FAIRFIELD — Matthew Townsend and John Picchiotti on Tuesday each won seats on the Town Council following a contested race that drew four candidates.

Townsend received 842 votes and Picchiotti earned 693, according to unofficial results from the town clerk. Incumbent Peter Lawrence received 673 votes while Beverly Busque got 423.

There were 603 ballots that were cast in Fairfield that didn’t include a vote on the council race.

Picchiotti is on the council now and serves as council chairman. He is also on a number of other local boards and committees. He previously served on the Maine School Administrative District 49 board of directors, as a Kennebec Valley Community College trustee and as a state representative.

Picchiotti previously said he was focused on keeping taxes down and retaining town employees.

Townsend has not served in town government before. A veterinarian, Townsend founded Hometown Veterinary Care in Fairfield. He recently sold the practice but still works there with reduced hours.

Ahead of the election, Townsend said he intends to focus on economic development and added that living in Fairfield Center gives him a unique point of view he will bring to the council.

Picchiotti and Townsend also spoke to the importance of prioritizing the PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, contamination in wells across Fairfield and the surrounding area.

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