And now there are 3.
Lauren Karpf — one of 2 candidates nominated by the Democratic Town Committee for the Board of Education — is stepping out of that race.
After careful consideration, she believes she can make a greater impact by running to remain on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The District 7 member currently serves as deputy moderator.
After consultation with the Democrats currently serving on the Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips, and members Kevin Christie and Abby Tolan — the Democratic Town Committee has decided not to endorse another candidate.
Tolan is running for re-election. She and Karpf were endorsed by the DTC last month. Two other Democrats — Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris — are also in the race, as petitioning candidates.
By state statute, one party can hold no more than a bare majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board. Thus, the Democrats will enhance their chances by running 3 candidates, rather than 4. With Goldstein and Phillips in the middle of their 4-year terms, and remaining on the BOE, only 2 of those 3 could be seated.
Meanwhile, the Republican Town Committee has endorsed 4 candidates: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro. If all 4 win, the GOP would have a majority on the Board of Education.
