The Chester GOP has chosen not to nominate a candidate for the upcoming first selectman race, leaving Democrat Lauren Gister unopposed in November.

Gister, a long time Chester resident, past Marine, mother of four and lawyer by trade, is new to the political arena but up for the challenge.

“I do not read anything into the fact that Chester’s Republicans are not running a candidate for the first selectman position,” said Gister. “I remain encouraged and am looking forward to working with members of all political parties in the interest of the entire Chester community.”

Drawing on her vast life experiences, past community involvement and judicial knowledge, Gister is excited about the prospect of leading the town into the future.

“There are not a lot of people stepping up right now, and we need to step up and help out if we can,” said Gister. “I want to be a larger part of taking care of the town of Chester and keep it thriving and healthy.”

Gister’s runningmate is Democrat Charlene Janecek. Tommy Englert is the Republican candidate for selectman.

In other town races, Democrats have nominated Lori Ann Clymas for a six-year term on the Region 4 Board of Education.

For the Board of Finance, Republicans have nominated Jon Joslow and Democrats have nominated incumbent Jennifer Rannestad for a new term.

Democrat incumbents Errol Horner and Keith Scherber have been nominated for new full terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) and the Republicans have nominated Steve Merola. Democratic incumbent Peter Zanardi has been nominated for a two-year term on the PZC and Democratic candidate Jacqueline Stack has been nominated as a PZC alternate.

Incumbent Democrats Maria Scherber and David Fitzgibbons were nominated for the local Board of Education, along with new candidates John Stack and John Ropiak.

Democratic incumbent Mark Borton was nominated for the Zoning Board of Appeals and Republican Bruce Watrous was nominated for Board of Assessment Appeals.

Democratic incumbent Kim Senay was nominated for the Inland Wetlands Commission, and Democratic incumbent James Pease was nominated for a new term on the Water Pollution Control Authority.

Democratic incumbent Sandy Senior-Dauer and Karin Badger were nominated for Library Board of Trustees.