Schmidt-Wesche Wins Planning Board Seat in Cohasset's Annual Town Election

Library Trustees Breslow, Viteri retain positions, Putziger wins open seat; write-in victories for Sewer Commission

COHASSET - May 17 - Cohasset's annual election on Saturday brought new faces to key town positions, including the library trustees and planning board.

For the Paul Pratt Memorial Library Board of Trustees, voters chose Elaine Joyce Breslow, Alexander O. Viteri, and Susan Hobson Putziger for three-year terms. Breslow led the pack with 434 votes, followed by Viteri with 374 and Putziger with 411.

The planning board race saw Birgit Schmidt-Wesche win a five-year seat, beating out Nino M. DiNunno Jr. with a vote of 399 to 252.

With no candidates on the ballot, two write-in candidates secured spots on the sewer commission. William McGowan nabbed a three-year term with 54 write-in votes, while James McNeil won a one-year term with 57 write-in votes.

Before the election, library trustee candidates highlighted the need to keep the library as a community centerpiece while navigating potential budget constraints. Breslow, who won re-election, pointed out, "The library has made great strides in modernizing, but funding remains a real concern."

Schmidt-Wesche, the new planning board member, emphasized finding a middle ground in Cohasset's development. She stated, "I'm committed to the planning board's goal of preserving Cohasset's character while allowing reasonable land development. It's a tricky balance, but an essential one."

The election also filled other town roles, including positions on the select board, school committee, and recreation commission. Most of these races were uncontested.