Potential candidates are lining up to fill the open seat that will be left by State Rep. for the 12th Plymouth District, Thomas J. Calter, as he steps down to accept the position of Town Administrator for Kingston.
As of Wednesday morning, Summer Schmalling, Halifax School Committee chairman, and Joseph Truschelli from Plymouth, both Republicans, have drawn nomination papers. Democrats Daniel Zotos from Halifax, R Lindsay Wilson, II, from Kingston and Kathy LaNotra, a Kingston selectman, have declared their intentions, according to the Secretary of State’s Elections office. Candidates have until Tuesday, May 1, to return nomination papers with at least 150 signatures of registered voters, to secure a place on the primary ballot. That election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4.
There will not be a special election to fill the position. The seat will remain vacant until the November election. Calter told his constituents his office will remain open and his staff in place to handle their concerns. They will be helped by Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury; Rep. Mathew Muratore, R-Plymouth, and Sen. Vinne deMacedo, R-Plymouth.
Kingston selectmen voted last week 4-1 to give the job of town administrator to Calter. After negotiating a contract with the town, Calter announced that he would accept the position.
Calter told his constituents he will work through the budget hearings this week to support those articles that affect his region. He has not, however, announced the date he will leave the Statehouse or the date he will begin in Kingston.
Kingston will be a short commute for Calter who has made his home in that town for many years. “My wife and I raised our children here,” Calter said.
He held the seat of Representative to the 12th Plymouth District, serving the towns of Kingston, Plympton, Halifax, part of Plymouth, Duxbury, and Middleboro, since 2006.