Jefferson jumps into Grafton Select Board race

Finance Committee member Andy Jefferson has pulled nomination papers for Select Board in the May 17 Town Election, becoming the second person this week to jump into the race.

“Initially I had no intention of running for Select Board,” Jefferson said. “I didn’t think I was qualified, and I don’t want to just occupy a seat. I’m very fortunate to have so many people in my life who believe in me, and they encouraged me to take a chance. Their kind words and confidence in me gave me the strength to step outside my comfort zone and pull papers. I’m both nervous and incredibly excited. Our Select Board works hard for Grafton’s residents, and that’s a fight I wish to join and help continue.”

Jefferson is a graphic designer for C+C, a marketing and PR company based in Seattle, and has worked as a designer for 20 years. 

“My grandparents, Art and Rose Carlson, lived in Grafton and raised their family here,” Jefferson said. “They owned a landscaping company and nursery on Wesson Street, which is where I landed my first job. My wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to buy their house, and have lived in town for about 17 years now.”

Jefferson has two kids in the Grafton schools and served as secretary for Boy Scout Pack 106. He recently served as the Finance Committee representative on the Library Building and Planning Committee, and was appointed to the newly reformed Waste Reduction & Recycling Committee.

Jefferson joins Richard Whitney, a current member of the Community Preservation Commission and a retired businessman. Incumbents Peter Carlson and Doreen DeFazio, both of whom were first elected three years ago, have not obtained nomination papers, although Carlson has expressed interest in seeking re-election.

School Committee Chair Amy Marr, recently appointed School Committee member Mariagraciela Vargas-Baker, and Planning Board Chair David Robbins have also pulled nomination papers for their respective positions.

Nomination papers are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. Seats on the ballot this year include:

• Select Board – Two 3-year terms, currently held by Peter Carlson and Doreen DeFazio, are up for election
• School Committee — Two 3-year terms, currently held by Amy Marr and Jennifer Connelly and one 1-year term, now held by Mariagraciela Vargas-Baker
• Board of Library Trustees – Two 3-year terms, currently held by Dana Wilson and Daniela Sharma, are up for election
• Planning Board – Two 3-year terms, currently held by David Robbins and Prabhu Balaji Venkataraman, are up for election 
• Town Clerk – One 3-year term, currently held by Kandy Lavallee, is up for election

Papers must be returned by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 for certification. Nomination papers must contain the names of at least 50 registered voters of Grafton, but candidates are urged to submit more than the minimum number required in case some names or signatures cannot be verified. Candidates may withdraw their nomination papers up until 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 14.

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