Voters in Agawam edge out Mayor Dawson

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

Topping the ballot was a political fresh face, Realtor Derek Benton. Benton finished 44 votes ahead of former Mayor Richard Cohen. Benton and Cohen will now square off in the November 3 general election.

City Councilor Paul Cavallo finished third, while Mayor Dawson came in fourth. City Councilor Cece Calabrese took the fifth spot, while Alan Griffin and Peter Boadry trailed the field.

Voter turnout in Agawam was 37 percent.

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.