WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Board of Selectmen has a new Chairman. Make that, Chairwoman!
Selectwoman Judy O’Connell was unanimously elected to the position at Monday night’s Board of Selectmen Meeting. O’Connell, entering her sixth year on the board, previously served as Chair from 2014 to 2015.
The board’s annual reorganization vote wasn’t without some suspense.
Selectman Mike Champoux began the discussion by expressing a strong desire to serve a second consecutive year as Chair.
“It’s my heartfelt feeling that given the circumstances — with 2 new selectmen on board and a number of projects afoot — there’s an argument that could be made — and I’m making it — for continuity and consistency,” Champoux told his colleagues. “I humbly request that you consider me as your Chair for another year.”
Wilmington’s two newest Selectmen had other plans.
After Champoux made his pitch, Selectman Kevin Caira nominated O’Connell as Chair, which was followed by Selectman Greg Bendel seconding that motion. Both men were highly complimentary of Champoux and the work he did as chair, but preferred O’Connell in the top spot over the next 12 months.
Selectman Mike McCoy spoke next, announcing he supports both Champoux and O’Connell, arguing they’ve both done good jobs as Chair in the past. McCoy said he would throw his vote behind the candidate that the majority of the board supports.
Selectwoman Judy O’Connell spoke last, saying she would accept the nomination of Caira and Bendel, noting it would be an honor to serve as Chair again.
When Champoux called for a vote on O’Connell’s nomination, he – too – voted in the affirmative, so that the result would be unanimous.
“This 5-member board has the ability to work together on all issues, regardless of who is [Chair],” said O’Connell. “As long as we all keep focused on the business of the town, I think we’ll all be aiming in the right direction.”
“I look forward to a very productive year,” she added.
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