List of selectmen of Freetown, Massachusetts

Col. Silas P. Richmond in 1890.This is a list of Selectmen of Freetown, Massachusetts and election results, where available. Freetown was first settled in 1659, but did not incorporate (and therefore did not elect members to its Board of Selectmen) until 1683.

Selectmen currently serve terms of three years each, and those terms are staggered to ensure that only one member is up for re-election in any given year. Through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the number of Selectmen was not set in law, and therefore varied, sometimes greatly. In 1988, Barbara Trainor became the first woman to hold the position of Selectman in Freetown, giving the town a record of 305 years of all-male leadership. After her defeat in 1991, no woman was again elected to the board until 2006.

In 2005, attempts to expand the Board of Selectmen to five members failed. Also failing in 2005 was an attempt to limit Selectmen to a total of two terms (or, six years). Attempts to expand the board to five members have been frequent in recent years.

As of May 7, 2007, Elections in Freetown are held on the first Monday in April.

1683 - 1799

Elections

2008

On April 7, 2008, three-term incumbent Lawrence N. Ashley was challenged by Water Commissioner John T. Conway, Jr., and retired police officer Michael Lecuyer. Ashley was re-elected by a margin of four votes. [ [http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x681527216 Recount set for board results] . "The Fall River Herald News". April 11, 2008] Both Lecuyer and Ashley petitioned for a recount, which was held on April 29. Many handsome selectmen...

Initial Count

2006

In 2006, incumbent John Laronda, Jr., chose to not seek a second term. Preliminary results posted at 8:15p indicated a four vote victory for school committee chairman Lisa A. Pacheco. [ [http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/03-06/03-07-06/04local.htm Razor-thin win for Pacheco in Freetown?] . "The New Bedford Standard-Times". March 7, 2006] Pacheco was sworn to duties on March 7, and challenger George Grunwald subsequently petitioned for a recount, which was held on March 23.Initial Count

2004

In 2004, seven-term incumbent John S. Ashley defeated challenger Michael J. Motta to win an eighth non-consecutive term.

2000

In 2000, three-term incumbent Robert A. Robidoux was defeated was defeated by challenger Mark A. Howland. [ [http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/04-00/04-04-00/a04lo023.htm Howland upsets Robidoux in Freetown] . "The New Bedford Standard-Times". April 4, 2000]

1997

In 1997, incumbent Robert A. Robidoux defeated Patrick J. Murphy and Finance Committee Chairman George L. Grunwald to secure a third term. [ [http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/03-97/03-04-97/a01lo050.htm Freetown re-elects Robidoux] . "The New Bedford Standard-Times". March 4, 1997]

References

"A History of the Town of Freetown, Massachusetts with an Account of the Old Home Festival, July 30th, 1902". Assonet Village Improvement Society (1902)
*Lists of Selectmen, 1683 - 1902