Pembroke Elects New Select Board Member in Tight Race

Sean Keegan wins by 196 votes; Melissa Killham and Katrina Scarsciotti also secure victories in closely watched contests

PEMBROKE - May 17 - Pembroke residents have spoken, electing fresh faces to key positions. The “kids ballot” decided that a hot dog is not a sandwich 104-61.

Sean Patrick Keegan edged out incumbent Steven Ciciotti for a spot on the Select Board, securing 1,155 votes to Ciciotti's 959.

In a shake-up for the Board of Health, newcomer Melissa Killham unseated Maureen Jasie, garnering 1,123 votes compared to Jasie's 924.

The School Committee race saw Katrina Scarsciotti come out on top with 1,151 votes, beating Jennifer Paige Graziano's 945.

Those under 18 were able to participate in the Kids Ballot, where the only question was: Should the Town of Pembroke declare the hot dog a sandwich? No prevailed 104-61.

The health board race highlighted differing views on water fluoridation. Killham supports keeping fluoride in the town's water, pointing to health benefits, while Jasie favored its removal. Killham stressed the importance of evidence-based, compassionate decision-making with long-term goals in mind. Removing fluoride from the town’s water also faced defeat at Town Meeting.

Scarsciotti, the new School Committee member, aims to "restore balance, rebuild trust, and refocus our energies on what matters most."

Other notable results include Elaine Roness Boidi winning a seat on the Board of Assessors, Sharon T. Shearns and Erin Petti securing Library Trustee positions, and Alysha Siciliano-Perry joining the Planning Board.

The election saw 2,135 voters turn out across Pembroke's five precincts.