Following Monday’s West Stockbridge election results ending in a tie between incumbent Select Board Chair Kathleen Keresey and challenger Jon Piasecki, the town’s governing board voted tonight to hold a special election on July 17 to determine the final membership spot.
West Stockbridge attorney Lauren Goldberg, shareholder and president of KP Law, P.C., advised the board and town residents that the election results—a tie—“was a failure to elect,” with no individual being elected or able to be sworn into office. She said the town can schedule a new, special election to determine who will take the third board seat. However, should a recount be called, and that measure breaks the tie, the special election can be canceled, with the top vote-getter sworn into office.
Although Piasecki was initially seated at the dais together with Keresey and current board members Andrew Potter and Andrew Krouss, Goldberg said that, per state law, Keresey should remain on the board, serving as a “holdover” member until someone is elected and sworn. According to Goldberg, the state provides for this type of measure so the business of government “can continue.” Piasecki later left the dais and took a seat in the audience.
See full story in The Berkshire Edge tomorrow.
