Preston — Town Republicans did not endorse a candidate for first selectman Friday during a caucus to select candidates for several boards and commissions for the Nov. 2 election, and have several other unfilled spots on the ballot.

Incumbent Selectman Kenneth Zachem was endorsed unanimously for a second term, as was incumbent Jill Keith for town clerk/tax collector. Several incumbents and new candidates were endorsed for various boards and commissions, but the Republican slate still lacked candidates for several more spots.

Zachem, who has served for more than two decades on different boards, said he had mixed feelings about the party failing to find a candidate for the full-time first selectman position. He praised first-term Democratic incumbent Sandra Allyn-Gauthier, who succeeded former 24-year Republican First Selectman Robert Congdon. Zachem said Allyn-Gauthier “is doing such a good job” with town management and finances, and the current Board of Selectmen works well together.

But Zachem said it’s “sad” that the town cannot attract good candidates to run for election. He said town leaders are considering shifting to more appointed positions, as was done recently with the town treasurer position after longtime Treasurer Susan Nylen announced she did not plan to seek reelection.

“I try all day at the store,” Zachem said of trying to attract candidates at his Lu-Mac’s Package Store.

The Democratic Town Committee will hold its endorsement meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Preston Plains Middle School.

The Republican caucus on Friday endorsed incumbent Board of Finance Chairman John Moulson for reelection to a six-year term, incumbent Board of Finance Alternate Andrew Sawyer for a two-year term.

Incumbent Board of Education members Charles Raymond, George Carver and Tom Turner were endorsed for reelection, Turner after he recently switched from unaffiliated to Republican. New Preston resident Cindy Dupointe also was endorsed for a school board seat.

Other incumbents endorsed were Greg Moran Sr. for Board of Assessment Appeals, Raymond and Doreen Rankin for Planning and Zoning Commission and Merrill Gerber for Zoning Board of Appeals.

Several positions remained vacant at the close of the caucus, with two members offering to be placeholders for two down-ballot spots.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Andy Depta appointed Zachem, Keith and Raymond as the vacancy committee to try to find replacements for the placeholders, but Keith advised that those seats still vacant could not be filled unless a someone petitions to become a candidate.

c.bessette@theday.com