Fairfax Clerk Seeks Advice On Petition

We are truly very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable Town Clerk who is unafraid to make unpopular decisions - Although there are probably more that I am unaware of, this is the second time to my knowledge that Donna Meunier has chosen to do the right thing. A number of people have made comments to me that Donna has been very tight-lipped about who is running for the different offices. Until 4 p.m. this afternoon, candidates have the opportunity to withdraw their names, even though they have submitted their petitions.

Donna told me that a number of years ago, they had tried to get the jump on getting the ballots printed, only to have to scramble to get them back and make corrections. She has received a number of suggestions on how to handle the present situation, however, there could be some problems in the future with some of those suggestions, thus she is now waiting to be contacted by The Secretary of State's Office, before she proceeds.

An article in last night's St. Albans Messenger written by Leon Thompson, Messenger Staff Writer explains some of the problem:

"Fairfax clerk seeks advice on petition

By LEON THOMPSON, Messenger Staff Writer

FAIRFAX -- Town Clerk Donna Meunier confirmed this morning that she might have received an invalid petition from Selectman Charlie Swanson.

Meunier would not discuss the issue with Swanson's petition, but said she has sought an opinion from the Secretary of State's Office.

"My assumption would be that they're going to tell me I can't put his name on the ballot," meaning Swanson would have to launch a write-in campaign, Meunier said.

Also in Fairfax, Robert Horr and Kurt Magnan are seeking a three-year term to the selectboard, to fill the vacancy left by outgoing selectman Jeff Blake.

The Messenger will report on candidacies and races in other towns in the near future."