Peter Carlson will not seek re-election to Select Board

Select Board Chair Peter Carlson has made it official: he will not be seeking re-election to his post of the past three years.

“After several weeks of discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election for Grafton Select Board in 2022,” Carlson wrote in a letter addressed to “The Citizens of Grafton. “I want to thank the Voters of Grafton who have lent their support, wisdom, and kindness over the years. I have had the honor and privilege of serving Grafton in several capacities, many ad-hoc committees, 10 years on the School Committee, and the past three on the Select Board.”

Carlson was elected in 2019 alongside Doreen DeFazio, who together knocked out incumbent Sargon Hanna. 

His term on the Select Board was marked by the board’s controversial decision to reach a mutual separation agreement with former Town Administrator Tim McInerney in July 2020, which invoked McInerney’s contracted $147,500 buyout. Town Administrator Evan Brassard was hired last year as a replacement, with Carlson staying on as chair for a second year to ease him into his new role.

The board has also coped with two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Carlson was forced to lead virtually through Zoom. During this time, Grafton’s first marijuana retailer opened, the Grafton Public Library re-opened after a lengthy expansion process, the town passed a Proposition 2 1/2 override and searched for a new fire chief — only to start over when their first choice declined the job.

“The decision not to seek re-election was difficult for me, and I did not come to it lightly,” Carlson wrote. “It is essential that if I take on the incredible obligation of elected office, it requires 100 percent commitment. Given my current situation with both family and work, it became more evident that I had to make this decision.

“I am extremely proud of the work that I have been a part of and working with a fantastic Select Board,” he closed. “I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the current Board for all of their support and camaraderie. Lastly, I want to thank my supporters, my two children, Lexie and Rylan, and my brilliant and beautiful wife, Wendy, for I could not have served our town for so long without her support.”

Two candidates have pulled nomination papers for Select Board for the May 17 Town Election: Finance Committee member Andy Jefferson and Community Preservation Commission member Richard Whitney.

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