JUSTIN HALLERAN Remains Official Candidate For Selectman; Could Refuse To Serve If Elected; New Election Would Be Called

Mike Bouchard, Groton Town clerk, announced that Justin Halleran candidate for one of the two open Selectmen seats, contacted the Town Clerk's Office Monday morning to announce his intention to withdraw from the race. Halleran of 43 Pleasant Street was a candidate in a three-way race with two incumbent Selectmen: Josh Degen and Stuart Schulman.

Town Clerk Mike Bouchard had previously notified all candidates that March 28 was the last day to officially withdraw. Since Mr. Halleran's notification came after the official deadline, his name must appear on the official ballot and, officially, he is still a candidate despite his stated desire to withdraw.

Consequently, if he were to be one of the top two vote-getters, he would become Selectmen unless he refused the oath of office. If he is both elected and refuses the oath, this is considered a 'failure to elect'. In this situation, the seat would not go to the remaining candidate; rather the Board of Selectmen must call a new election.

Justin Halleran did not respond to requests for comment from The Groton Herald.