BRISTOL — As the Jan. 28 deadline approaches, Town Meeting Day petitions have begun trickling in from citizens running for public office and from organizations seeking fiscal support.
In the 5-town area in the northeastern part of Addison County only one race is set, but anyone interested in getting their name on the ballot must submit a petition to their town clerk by end of day this coming Monday.
In Bristol, at least three people have declared candidacy for two selectboard seats.
Ian Albinson will challenge incumbent Ted Lylis for a three-year term, and John “Peeker” Heffernan seeks re-election for a two-year term — so far unopposed.
Other incumbents who will appear on the ballet include:
•  Fred Baser (Moderator and Town Agent).
•  Mark Bouvier (Lister).
•  Brian Fox (2nd Constable).
•  Jen Stetson Myers (Town Clerk and Treasurer).
•  Bruce Nason (1st Constable).
At least two organizations have completed petitions for funding from the town:
•  Habitat for Humanity of Addison County ($1,500).
•  Turning Point Center of Addison County ($1,500).
LINCOLN
In Lincoln, selectboard incumbents Oakley Smith (two-year term) and Will Sipsey (three-year term) have submitted completed petitions to run for re-election.
Ellie Bryant, who was appointed to the selectboard last August after James Needham stepped down, plans to run for election to the remainder of his term, which expires in March 2020.
Three other incumbents have completed petitions, as well:
•  Sally Ober (Town Clerk).
•  Mark Truax (2nd Constable).
•  Lisa Truchon (Treasurer).
Petitions are also circulating for the following incumbents, said Town Clerk Sally Ober:
•  Linda Daybell (Library Trustee).
•  Ed Hanson (Library Trustee).
•  Josh Otey (1st Constable).
•  Will Sipsey (Moderator).
•  Nancy Stevens (Delinquent Tax Collector).
The Lincoln Community School Mentor Program has submitted a request for $500 in support.
A “Pro-Democracy Resolution” affirming and elucidating voting rights will also appear on the Lincoln town meeting ballot this year.
MONKTON
So far in Monkton one citizen has declared their candidacy for the selectboard.
Incumbent Marikate Kelley, who was appointed to the board in December, is running for a three-year term.
Other completed petitions are sure to follow.
“A lot of people leave the petitions in the office for local visitors to sign petitions in one place,” said Town Clerk Sharon Gomez.
NEW HAVEN
Two spots on the selectboard will appear on New Haven’s town meeting ballot: a three-year seat currently held by Kathleen Barrett and a two-year seat currently held by Steve Dupoise.
“Petitions are not due until Jan. 28, so I imagine most of them will roll in on Monday,” said Town Clerk Pam Kingman.
STARKSBORO
Starksboro voters will elect two selectboard members on Town Meeting Day, one to a seat currently held by Tony Porter and one to an open seat.
Selectboard member Peter Marsh is stepping down after 23 years of service, off an on, according to Town Clerk Cheryl Estey.
“We don’t know of anyone running for Peter’s seat yet,” Estey said.
Candidates for local office must submit a petition containing 30 signatures or 1 percent of registered voters, whichever is less, according to the Vermont Secretary of State. Along with petitions, candidates must file a consent of candidates form with the municipal clerk.
Reach Christopher Ross at [email protected].