The town of Paris is in need of a new selectman after Vice Chair Matthew Brackett resigned Sept. 9. He tendered his resignation to Town Manager Natalie Andrews via phone text and is effective Sept. 26.
No reason was given, but during the board’s Sept. 8 meeting Brackett’s father Rusty, who was in attendance, informed everyone his son has accompanied him for some recent medical appointments.
“I think it’s unfair to question him,” Rusty Brackett said. “The board was good with it. When I served on the board, as long as it was an excused absence with the town manager it’s really nobody’s business where he is.”
Matthew Brackett turned in his resignation the following day.
“Mr. Brackett served on the Select Board with integrity and a sincere commitment to what was best for the Town of Paris,” Andrews said in an emailed statement Sept. 18. “His thoughtful and pragmatic approach to town issues and support of the town employees and residents have set a standard.”
Andrews noted that Brackett will continue to serve on the Planning Board, to which he was appointed four years ago.
He was elected to the Select Board in 2023. The term for his seat expires in June of 2026.
“I will present the option of a special election to the select board on Monday,” Andrews wrote. “There is a shortened process that the board can elect to do via (state law).”
The statute reads in part: the board may designate a shortened time period for nomination papers, but not less than 10 days before the filing deadline, and may designate a shorter time period for the final date for filing nomination papers, but not less than the 14th day before election day. Notice of the designation shall be posted in the same place or places as town meeting warrants are posted and local representatives of the media shall be notified of the designation.
Andrews noted the timeframe to hold a special election will be the board’s decision.
The Select Board includes Chairman Scott McElravy, first elected in 2019; Michael Bailey, elected in 2022; Steven Cronce and Robery Ripley, were elected earlier this year.
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