winn (1,723), Rich Fusco (2,042) and Rich DiFederico (1,783) will be joined by Independents Elaine Adams (1,759) , Paul Rinaldi (1,704) and Linda Masayda (1,661) on the Town Council.

Democrats Roberta Stack (1,222), Dave Demirs (1,545), Corrine Plourde (1,262), Gerald Howell Jr. (1,075) Ken Cestar (1,092) and Carl Mancini (1,397) and Independents Ray Rondeau (1,360), Al Mickel (1,363) and Joe Spino (1,450) were not elected.

The Board of Education election saw Republicans Rich Mazzamaro (2,171), Rich Beland (1,418) and Guy Buzzannco (1,659), Independent Sue McCabe (1,945) and Democrat Sean Butterly (2,145) join the four still seated BOE members.

Democrats Jacob Irwin (904) and Sarah Marlak (1,186) and Independents Patrick Sharpe (1,150) and Thomas Ismail (1,177) were not elected.

Ms. Dalton (2,074) beat out Acting Town Clerk Ginny Russo (1,659), Democratic Candidate Denise Russ (827) and Petitioning Candidate Bob LeBlanc (229).

"Every candidate should be congratulated for their willingness to serve the town or the schools," said Mr. Buzzannco, who will begin his first term on the Board of Education on Monday, November 9.

"I know every candidate appreciates the support they received from the donors, volunteers, managers and especially the voters. Those of us who are now in office are dedicated to living up to the trust the voters placed in us."

Mr. Primini, who has already served two terms, said that the Republican-led Town Council "has a lot of work ahead" of it.

"We have to get everyone together now," Mr. Primini said. "Hopefully we'll have a great two years together."

In a speech given after the final numbers came in, Republican campaign manager Paul Jessell stated that the win was "unbelievable" and gave thanks to Republican Town Committee members Dave Minnich, Gary Martin and Rosalie Loughran.

"Those three people did all the work," said Mr. Jessell. "Other than the candidates, who were out there every day, pounding the pavement and getting our message out. They've been amply rewarded for all their hard work."

Stating he was "really excited," Mr. Mazzamaro stated that he "can't wait to get going again."

"I'm looking forward to this new board," Mr. Mazzamaro said. "I want to thank the voters - I never expected so many votes."

Ms. Rosa stated she was looking "forward to everything we need to do to respond to the mandate given us by the voters."

"I'm hoping the people in town communicate with us over the next two years, and tell us their concerns and where they'd like to see us go," said Ms. Rosa, who also commented that the Republican win was a "nice birthday present." November 3 was Ms. Rosa's birthday.

Rich DiFederico stated his goal was to get help for the veterans and elderly on taxes.

"I've already got a draft of the ordinance in the car," said Mr. DiFederico with a smile.

Ms. Dalton said that the first thing she was doing tomorrow was calling to begin her certification courses as Town Clerk.

"I'm absolutely looking forward to serving as Town Clerk," Ms. Dalton said. "I'm elated."

Independent Joe Spino, who did not get a seat on the Town Council, stated that the Independents "did their best."

"What are you going to do?" said Mr. Spino. "Of course, the real winners are the people of Watertown. There are more people interested in politics than ever before."

Ms. McCabe stated that she was happy she won a seat on the Board of Education but disappointed for those she had campaigned with. Now that she's on the board, she says she will start by "listening and observing."

"I try to be a quiet observer and quick learner, so I can make a positive impact," Ms. McCabe said.

Democrat Dave Demirs, a candidate for Town Council, stated he was pleased for the Republicans.

"Of course, it was an upset that a couple of Democrats didn't make it on like myself and Carl [Mancini]," said Mr. Demirs. "But that's the way the voters spoke."

Mr. Demirs urged the Republicans to "push the town ahead with economic development."

"Don't let anything stand in the way of economic development in Watertown," said Mr. Demirs.

Mr. Mancini, who, while losing his seat on the Town Council will still be seated on the Planning & Zoning Commission, said that he wasn't "completely disappointed."

"We wanted to keep the Independents from having a majority, and we did that," said Mr. Mancini, who also said that he has "always been a watchdog for the money in town and people know that," and that he will continue to act in that role in spite of no longer holding a council seat.