Voters Name Cynthia Mitchell as West Tisbury Town Assessor

By IAN FEIN

Voters in West Tisbury returned a former selectman to elected office
last night, naming Cynthia Mitchell to a one-year seat on the town board
of assessors.

Mrs. Mitchell outpaced rival Cynthia Riggs 245-189 in the special
town election.

"It's nice to be back," said Mrs. Mitchell, who
previously served 12 years as a selectman and 17 years as town
treasurer. "I appreciate the support of the voters and I look
forward to a good year on the board," she added.

Voter turnout was relatively light, with roughly 21 per cent of
registered voters coming out to cast ballots on a warm spring day. But
both candidates said they were pleased with the turnout, considering the
fact that it was the only race on the ballot.

Selectmen called the special election to fill the remaining year on
the three-year term vacated by longtime assessor Raymond Houle, who
resigned in February after more than 20 years on the board. Ms. Mitchell
had been appointed temporarily to the seat by selectmen and assessors
two months ago.

Ms. Riggs said last night that she was disappointed that she did not
win, but she offered to help.

"We had a lot of thoughts in common, and as Cindy's
loyal opponent I will do anything I can to help her," she said.

For her part, Mrs. Mitchell pledged to make good on her campaign
promises and said she plans to seek reelection to the board at the
annual town election next year.

"I hope to earn the confidence of the voters because one year
is likely not enough," Mrs. Mitchell said.

The special election comes in a year of heightened scrutiny on the
West Tisbury assessors with the much-watched Graham tax case that now
awaits a ruling from the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. The case,
which among other things challenges the methods and practices of the
West Tisbury assessors for determining property values, has attracted
the attention of assessors across the commonwealth.

Mrs. Mitchell said she viewed the results of yesterday's
election, combined with the close three-way race for another seat on the
assessors at the annual town election last month, as a sign that voters
are unhappy with the status quo.

"Some change is in order," Mrs. Mitchell said.