Section 62-A. Leave of absence for certain appointive state officers; temporary vacancy

A person holding a state office by appointment of the
  governor, or of the governor by and with the consent of the senate,  may
  be  granted  by the governor, on the application of such person, a leave
  of absence from such office, without pay, for a stated period less  than
  the  remainder  of the unexpired term. The office shall be deemed vacant
  for the purpose only of filling it, in the manner provided by law, for a
  term expiring at the end of such period. At or after  the  end  of  such
  period,  the  person  who  is granted such leave of absence, if not then
  disqualified, may resume such office, its title, duties and  salary  for
  the  unexpired  regular  term,  without  reappointment,  and the interim
  incumbent, if any, shall cease to hold it. On or after the beginning  of
  such period, such person, if otherwise eligible, may be appointed to and
  hold  any  other  appointive  office  in the state service; but he shall
  resign therefrom before resuming such former office under the  foregoing
  provisions.  A  person  resuming such office shall file in the office of
  the department of state his statement in writing that he elects  to  and
  does resume it pursuant to this section.