Russell Katz
The Board of Education will be interviewing candidates Monday night at the Town Hall Annex. to fill a seat left vacant by Russell Katz’ resignation
Mr. Katz, who’s term expires in November, was elected in 2009.
His decision was announced at the Board of Selectman’s meeting on July 31.
Scott Mason
Austin Drukker, the board’s chairman, said that former board member Scott Mason is the most likely choice to fill the vacant seat.
“He’s got the experience and that gives him a leg up,” Mr. Drukker said.
He speculated that Mr. Katz’ decision was family-based.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I assume he’s leaving to spend time with his young children,” Mr. Drukker said. “I commend him for taking up this responsibility when he did and his commitment to the board.”
If the board can’t come to agreement on Mr. Katz’ replacement, then the Board of Selectman will make the decision.
However, Mr. Drukker doesn’t believe this will be necessary.
“We’ve never had it go that far before, but that’s where it goes if we can’t decide as a board,” he said. “We don’t do this very often.”
He added that this particular situation was different than other resignations because its proximity to November’s election.
“It’s so close to November — we’re really talking about a three-month position,” Mr. Drukker said. “If this was eight to nine months prior to the election, then this would be a different situation.”
Mr. Drukker said another non-endorsed Republican candidate could vie for the temporary open seat, but that person would not be on the ballot come November.
The Republican Town Committee endorsed incumbent John Palermo and Mr. Mason at last month’s caucus.
“The person we choose to fill Russell’s vacancy doesn’t need to be a running candidate who’s on the ballot but if they have the committee’s backing, it certainly helps,” he explained. “Someone who’s not on the ballot could petition to be put on it, then we’d have a three-person Republican ballot instead of two.”
Two other Republicans, Sharol Signorelli and Laurie Ann Livingtone, had sought the committee’s endorsement.
Ms. Signorelli withdrew herself after the caucus and Ms. Livingstone failed to be nominated from the caucus floor.
The board currently has four Republican incumbents not up for re-election.
When asked if he expects to interview more than one candidate for the spot at Monday night’s meeting, Mr. Drukker said it was tough to predict.
“It’s local politics — you never know what can happen,” he said.