Lahr out of Deer Park race

The race for Deer Park Village Board remains highly competitive, but it's lost one of its runners.

John Lahr, who has a long history of involvement in Deer Park municipal matters, has withdrawn from the race, citing "private personal reasons" in an e-mail announcement to supporters and residents.

Lahr could not be reached for further comment late Wednesday. But Dale Sands, a fellow trustee candidate on Lahr's slate, confirmed his withdrawal. Sands declined to elaborate on Lahr's reasons.

Lahr's name will still appear on the ballot as it's too late to remove it. But in the e-mail, Lahr encourages voters "to express in the ballot the need for new leadership in this village."

The Sands and Lahr slate also includes Trustee Bob Kellermann, who is running against incumbent H. Scott Gifford for village president, and trustee candidate Keith Olson.

Also vying for the three trustee seats are William Michael, William Koutsis and Joyce Trost Beattie. None of the trustee candidates is an incumbent.