The recent municipal election in Canton served as a significant barometer for the community’s sentiments amidst a highly controversial murder case that has deeply divided residents and eroded trust in local government and law enforcement. The case involves the alleged involvement of Mansfield woman, Read, in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. While Read is accused of intentionally striking O’Keefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead, her defense team claims she is a victim of a wide-ranging conspiracy involving witnesses and law enforcement.
Leading up to Tuesday’s election, several candidates openly expressed their views on Read’s case, with some casting doubt on her alleged role in O’Keefe’s death. Notably, Select Board candidates Rita Lombardi and Trish Boyden, School Committee candidate Jennifer O’Donnell, and Board of Assessors candidate Kathleen Howley were among the candidates who garnered support from Read’s advocates.
In the race for two Select Board seats, Boyden emerged as the top vote-getter, securing a three-year term with 3,223 votes. Incumbent Michael Loughran Jr. also won re-election, receiving 2,917 votes. Lombardi, who came in third with 2,736 votes, failed to secure a seat, while incumbent Thomas Theodore lost his position on the board, receiving 2,621 votes.
Expressing her gratitude on Facebook, Boyden stated, “I am so honored to serve you on the Select Board. I’m excited to work with all the Select Board members. I’ll have much more to say soon. But for now, I’m grateful for all of you that showed up for change. Now, let’s move Canton forward!”
In the School Committee race, incumbent Chair Kendall O’Halloran successfully defended her position against challenger Jennifer O’Donnell, winning by a vote of 3,512 to 2,061. Additionally, Board of Assessors member Rocco Digirolamo emerged victorious over Kathleen Howley, securing 2,999 votes compared to her 2,744.