Peter Dennehy resigned from the Barrington Town Council last week, offering the brief explanation of "medical reasons" for his decision.

Council president Michael Carroll said he received Mr. Dennehy's letter of resignation on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and was happy to share some nice words about his fellow councilor.

"I think he's always thoughtful, reviewing all of the things we need to review," said Mr. Carroll. "He is unfailingly civil and professional, even when he may disagree with someone."

Mr. Carroll said political party was never paramount for Mr. Dennehy when considering an issue.

"Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, you could be confident that he had the best interests of the town at heart," Mr. Carroll said.

Mr. Dennehy had initially planned to share some comments about his resignation, but he later decided that he did not want to speak publicly. 

The timing of Mr. Dennehy's resignation has created a wrinkle in this year's political races. 

There had been two spots available on the town council — ones currently filled by Mr. Carroll and Stephen Primiano. Three candidates have already declared their intentions to run for those seats. The candidates are the incumbents Mr. Carroll and Mr. Primiano, and challenger Jacob Brier. 

There will be a special election for Mr. Dennehy's seat. According to Mr. Carroll, the special election will be held during the general election in November — there will be a separate ballot given to voters as they enter the polls.

Candidates will be given some additional time to declare for the special election, and it is possible for a candidate who has already declared for the other two council seats to withdraw from that race and declare for the new opening on the council — the new seat carries a two-year term, while the other openings carry four-year terms.

A candidate cannot be on both ballots.

The current town council had been scheduled to have a special meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 14 to accept Mr. Dennehy's letter of resignation and call for the special election.

Serving the town

Mr. Dennehy, a Republican, earned his seat on the council by finishing third in a very tightly contested race in 2016. Mr. Dennehy finished behind Democrats Steve Boyajian and Kate Weymouth, and just ahead of Independent candidate Ann Strong and Democrat Melissa Horne.

After winning the seat, Mr. Dennehy credited his door-to-door campaign, right up until election day.

"Although it was cold, I remember stopping at over 100 houses the Monday before election," he said during an interview at that time. "I ran as if it would come down to one vote. Altogether, I was able to convince an additional 22 voters to side with me. Not exactly the result I envisioned, but I am thrilled and honored to be on the town council."

While running for office, Mr. Dennehy had said he opposed spending $68.4 million to build a new middle school — " With debt service, a $68.4 million middle school could cost approximately $84 million. For most Barrington residents a $84 million middle school is unaffordable."

He also said he supported having meetings with local business owners to help make Barrington more business-friendly.