Municipal officials request special election to fill House District 24 vacancy after Joe Perry's appointment

The City Council Workshop held on December 16, 2024, addressed a significant vacancy in the Maine House of Representatives following the election of Joe Perry as state treasurer. The council discussed the necessity of initiating a special election to fill the vacancy in House District 24, which encompasses Brewer, Eddington, and parts of Orrington.

The council noted that under state law, municipal officials must request the governor to call for a special election to fill such vacancies before the next regular election. The council members expressed the importance of ensuring full representation in Augusta, especially with the upcoming biennial budget process. It was emphasized that this vacancy represents a full two-year term, making it crucial to fill promptly.

The proposed timeline for the special election is March 2025, with the understanding that only candidates from the two major parties would be required to run. The council discussed logistical questions regarding the caucus process for selecting candidates, including whether the towns would caucus together or individually, which could potentially lead to multiple candidates from the same district.

No objections were raised during the meeting regarding the request to the governor, and the council agreed to move forward with the process to ensure that the vacancy is filled efficiently. The discussion concluded with a consensus on the necessity of representation for the citizens of District 24.