Dan Chartrand Elected Selectman

UPDATE, 8 a.m. Wednesday

Chartrand said he was pleased voters , including $6.35 million for a new water facility and $2.85 million for utility improvements to the Jady Hill area.

"That is such a huge leap forward for the town," he said.

He added town employees are an important asset in town and should honored for their work.

UPDATE, 11 p.m. Tuesday

Chartrand said his first goal will be to promote a "civil" process among the Board of Selectmen and its interaction with the public.

He said he hopes to apply his experience running his business to his new position as Selectman.

Check back for more tomorrow.

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owner Dan Chartrand beat out Bob Eastman for a spot on the Board of Selectmen in today's town election.

Chartrand will replace Bobby Aldrich, who for a new job in Massachusetts. Aldrich had endorsed Chartrand.

Chartrand earned 1,400 votes, while Eastman got 800.

Chartrand is currently celebrating with supporters at his store.

Eastman had the experience, as he for nine years. But Chartrand was able to leverage his popularity, as his bookstore is basically synonymous with Exeter. In November hundreds of residents – and best-selling author Dan Brown – to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chartrand's store.

Chartrand also en route to victory.

Chartrand will be sworn in Monday – when the board will choose a chair and vice-chair.

Chartrand said one of his main goals is to encourage more "civil" discourse among the board and residents. He argued there's a in town that obstructs the process.