An incumbent Town Councilman told the Republican Town Committee before Monday's caucus that he would not primary for his seat but rather for chairman if not endorsed by his fellow Republicans.
Republican Charles Keniston currently represents the Second District on the Town Council, but two other candidates, Meredith Trimble and Jeff Apuzzo, were the highest vote-getters. Even though the party did not endorse him, Keniston could still petition to primary for a seat on the council.
However, he announced his new intention after Phil Dunn, Republican candidate screening chairman, announced the recommended slate before the caucus and he was not on it.
If Keniston does primary, he would be facing Nancy Nickerson in the Republican primary. C.J. Thomas also was nominated for Town Council chairman, but said he does not plan to run in a primary for the post.
In Farmington, candidates run for Town Council chair separately. Since Thomas was just nominated for chairman and he's not going to contest Nickerson, he loses his chance at a seat on the council.
In Farmington's Republican caucus, only registered committee members can nominate and vote on candidates, however the meeting is public. Committee members are welcomed up to speak on behalf of the candidates they stand behind and later vote on written ballots.
Edgar King, who nominated Keniston, spoke just over 10 minutes in favor of him.
"What are the reasons for rejecting this well seasoned incumbent?"
He said that while Keniston previously donated a small amount to Democrat Mike Demicco, sometimes voted opposite to his party and has changed his mind on the issues sometimes, he was a strong candidate.
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