Challenger Gary Daugherty had an impressive win over incumbent Ken Picard in Upton’s annual Town Election. The race for selectman was one of two contested races on the ballot. Daugherty won with 752 to Picard’s 350 votes. Daughtery received 68.25% of the vote.
Daugherty hopes to bring positive change to the community during his term. “People don’t feel comfortable approaching town hall anymore. We are a small town, our leaders should be approachable,” he said.
The other contested race which was quite contentious was for a seat on the Upton Housing Authority. Member Mildred Galeone kept her seat with 580 votes, challenger Pamela Goodwin received 369 votes.
The town saw a 21% turnout for their annual town election with a total of 1123 voters, which is slightly lower than last year’s election.
The town will hold it’s annual town meeting on Thursday, May 5th at Nipmuc Regional High School – 7 p.m.
If you’re interested in final numbers for the uncontested races, go here.
UPTON DAILY 
Congrats to the winners. Well deserved. I don’t think there was enough done to promote the actual date to go vote. It would have been wonderful to see these candidates win with a more significant numbers so losers don’t blame the low turnout. History shows that this towns democracy is strong.
last year the turn out was 23% and considered “higher than usual” by the town clerk.
Sadly, only one-fifth of eligible voters determine the selectman race. Not a terribly great endorsement for democracy in the town!