Preston ― Residents Thursday overwhelmingly agreed to raise the first selectperson’s salary by 10% or $8,706.
The increase will take effect immediately for First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier.
The...
Preston ― Residents will be asked to vote on proposed salary increases for the first selectwoman and town clerk/tax collector, along with several spending items and whether to discontinue a portion of...
Preston — The Democratic Town Committee endorsed first-term First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier Monday for reelection, along with Selectman Jerry Grabarek as its candidates in the Nov. 2 election.
Allyn-Gauthier, and the entire Board of Selectmen, could be running unopposed. The Republican Town Committee on Friday did not endorse a candidate to run for first selectman and endorsed incumbent Selectman Kenneth Zachem for reelection.
Allyn-Gauthier is completing her first term after she was elected in 2019 following the retirement of Republican First Selectman Robert Congdon. Just three months into her term, COVID-19 hit the state and region. Allyn-Gauthier quickly closed Town Hall and shifted meetings to video or teleconferences. Preston Town Hall remained one of the last in the region to reopen fully to the public, as selectmen remained concerned about the virus and the slow pace of vaccinations in town. About 55% of Preston residents are fully vaccinated.
Preston — Town Republicans did not endorse a candidate for first selectman Friday during a caucus to select candidates for several boards and commissions for the Nov. 2 election, and have several other unfilled spots on the ballot.
Incumbent Selectman Kenneth Zachem was endorsed unanimously for a second term, as was incumbent Jill Keith for town clerk/tax collector. Several incumbents and new candidates were endorsed for various boards and commissions, but the Republican slate still lacked candidates for several more spots.
Zachem, who has served for more than two decades on different boards, said he had mixed feelings about the party failing to find a candidate for the full-time first selectman position. He praised first-term Democratic incumbent Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, who succeeded former 24-year Republican First Selectman Robert Congdon. Zachem said Allyn-Gauthier “is doing such a good job” with town management and finances, and the current Board of Selectmen works well together.