Eight have taken out nomination papers for three open selectmen slots

LEBANON - Eight candidates are expected to toss their hat into the ring to fill three selectmen's slots that come up for a vote this June.

The extra two seats are due to the town's main governing body being increased to five after a referendum vote in favor of the change was passed in November. The decision to stagger the election so that all three aren't rotated in for three-year terms this June was made by a second referendum vote in February.

Current selectman Chip Harlow has said he won't run, which means there's no incumbent for either of the three seats, meaning the race is about as wide open as they get.

Many of the candidates have taken out nomination papers for both slots, but they will all have to end up putting their names on the ballot for just the two- or three-year office.

Those who have taken out nomination papers include Jeffrey Adams, Charles Russell, Bettie Harris-Howard, David White, Corinna Cole, Chris Gilpatrick, Sarah O'Brien and Eric Neubert.

Gilpatrick has also taken out nomination papers for road commissioner along with Frederick Culver and acting road commissioner Scott Gerrish.

It should be noted that a selectman can only have their name on one of the ballots. In the case of the three-year slot, the top two finishers will win spots on the board. In the case of the two-year slot only one will be declared the winner.

Also a selectman can't be a road commissioner, too, so Gilpatrick will have to choose one or the other.

All nomination papers must be completed and turned in by candidates by April 12. Election Day is June 11.