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First Selectman Lee Ireland, left, moderator Richard Ruhlin, center, and Town Clerk/Treasurer Angelina Davis preside over the annual town meeting Saturday at Industry Town Hall. Ireland introduced the town’s new code officer, while Davis was recognized for her contributions to the town. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

INDUSTRY — A full room of voters gathered at the town hall Saturday for the annual town meeting, where all 34 warrant articles passed without amendments.

The 2024 annual town report recognized Otto “Ted” Clyde Nutting Sr. of Industry, who turns 94 this month.

Among the approvals was a Local Food Sovereignty Ordinance, which allows residents to produce, sell and consume locally made foods with fewer state and federal regulations, increasing access to homegrown and homemade products. Voters also approved funding for a new public works building, with financing including $100,000 from taxation, $300,000 from the town’s undesignated fund balance and a $500,000 loan. Other key appropriations included $225,000 for road maintenance, $35,000 for Industry Fire & Rescue and $30,000 for Farmington Fire/Rescue emergency response.

Residents voted to allow nonresidents to speak at the meeting.

Residents vote Saturday at town hall during the annual Industry town meeting, passing all 34 warrant articles without amendments. The meeting included discussions on town funding, a Local Food Sovereignty Ordinance, and the reelection of a Select Board member. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

In the election, Stewart Durrell won the three-year select board/assessor position with 35 votes, while Consuelo Webb received 10. Two write-in votes went to First Selectman Lee Ireland, who already has a seat.

Encouraging community involvement, Ireland said, “We love to have people come to our selectmen’s meetings. We get lonely. Taxpayers always have a voice.”

He also introduced the town’s new code officer and plumbing inspector, Jon Arnold, and praised Town Clerk/Treasurer Angelina Davis, calling her “the glue that holds our town together.”

Richard Ruhlin, who also serves as a Regional School Unit 9 director, moderated the meeting.

Rebecca Richard is a reporter for the Franklin Journal. She graduated from the University of Maine after studying literature and writing. She is a small business owner, wife of 32 years and mom of eight...