MARION — The town of Marion announced on Friday, Jan. 13 that negotiations with town administrator candidate Evan Lehrer were unsuccessful.

An email sent at 9:35 a.m. said that the Marion Select Board is “exploring other options with the consultant from Community Paradigm Associates,” the firm contracted by the town to search for prospective town administrator candidates. 

Lehrer did not respond to a request for comment. 

He told the Mashpee Enterprise on Friday, Jan. 13 that it was humbling to be offered the position of Marion town administrator, but decided to stay in Mashpee for family reasons. Lehrer also told the Enterprise that he was concerned how his departure would impact ongoing town projects in Mashpee. 

Lehrer was chosen for the position out of three candidates in a 2-1 vote on Thursday, Jan. 5., to replace longtime town administrator James McGrail who was hired as Middleboro town manager in October. 

Also considered for the position was Geoff Gorman, a Navy veteran and North East Head of Service for Millipore Sigma, a biotechnology research group; and Tom Guerino, former Bourne Town Administrator.