The DTC congratulates Sutton's newly elected officials and thanks every candidate who stepped forward to serve the community.

A total of 1,093 residents voted in this year’s town election, representing roughly 15% turnout among registered voters.

The DTC looks forward to working with Sutton’s newly elected officials as the town faces important and often difficult decisions in the years ahead. Sutton will need thoughtful leadership, broader civic participation, and a willingness to work across differences to meet the moment constructively.

Final results:

Select Board: Christine M. Watkins — 831 (elected)

Select Board: Daniel Spengler — 501 (elected)

Select Board: Russell C. Longendorfer — 452

School Committee (3-year): Christopher M. Matera — 639 (elected)

School Committee (3-year): Erika M. Osbourne — 435

School Committee (1-year): Patrick M. Royce — 820 (elected)

Planning Board: Michael F. Gagan — 804 (elected)

Library Trustee: Sharon M. McCann Kling — 820 (elected)

Housing Authority (5-year): Mark S. Bailey — 918 (elected)

Housing Authority (1-year): Daniel J. Lessard — 822 (elected)

We want to thank every candidate who took the stage for the 2026 Candidate Forum. To a person, they were competent, civic-minded, and distinct.

The candidates who attended the 2026 Candidate Forum are: Christine Watkins, Russell Longendorfer, Chris Matera, Erika Osbourne, Patrick Royce**, Daniel Lessard**, Mark Bailey**, Michael Gagan**, and Sharon McCann-Kling**. Select Board candidate Daniel Spengler did not attend.

**Candidates marked with a **double asterisk are running unopposed.

There are only two competitive races this year — two 3-year Select Board positions and one 3-year School Committee position — but even the candidates running unopposed took the time to come out and introduce themselves.

Questions

School Committee

1

  • Please introduce yourself and tell us what skillset prepares you for this role. What sets you apart from people currently in this position, and/or those running for the position currently? 

  •  Could you share what inspired you to seek this office at this particular time? 

  • What do you believe is the most pressing challenge facing Sutton schools right now, and how would you address it via your role on the committee?

  • With ongoing budget constraints, what values guide your prioritization regarding programs for struggling learners, foreign languages, arts, early childhood education, and sports? Candidates currently serving on the committee are asked to include a specific example from their time on the board. Candidates not yet serving are asked to cite a decision the board made that they either supported or strongly opposed.

  • How will you navigate and represent the diverse — and sometimes conflicting — perspectives of families across the community?

  • Do you view public schools as a community investment, and how do you communicate their value to residents both with and without children in the system?

  • How would you ensure Sutton schools are adequately funded to meet the community's needs, both now and as the town's development landscape changes?

  • Bonus Question (time permitting): What do you think the role of AI is in our schools, for both students and teachers?

  • Please prepare a 1-minute closing statement.

Select Board

2

  • Please introduce yourself and tell us what skillset prepares you for this role. What sets you apart from people currently in this position, and/or those running for the position currently? 

  • Could you share what inspired you to seek this office at this particular time?

  • What do you believe the role of the Select Board is, and who do you consider your primary constituent — the voters who elect you, or the town's administration?

  • What is your stance on new housing and commercial development in Sutton, and how would you ensure it benefits town revenue without overburdening infrastructure? Give us two specific actions you would take.

  • With limited resources, how do you prioritize competing town needs — infrastructure, public safety, education, and services — and how do you approach collaboration with the School Committee and Planning Board when issues overlap?

  • How will you improve both transparency and community engagement, particularly around complex decisions?

  • Given the polarization in our community, what would you do as a town leader to encourage dialogue and help residents work toward the common good?

  • Please prepare a 1-minute closing statement.