Grafton starts its election season as nomination papers start going out
If you’ve ever complained about how your local tax dollars are spent, it’s time to step up and run for office.
Nomination papers for the town election on May 18 went live on Monday. Up for election this year:
- One three-year term on the Select Board. Incumbent Ed Prisby is not seeking re-election.
- Two three-year terms on the Board of Library Trustees. Bowman and Venesteen are up for re-election.
- One five-year term in the Grafton Housing Authority, currently held by Jim Gallagher.
- Two three-year terms on the Planning Board, now held by Bob Hassinger and Justin Wood.
- Two three-year terms on the School Committee, now held by Laura Often and Elizabeth Spinney.
- One two-year term as Town Moderator. Dan Concaugh, who was elected last year, stepped down in the fall.
Last week former Town Moderator Ray Mead became the first person to announce his candidacy for Select Board. School Committee Chair Laura Often announced on her Facebook page that she has pulled nomination papers to run for re-election.
Naturally, COVID-19 will play a role in just how the election season will unfold, starting with the process to obtain nomination papers. Interested candidates may contact the Town Clerk’s office to set up an appointment to receive their papers. Someone from the office will meet the candidates outside of the Municipal Center to sign forms and ensure all information is correct. The same process will be repeated when returning forms.
Candidates are required to obtain 50 signatures in ink — no electronic signatures are allowed and no extensions have been given. Papers are due back to the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 30.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. on April 15 to withdraw their nominations.
