NEW SHARON -- Voters ousted the town's longtime first selectman, but two other incumbents on the board survived challenges during Saturday's town meeting.

James W. Smith, who has held the first selectman's post for 46 years, was defeated by Larry Donald, 128-112, in a second vote that was required after those two and a third candidate failed to reach a majority vote. The third nominee, Spencer Thompson, withdrew after the first vote.

Incumbent Second Selectman Maynard Webster and Third Selectman Russell Gardner each was re-elected despite stiff opposition in during the meeting. There was a heavy turnout of residents in spite of a snowstorm.

Webster topped Code Enforcement Officer Jim Fleming, 151-86, and Gardner narrowly defeated Fleming, 113-100.

Posted at 12:31 AM