DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board on Tuesday voted to delay any action on setting a special election to fill its vacant seat until the town confirms that proper legal procedures were followed.

 

The board was shown a citizen petition with 237 signatures from residents calling for a special election and an election timeline created by Town Clerk Heather Hunt based on office activity levels.

 

Hunt recommended having the special election no earlier than Jan. 27, Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson said. Hunt was not present during the meeting. 

 

An election should not be scheduled too early in January because the office will be busy with the census and dog license renewals, he said. 

 

Before calling a special election, the board members wanted to consult the town attorney because they were concerned about whether they were acting in full compliance with state laws. 

 

The decision was passed unanimously among present board members; Vice Chair Dan Esko was absent.

 

"In my opinion, everything up until this point is of questionable legalities, and that's why, at the meeting in September, I suggested that we consult with the town attorney before we do anything based on what's happened here," member John Boyle said.