Preston Town Republicans did not endorse a candidate for first selectman Friday during a caucus to select candidates for several boards and commissions for the Nov. 2 election, and have several other unfilled spots on the ballot.
Incumbent Selectman Kenneth Zachem was endorsed unanimously for a second term, as was incumbent Jill Keith for town clerk/tax collector. Several incumbents and new candidates were endorsed for various boards and commissions, but the Republican slate still lacked candidates for several more spots.
Zachem, who has served for more than two decades on different boards, said he had mixed feelings about the party failing to find a candidate for the full-time first selectman position. He praised first-term Democratic incumbent Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, who succeeded former 24-year Republican First Selectman Robert Congdon. Zachem said Allyn-Gauthier “is doing such a good job” with town management and finances, and the current Board of Selectmen works well tog