Simon: I'm a Selectman for All Sudbury Residents

Leonard Simon, one of Sudbury's new Board of Selectmen members, is spending today recovering from a long, brutal Election Day, spending 13 hours in 90-degree heat, holding campaign signs, and greeting voters.

The long and tiring campaign season came to an end Tuesday night when, at Special Town Election, Simon defeated Dan DePompei handily, 2,570-2,265, for the newly created three-year seat.

Simon said when he heard he won the election, his first thought wasn't to celebrate, but rather congratulate his opponent.

"My first thought was I wanted to thank Dan for his offer of service to Sudbury and for the highly respectful way he ran his campaign," Simon said. "We were able to enjoy a pleasant, cordial relationship. I want to thank him for his efforts and for running a good campaign. I think very highly of him."

Simon also praised everyone in Sudbury who supported his campaign, especially his wife, Gail-Ann, and said without their help a victory may not have happened. Simon was new to campaigning and quickly realized he needed lots of support.

"The outcome is not due to my efforts, but all those who helped me, gave me guidance and support along the way," he said. "That meant a great deal to me."

Simon said he was grateful to all of the residents who voted for him, but promised he will be a selectman who serves all of Sudbury, and not just any one faction.

"I will listen carefully to all residents so we can come up with the best decisions for the town for a long time down the road," he said. "That’s what the residents deserve and should expect no less. I will serve in a transparent and hard-working way. That’s how I've worked the past 30 years. I will continue to find the best answers to the questions presented to the Board.

"I want to maintain as civil a dialog as possible and to raise it to a higher level. We will all benefit from that, working together toward common goals."

Sudbury Town Clerk Rosemary Harvell said Simon, along with Chuck Woodard, who won the two-year seat, probably won't be sworn in until July 8.

"The election isn't certified yet, but will be probably within five days," she said.

Simon said he's looking forward to serving alongside Woodard.

"I was happier to hear that Chuck will be of service to the town," he said. "Chuck is a bright guy, a hard worker, diligent and honest. I had hoped to seve with him."

The Board's next scheduled meeting is July 9.