Bell not seeking reelection

John Bell, chairman of the Waterford Board of Selectmen for the past three years, will not seek re-election at this year’s town meeting.

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen John Bell

“I have enjoyed working with townspeople and have found the position to be rewarding,” the first-term selectman said shortly after the first of the year. “However, when I started teaching, I lost the flexibility in my schedule that allowed me to be at the town office when needed.”

When Bell was elected in March, 2007, he was a self-employed surveyor. That September he began a new career teaching Computer Aided Design at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

“I also have less time because I still have my surveying business as well as my family and our farm,” Bell said. “I am not able to put the time in to the position that it requires, leaving me very frustrated.”

With no one slated to run in January 2007 and Whizzer Wheeler electing not to seek a second term, Bell took out papers at the last minute. He was elected when the town was embroiled in turmoil over tax valuations and employee relations.

Despite his inexperience in municipal government, he was elected chairman of the board and brought a calming, reasonable and thoughtful influence to the town office as well as to the community.

“I feel strongly that the town will be better served by someone able to devote more time to the position,” Bell said.

Thus far, no one has taken out nomination papers for the three-year position. The deadline is Jan. 19.

Source: Mutiny Brook Times - Issue 79