Update on Filling Selectman's Seat

While no formal decision has been made yet, Wayland has several options on whether and how to fill former selectman Doug Leard's seat.

Leard, who was the chairman, resigned on Tuesday citing health issues.

According Town Clerk Lois Toombs, the town has two options. The Board of Selectmen could call a special election to fill the seat or they could let it go unfilled for now. If selectmen choose to let it go unfilled, a citizens' petition of at least 200 people would override that decision, according to Toombs.

If residents forgo doing a petition, the seat would be placed on the April 2014 election ballot, Toombs said. Anybody elected to that post would serve the remaining one year on Leard's term until the term expires in 2015. 

Acting Town Administrator John Senchyshyn told Wayland Patch no decision had been made yet. The next opportunity for selectmen to discuss the matter is at its Nov. 6 meeting, he said. 

For now, a 2-2 vote on any motion during a selectmen's meeting would mean it fails.