Resigning Peru road commissioner still on ballot

PERU — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday evening discussed the road commissioner’s resignation and the new plan for ballots.

Lee Merrill’s resignation, declared May 24 and effective June 13, the day of the annual town meeting and election, brought up the question of the ballots already printed. Merrill’s name is still on them, but he has made it clear in a message from the Board of Selectmen on the Peru website that he will decline, should he be elected.

“Lee wishes to thank Peru residents for their continued support and encouragement during his time as Peru road commissioner, he has decided to move on to another job. Also, he’d like to remind residents that although his name will remain on June’s ballet, he is not seeking re-election for road commissioner,” the message reads.

Town Clerk Vera Parent said at Tuesday’s meeting that she will call the state elections office to see if there should be a notification in each ballot booth to relay Merrill’s wishes.

Bradley Hutchings’ name is also on the ballot for road commissioner.

In other business, the former Peru Elementary School remains closed after an inspection from the fire marshal yielded safety hazards.

“We still don’t have the report from the fire marshal, but he was quite positive,” Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Carol Roach said. “He thinks we can fix the problems.”

The town owns the building, which is used as a community center.

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