UPDATE Five members of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), including Moderator Alice Shelton, have failed to return papers indicating they will seek re-election, Town Clerk Patricia Strauss said today.
Flashback: Alice Shelton and Dr. Lisa Rome following their election in December 2005 as RTM Moderator and Deputy Moderator. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Steve Rubin for WestportNow.com

The deadline was today for the 36 members to file a statement indicating they intend to seek re-election in November for a two-year term.  But those failing to return papers still have time to change their mind. They, along with anyone else seeking to run for the RTM, have until Sept. 10 to submit a petition signed by at least 25 electors in their district to place their name on the ballot.

According to Strauss, in addition to Shelton (District 2), who has served for 10 years, and moderator for two years, others who did not file re-election statements (and their length of service) include: Valerie Fischel (District 4) four years; Garry Boxer (District 4) two years; Ralph Hymans (District 5), 10 years (not consecutive), and Kim Mathias (District 9) four years. Dorothy Harris (District 2) had originally been listed as not submitting a re-election request,  but Strauss said the document had arrived via e-mail after the office closed.

Velma Heller (District 6), who has served six years, moved to District 9 and will have to petition to appear on the ballot for that district. All residents also may seek to become a write-in candidate with the deadline two weeks before the election, Strauss said.