DALTON, Mass. — The Board of Health last week couldn't decide between two board candidates so flipped a coin to appoint Dr. Patrick Carsell.

 

The board needed a fifth member, with the vote between Carsell and Rachel Branch. Branch was appointed as the alternate. 

 

Members couldn't decide which would be the best fit — a resident with some experience advocating on public health issues, or a dentist with a background in health care. 

 

Branch has deep roots in the Berkshires and ran for mayor in North Adams before moving to Dalton a few years ago. While living in Connecticut, she worked to stop an asphalt plant, and has attended zoning board meetings regarding power plants and how to clean them up. Branch hosts "Solutions Rising" on Dalton Community Television, focusing on local issues and vulnerable communities.

 

Carsell has a dental practice in Dalton and ran for Select Board last year. He has spoken out on many local concerns, such as the police station and other town infrastructure.

 

"I'm very impressed with both candidates. Pat is a resident of the town, and got a medical degree, and Rachel Branch has very strong credentials in fighting for things like pollution into a neighborhood," said James "Jimbo" Doucette. "For that reason, I think I'm voting for Rachel." 

 

Fellow member Matthew Bryan agreed it as a "tough choice."

 

"They are both very good candidates in their own unique ways. However, I feel that we have a lot of community members already represented on the board, and we could make additional room for other health-care providers to provide their own input from their unique perspective and educational background," he said. "And so because of that, I'm voting for Pat."

 

"They're both highly qualified. I'm mainly leaning towards voting for Pat, but I'm hoping that Rachel may still be able to participate on the Board of Health," said 

 

Nancy Hopper said she was leaning toward Carsell but hoped Branch could also participate on the Board of Health. 

 

"I feel like they are both strong candidates as well," said Dr. Amanda Staples-Opperman. "Given the recent issues that the Board of Health has been dealing with over the last couple of years, I think that Rachel's background in particular is really, really supportive to the community, and that's what sets her above for me."

 

The voted was a tie at 2-2. The members came to a decision to keep both candidates involved by tossing a coin to see who would be appointed, and keeping the second candidate as an alternate.