Carlson, Dowling Win Selectmen's Race

Newcomer John Dowling and former selectman John Carlson won seats on the Board of Selectmen tonight.

Dowling topped the field with 844 votes. Carlson, who had previously served on the board, earned 642 votes.

Dowling said he tried to reach all of Grafton, geographically and demographically. "I tried to meet as many people as I could,'' he said.

He said growth and the condition of the town's infrastructure are two major issues for residents.

Carlson said he is looking forward to returning to the board. "Let's bring the town together,'' he said. "I want to make the town whole and have everyone pulling in the same direction.''

The election drew 1,658 voters, about 15 percent of the electorate. Town Clerk Maureen Clark described the turnout as typical for a town election. 

Dowling and Carlson defeated challengers Bruce Spinney, 563 votes, Dan Pogorzelski, 529 votes and Robert Lewis, 399 votes.