One of three candidates vying to become Vermont’s next adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard has withdrawn from consideration.
Former Army Guard Brig. Gen. Jonathan Farnham says an anonymous letter being circulated has become a significant distraction to the Legislature and Guard.
Air Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Cray, of Essex Junction and Col. Darryl Ducharme are still vying for the position.
Farnham’s withdrawal was first reported by the weekly Seven Days newspaper.
Farnham wrote to legislative leaders Monday saying the untrue allegations in the letter raised concerns about how he and other Guard officers handled a personnel-related complaint. Because of Guard privacy rules he can’t discuss the concerns.
The Legislature will choose the next adjutant general on Feb. 21 to succeed Maj. Gen. Thomas Drew, who is not seeking re-election.