Selectman August “Augie’‘ Palmer III said Wednesday that he’s not running for the town’s top political spot.
There had been some speculation in town that Palmer, a Republican would run a second time against Democratic Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers, but he said he’s not interested in the job, or for running again for selectman. He said he wants to spend more time with his family and for some future travel.
(NOTE: After this story was published, Palmer was nominated to run for the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission)
Palmer, 65, who was first selectman from 2003 – 2007, and elected selectman in 2007 to present, said he has enjoyed being a public servant and said he has worked hard for the citizen’s of the town. He pointed to the construction of the new high school and senior center, as two of his major accomplishments during his tenure.
Tom Kelly, chairman of the Republican Town Committee said Palmer will be missed on the board of selectmen and said he always “worked to keep costs down and government small.’’ Kelly called Palmer “a hard worker,’’ who has a “gregarious personality.’’ He said Palmer was also a good fundraiser for the party and was somebody who could get people involved in the town.
Kelly said at this point they have not announced who will be heading the GOP ticket for first selectman or selectman.
He said he could not comment on speculation that former selectman David Haversat would be running for first selectman. He said the GOP nominating committee will be meeting at 7 p.m. July 28 at Town Hall and there will be a GOP caucus at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Kelly said he expects all other incumbents on the under ticket to run again in November.
Last month, Drayton-Rogers announced she would run again at a press conference at town hall. She said she ran for office in 2007 to bring the town to a new level of honesty and that she has been able to achieve positive results by acting in a bi-partisan manner.
She beat Palmer for the top spot in 2007. Drayton-Rogers, 67, said some of her accomplishments have been the completion of a sewer and water line from Great Hill Road to West Street. She also said commercial development on Route 67 (South) now could be developed for medical and retail. She said a medical complex is also being planned for Route 67.
Drayton-Rogers said she would continue to seek clean and safe industrial growth to stabilize the town’s tax base.
Democratic Selectman Dave McKane will be her running mate.
