By Darla L. Pickett
Staff Writer

SKOWHEGAN — Incumbent Selectman Cyprien J. Johnson in a close, 414-357 race Tuesday, defeated challenger David B. Savage to claim his second, three-year term on the Board of Selectmen.
In a rare display of camaraderie and friendship at the voting polls, Savage and Johnson hugged one another after the votes were read.
“I think it was a good choice,” Savage said with a smile on his face. Savage had said during the campaign he considered Johnson a friend and appreciated how hard he has worked for the town.
Johnson, 57, who campaigned as a vocal proponent of transparent government, said he was “very excited” to be given another chance to work for the Skowhegan residents.
“Now I can concentrate on doing the town’s bidding for the next three years to the best of my ability,” said Johnson, a master oil, propane, solid fuel, licensed heating technician for Spring Brook Ice & Fuel Co.and a former director of the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Savage, 59, who campaigned as a fiscal conservative, was pleased with the close, 57-vote spread during his first foray into local politics.
Johnson had said during his campaign he felt as though the first three years were a learning experience and he had left some issues unfinished.
The candidates had similar background and history. They grew up in Skowhegan, have worked in business, graduated from Skowhegan Area High School, are members of the Skowhegan-Madison Elks, and have raised families here.
In the only other contested race on the local ballot, a three-year term as director of School Administrative District 54, four out of eight candidates were elected: Timothy C. McFadden, 439; Karyn J. Curran, 402; Victoria M. Hatch, 347 and Kandace D. Gilblair, 263. Other vote-getters for the school board were Raelene M. Allen, 244; Kristina L. Audie-Corson, 177; Robie D. Leavitt, 167 and Darren S. Files, 136. SAD 54 includes Skowhegan, Canaan, Smithfield, Mercer and Norridgewock.

Darla L. Pickett — 474-9534, Ext. 341
dpickett@centralmaine.com