FARMINGTON — Gov. Paul LePage will have the final say over which Republican from Chesterville, Farmington or New Sharon will be appointed to fill the vacant District 2 Franklin County commissioner seat.

Commissioner Fred Hardy of New Sharon died July 4 after serving 22 years in the elected position. He was remembered last week as being a dedicated public servant with a  strong work ethic.

According to state law, the governor shall appoint a person to fill such a vacancy.

“In the case of a vacancy in the term of a commissioner who was nominated by primary election before the general election, the commissioner appointed by the governor must be enrolled in the same political party as the commissioner whose term is vacant,” the law says. “In making the appointment, the governor shall choose from any recommendations submitted by the county committee of the political party from which the appointment is made.”

Hardy was a Republican.

Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, said a member of the Franklin County Republican Committee will call a meeting to discuss the vacancy and nominations that will be sent to the governor.

“We have to find someone to fill the slot until the next election,” he said.

Hardy was in the third year of a four-year term when he died. He was elected Nov. 6, 2012, and began serving Jan. 1, 2013.

Saviello said there are four people interested in serving as commissioner. They are David Archer of Chesterville, and Ryan Morgan, Peter Tracy and Charlie Webster, all of Farmington, he said.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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