The editorial, "Replacing Haberek," (Nov. 8), fails to explain that the Stonington Charter defers to state statute to define the process for replacing a first selectman and that a second statute requires a newly elected Board of Selectman to appoint an acting first selectman.

With the first statute, the legislature provided a means for elected officials to fill a first selectman vacancy while avoiding the complications, disruption and expense of a special election. Allowing the two remaining selectmen to act by mutual agreement makes sense. So does allowing other elected officials to act if the selectmen cannot agree.

With the second statute, the legislature provided for an immediate, temporary successor. Together, the two statutes provide an orderly transition of power.

George Crouse was elected selectman with about 500 more votes than both first selectman candidates. George was unanimously appointed by the board to serve as acting first selectman.

He will now do so until at least May, the earliest a special election can be held. Selectman Rob Simmons has the right to petition for a special election. But is a campaign and election during budget season in the best interests of Stonington?

Or can it wait five months until the regular election?