Kendall drops out of School Committee race

After the town caucus on February 12, voters expected to chose among three candidates running for two open slots on the School Committee. But last week, one candidate—Steve Kendall—unexpectedly dropped out of the race. As a result, incumbent Keith Cheveralls and new candidate SusanMary Redinger are effectively assured of election.

Kendall explained that a “perfect storm” of circumstances led him to reconsider his candidacy. With three candidates, he foresaw the need for an active campaign. And a long-scheduled trip meant he would be out of town on the likely dates for candidates’ debates. When the Board of Selectmen decided to stick with the April 2 date for Annual Town Meeting, putting the election on April 5, Kendall concluded he should take his name off the ballot.

“I was excited about the possibility of serving, and in recent months I did a lot of ‘homework’ so I could better understand the schools, the issues, and how the committee works,” Kendall wrote in his statement to the Press. “I wish the other two candidates (now unopposed), Keith Cheveralls and SusanMary Redinger, best of luck over the next three years. They will serve Harvard well.”