For Durham and Portland election results,

DURHAM — Democratic First Selectman Laura Francis earned a fourth term in the town’s top post Tuesday, with a 349point lead over her challenger for the post, Wallingford’s Lee Manufacturing owner George Eames.

Francis, who has led the town since 2007, won 1,334 votes to 985 votes. Eames, the second highest votegetter for the post, retains his seat as selectman.

“It’s a big relief. It’s always gratifying to have the confidence of voters. I feel as excited as I was 12 years ago when I didn’t ever think I’d be in office this long. It has renewed a sense of urgency in me,” Francis said. “I’m very proud of the electorate for being energized.

“My underlying emotion is gratitude,” she said.

Francis ran for reelection with the intent of completing the $24.4 million construction of a water line from Middletown to the town center. Work is expected to be complete in 2020.

Democrat John Szewczyk, a sergeant with the Hartford Police Department, won his bid for second selectman over Freedom of Information Commission public information officer and Democrat Thomas Hennick, 1,359 to 919.

The oncecontaminated Durham Meadows Superfund Site has plagued more than four dozen households and firms along a section of Main Street for 30 years, forcing many to require potable water.

Republicans Town Clerk Kim Garvis (1,943 votes), Treasurer Wendy Manemeit (1,840) and Board of Assessment Appeals member Debra DeFelice (1,665), and Democratic Tax Collector Martin French (1,643) all ran unopposed.

Board of Finance winners were Republicans Laurie Tuttle (1,523) and Connor Bates (1,476), who beat Democrat Robert Pazera (991).

Candidates who earned a fouryear term on the Planning and Zoning Commission are Republicans Michael Fumiatti (1,348), Frank C. DeFelice (1,547), Richard Ericksen (1,635) and Will Spooner (1,677), who won over Democrat Holly Pearce (1,170).

Those who earned a twoyear term on PZC are: Democrat Christopher Balay (1,245) and Republican James Frazier (1,531).

The Planning and Zoning twoyear term alternate is John DeNunzio (1,390), who ran unopposed.

Zoning Board of Appeals winners are Republicans Mike Geremia (1,257) and William Laflamme (1,234), and Democrat Mark Jungels (1,113). Democrats Maya Perry Liss (1,061) and Joyce Bray (952) lost their bids.

Zoning Board of Appeals alternates, Democrat Jaclyn E. Zolnik (1,200) and Republican Robert Franc, (1,525) also took office.

Contributed photo Durham First Selectman Laura Francis was reelected on Tuesday to a fourth term.

Contributed photo Durham Second Selectman John Szewczyk won reelection Tuesday.