Subcommittee vets two candidates to fill Strafford County commissioner vacancy; full delegation to vote Sept. 30

The Policies and Procedures Subcommittee met Sept. 12, 2025, to review two applicants for a Strafford County commissioner seat left vacant after Commissioner Joe Petri resigned Aug. 7, 2025. The application period closed Sept. 10, 2025 at 4 p.m., and the subcommittee reviewed two letters of intent and resumes sent with the packet.

The committee confirmed staff’s representation that both applicants named in the packet — Leslie Feliciano and Susan Rice — live within the district, a threshold the members said they would apply when forwarding recommendations to the full delegation. A member noted a change in law last session that altered residency language and said there appears to be a drafting omission that could create a loophole; members agreed to follow the statute’s apparent intent that an appointee must reside in the district.

Peter Schmidt, speaking for the panel, said the two applicants were suitable for the job: “It’s perfectly obvious that both the applicants are well qualified to hold the office,” he said. Other members said municipal experience in one candidate’s background gives that applicant an advantage for immediate work with county processes and stressed the need for someone who can work calmly with commissioners and the delegation.

The group emphasized that this subcommittee does not select the appointee. Under current practice and the subcommittee’s reading of the law, the full county delegation will vote on Sept. 30; members said party caucuses will likely meet beforehand to nominate candidates. The committee agreed to record minutes for distribution to delegates and to encourage caucuses to coordinate before the delegation meeting.

The subcommittee took no formal appointment action and adjourned after routine business. The delegation vote and any floor nominations on Sept. 30 will determine the appointment.