BURLINGTON — Alex Farrell, a former Republican Senate candidate from Chittenden County, announced Monday he was dropping out of the March New North End City Council race.
Farrell’s departure leaves the Progressive-endorsed independent Kienan Christianson running against Democrat Franklin Paulino, a deputy state’s attorney. Paulino was selected by the city’s Democratic party at a Jan. 22 meeting, where Christianson also sought the party’s support.
Democrat Dave Hartnett unexpectedly dropped out of the race earlier this month citing family obligations. Hartnett is one of the council’s most outspoken members and is often a swing vote.
Farrell said going into the race he was confident he had more name recognition than the other two candidates running and had a chance to win, but had to make the tough decision to leave the race.
“I honestly have really found I do not have the time to run a campaign, at this time,” he said.
Farrell works in Montpelier as a data analyst for Union Mutual of Vermont and said the challenges of his job combined with the lack of daylight hours led to his decision.
He said he would continue to focus on his work on the parks commission, the Neighborhood Planning Assembly in the New North End and the city’s Community Development Block Grant citizen advisory board.
Candidates had to submit 30 valid signatures to the city by 5 p.m. Monday to get on the March ballot.
Paulino did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The other three seats up for election to the 12-member council will also have competitive races.
The Central District features a competitive three-way race, as Progressive Perri Freeman is facing off with Democrat Jared Carter and incumbent Jane Knodell, who is running as an independent after Freeman defeated her at the Progressive Party caucus.
In the East District, Democratic incumbent Richard Deane is facing Progressive Jack Hanson. In the South District, Democratic incumbent Joan Shannon is facing Progressive Mohammed Jafar and Republican Paco DeFrancis.
