CANTON — Town Council will again be a full, four-member group pending swearing-in of David K. Nelson, who was unanimously approved Thursday night to serve an interim term through the
CANTON â The race for Canton town clerk is now uncontested, with appointed interim Clerk Karin S. Blackburn withdrawing her intent to seek election.
In a Thursday statement in part citing disrespectful treatment and a âtoxic environmentâ at the municipal building, Mrs. Blackburn wrote she has made the decision âafter serious soul-searchingâ and family discussions.
âIt is a decision I have reached with mixed emotions, but one I am certain is the best for me and, I hope, for the greater good of the community,â she wrote.
Voters elected Mrs. Blackburn in 2019 to serve a four-year term on Town Council. In her year as a councilor, she was a member of the recreation, information and technology, economic development, health insurance, audit and shared services committees.
CANTON â The Canton Democratic Committee during its virtual March meeting officially endorsed candidates for town seats.
Members unanimously voted to endorse Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley, running for re-election; Town Clerk Karin S. Blackburn, appointed in December and running for the elected position; David K. Nelson and current Councilor James T. Smith, each running for a four-year term on Town Council; and Martha Foley Smith, running for a two-year unexpired Town Council term.
John S. Taillon, Robert T. Santamoor and Paul J. Baxter, all Republicans, have also announced they will vie for council seats.
The four-year terms of Mr. Smith and Councilor Timothy J. Danehy will expire Dec. 31, and the two-year unexpired term of former Councilor Mrs. Blackburn will appear on the November ballot. Mrs. Blackburn transitioned to the town clerkâs office in December by appointment after Clerk Lisa A. Hammondâs retirement, Ms. Foley Smith was then appointed to Mrs. Blackburn