Wayland says "yes" to overrides

Voters in Wayland approved a $1.86 million Proposition 2 1/2 tax override today, with most of the money earmarked for the town's schools.

Voters also approved a debt exclusion override to pay for town building repairs. The affirmative vote from residents means that at least 10 teaching jobs will be saved, in addition to dozens of sports and clubs and the high school's annual musical. Two police officers and a firefighter will also get to keep their jobs, officials said.

Wayland was one of many towns statewide that had to go back to taxpayers and ask for more money this year. In neighboring Sudbury, voters defeated $1.8 million and $2.8 million override options by a wide margin March 31.

Two seats on the board of selectmen and two on the school committee were also up for election this year.

In the selectmen's race, incumbent Joseph F. Nolan easily won reelection, receiving the majority of the votes among all four candidates for selectmen.

Incumbent Alan J. Reiss, a vocal opponent of the override, was defeated. Challenger Steven J. Correia, who supported the override, came in second to Nolan and will replace Reiss on the board of selectmen. Challenger Mark A. Santangelo finished last.

-- John Guilfoil