Lambert defeated for selectman post; budget voted down in Litchfield

LITCHFIELD – Rep. George Lambert was booted off the town Board of Selectmen, finishing third in a race for two seats in Tuesday’s election. Selectmen’s Chairman John Brunelle received the most votes with 656, and newcomer Kevin Bourque got 567 votes. Lambert drew 543 votes and former School Board member Jason Guerrette came in last with 474. The winners will be dealing with a default budget after the proposed $5 million spending plan was defeated by a mere four votes. A default budget of $4.9 million will be in its place for fiscal 2014. Voters also shot down the warrant that would have given nonunion, full-time and regular part-time town and library employees a 2 percent increase for a cost of living adjustment, totaling nearly $19,000. On the other side of the coin, the School District’s $20.9 million operating budget passed easily.