By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — After a long-time Casco selectman stepped down before his term was up, the remaining board decided to wait until the November Election to fill the seat.

On July 6, Chairman Thomas Peaslee publicly announced his resignation saying that he was moving on to another phase of his life.

 Although Peaslee had agreed to grant an interview, he did not return phone calls to The Bridgton Newson Monday or Tuesday. 

Peaslee was first elected to the board of selectmen in 2014. Prior to that he had served on the Casco Planning Board.

Since 2014, the residents voted Peaslee to two more terms. His resignation comes before his most recent term ended. That happens June 2022. 

On Tuesday, the selectmen discussed filling the vacated selectman seat. 

Casco Town Manager Tony Ward said that the position is an elected one, rather than appointed; therefore, an election must be held. The options are to hold a special election or to have the selectmen’s race occur during a regularly scheduled election. 

The board members weighed in. 

“The cost of running an election for 50 people to show up is just ridiculous,” according to Selectman Robert MacDonald.

He said that interested candidates need some time to prepare to run for the position.

“They need 4 to 6 weeks to gather signatures,” he said. “By then, it would be September or October.” 

Therefore, the timing would be almost perfect to put the selectmen’s race on the ballot during the November Election, he said.

“I agree. There’s no sense in spending additional money on a special election,” Chair Mary-Vienessa Fernandes said. 

The board voted to have the seat filled during the election on Nov. 2, 2021. Whoever is chosen by voters would have to run again during the 2022 June election.

People who are interested in running for the selectmen’s seat can ask for nomination papers at the Casco Town Office. Call 627-4515 for more information.