Mahr wins top job

#MiddleburyCT #November2025Election

Jennifer Mahr smiles happily at her supporters during a November 4 post-election celebration at Pies & Pub. She had just been elected Middlebury’s first first selectwoman and first unaffiliated first selectwoman. (Kristiina Wilson photo)

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

Jennifer Mahr, an unaffiliated candidate, won the race for Middlebury first selectman November 4, 2025, with 1,650 votes to Republican Vincent F. Cipriano Jr’s 1,344 votes and Democrat Michael J. McCormack’s 252 votes. In doing so, she achieved two historic firsts: She will be the first woman to serve as a Middlebury first selectman and she will be the first unaffiliated candidate to serve as a Middlebury first selectman. Middlebury may now also hear the term “selectwoman” and not just selectman. Although she has served as a selectman since 2023, she has generally been referred to as Selectman Mahr rather than Selectwoman Mahr.

During our October candidate interviews, we asked each candidate what change or changes they hoped to make if they were elected. Mahr said then that her most important priority would be to convene a charter revision commission. While the charter revision commission remains a priority, she said via email on November 24, 2025, “My first priority will be to fill the vacant seat created by my election. Individuals interested in being considered for the position can contact their respective town committees, Selectman Vance, or my office. Other immediate priorities include starting the 2026-27 budget, appointing a new Charter Revision Commission, and beginning the process to update the Plan of Conservation and Development.”

Mahr, along with most of those elected, will be sworn in Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. in a formal ceremony in the auditorium at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. The ceremony is open to the public, and refreshments will follow.

Town Clerk Brigitte Bessette said Brendan Browne, who was elected to a seat on the Board of Assessment Appeals, is unable to attend the December 1 ceremony so will be sworn in separately. She also said Michael McCormack, who won a seat on the Board of Finance, has already been sworn in. Bessette herself, who was reelected to a four-year term, was sworn in by Assistant Town Clerk Mary Beth Lukowski.

Those who will join Mahr in being sworn in are:

Treasurer – Democrat Ralph Barra, who had 1,578 votes to Republican Janine Bowler’s 1,529 votes.

Board of Finance – Two Democrats, Charles “Casey” Larkin IV and Donald Andrews with 1,876 votes and 1,761 votes, respectively, won the two six-year full terms over Republican Edward B. St. John with 1,320 votes. Democrat Michael McCormack ran unopposed to fill a four-year term, earning 1,908 votes. This places McCormack among the top three vote-getters with Brendan Browne at 2,102 votes for a seat on the Board of Assessment Appeals, McCormack at 1,908 and Larkin with 1,876, as mentioned.

Board of Assessment Appeals – Republican Brendan Browne, who ran unopposed, won 2,102 votes.

Police Commission – For three four-year terms, one Democrat, Ralph Barra with 1,531 votes and two of the three Republican incumbents, George Moreira with 1,507 votes and Thomas C. King with 1,548 votes were voted in. Republican incumbent Paul Bowler with 1,483 votes, Democrat David Erwin with 1,393 votes and Unaffiliated Josh Hubbard with 1,410 votes failed to garner enough votes.

Water Pollution Control Authority: For two four-year positions, Republican Antonio Mancini got 1,606 votes to Democrat Mark Petrucci’s 1,557 votes while unopposed Democrat Charles “Casey” Larkin IV got 1,581 votes. Due to minority representation, Republicans were limited to one candidate.

Library Trustees: Incumbent Republicans Rita H. Smith with 1,524 votes and Mary C. Veillette with 1,626 votes won over Democrats Janice Paul with 1,379 votes and Janice Joseph with 1,357 votes.

Pomperaug Valley Water Authority – Democrat Michael Yantorno was unopposed due to the minority rule and won a six-year term with 1,874 votes. In the race for a two year term, Republican Christopher Gilbertie got 1,641 votes to Democrat Christian Yantorno’s 1,329 votes.

Region 15 Board of Education: Two Republicans, Shannon Cavallo and John Jenusaitis with 1,614 and 1,558 votes, respectively, won over two Democrats, Shannon Martin with 1,412 votes and Jonathan Woodhouse with 1,376 votes.

All who are sworn in will start their terms December 1, 2025.