Agawam voters decide mayoral match-up

AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) - Agawam voters went to the polls today seeking change. As a result Mayor Susan Dawson's first term will also be her last.

Topping the ballot is a political fresh face, realtor Derek Benton.

Benton finished 44 votes ahead of former Mayor Richard Cohen.

Benton and Cohen will square off in the November 3rd election.

City Councilor Paul Cavallo was 3rd while Mayor Dawson came in 4th.

City Councilor Cece Calabrese took the 5th spot while Alan Griffin and Peter Boadry trailed the field.

Voter turnout in Agawam was 37%.

The difference in votes between Benton and Cohen parallels the finish in the 2007 mayoral election in Agawam.

Dawson beat Cohen by 44 votes, the same margin that Benton holds over Cohen now.

A 2007 election recount reduced Dawson's winning number to 38 votes over then Mayor Cohen.