While many in the Upper Valley wrung their hands over what would turn out to be a relatively narrow margin of victory in neighboring Northampton, Easthampton's voters proved considerably more decisive in last Tuesday's mayoral election. Despite a broad field of contenders who seemed to have garnered substantial grassroots support, had realistic financing and boasted endorsements by influential Easthampton groups, incumbency prevailed.

Sitting mayor Michael Tautznik took just under 50 percent of the vote, trailed most closely by District 1 City Councilor James "J.P." Kwiecinski, who walked with just under 38 percent of the total. Kwiecinski might well have performed better if it hadn't been for the race's two other candidates: Margaret "Marge" Prendergast mustered a bit over 11 percent of the total, while Albert "Al" DiCarlo wrangled less than 2 percent.

In an interesting City Council race, newcomer Andrea Burns managed to edge out competitors Alan Bouyea, Edwin Quinn and Donald Vershon by a solid 400-vote lead over her closest rival (Bouyea) to grab what was an open seat.