Dowling ready to begin

By Taryn Plumb
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE - They'd both been here once before – and they'd both accepted defeat.
This time around, though, Mary Dowling walked away victorious.
In Monday's election, Dowling beat out James Ehrhard, 1039 to 764, in the race for a three-year seat on the board of selectmen.
And, she said, she's eager to immerse herself in the town's multitude of issues.
The morning after the results were announced, she said she was “extremely excited,” and “humbled” by the amount of support.
“I'm looking forward to starting in this new role,” said Dowling, voice slightly hoarse from the previous day's campaigning. She added that, “Sturbridge has a very bright future ahead.”
For both candidates, it was the second crack at campaigning for the seat.
In 2006, Dowling came within mere strides of success – after a recount, she was just five votes shy, closely shadowing Edward Goodwin, 572 to 577, according to published reports.
Meanwhile, Ehrhard, an attorney, Tantasqua school committee member and chair of the search committee that brought forth new town administrator Shaun Suhoski, also cut a close margin in his run last spring, garnering 823 votes to incumbent Goodwin's 837.
Known for his upbeat demeanor and humor, Ehrhard was openly disheartened at this year's election results.

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