BREAKING: Selectman Greg Bendel Will Not Seek Re-Election This April

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Select Board Chair Greg Bendel has announced he will not be seeking re-election this April.

“For the past fourteen years, I have had the honor and privilege of representing the residents of Wilmington as an elected official,” said Bendel. “I had the good fortune of serving five years on the Wilmington Housing Authority, and for the past nine years as a proud member of the Board of Selectmen. I have enjoyed my time representing my fellow neighbors and learning about municipal government. I am proud of the work that I have been a part of to help positively move our town forward. After careful consideration, I have decided not to seek a fourth term on the Board of Selectmen at this time.”

Bendel was known as a staunch supporter of veterans, highlighting a different local veteran at the end of each meeting during his “Salute to Service.” He was influential in the renaming of the Ed Gillis Square and Dick Hayden Corner, and approved the naming of the Robert Brown Park Bench at Silver Lake. Bendel also voted to make Wilmington a Purple Heart Community, and backed multiple Eagle Scout projects honoring veterans.

Endorsed by Wilmington Fire and Police Unions in multiple elections, Bendel was also a strong supporter of public safety. He was influential in securing a location for the soon-to-be-announced public safety substation in North Wilmington, and negotiated a $250,000 donation with Princeton Properties towards said station. Bendel was also heavily involved in the creation of the town’s substance abuse coordinator, as well as the proclamation of “Sean Collier Day” celebrated every January 3. He also chaired the town’s 20th Anniversary Ceremony Committee remembering the victims of 9/11.

While on the Select Board, Bendel was actively involved with its subcommittees, including having served on the Superintendent Search Screening Committee (2017-2018), the Economic Development Committee (2018-2020), the Senior Center Building Committee (2020-2022), the Town Manager’s Contract Negotiations Committee (2021-2022), and the MSBA Wildwood Building Committee (2021-present).

During his nine years on the Select Board, Bendel voted to appoint Town Manager Eric Slagle, Town Clerk Beth Lawrenson, Town Accountant Stephanie Frontiera, and Town Counsel KP Law. He also made multiple appointments to the Finance Committee, among other board and committees. In addition to these appointments, Bendel is proud of his strong support for Wilmington Public Schools and Shawsheen Tech, his votes for key infrastructure projects, and an impressive attendance record at meetings, including more than 20 consecutive Town Meetings.

“I would like to thank each of the ten volunteer members of the board that I served with during my time and the countless staff members who helped me along the way,” said Bendel. “I am grateful for all of our talented town employees and volunteer committee members who work tirelessly to make our town such a great place to live. I also appreciate several of my predecessors who have mentored me through my time in office.”

Bendel and his wife are both lifelong residents of Wilmington and are currently raising their three young children in town. He has worked as a high school teacher and coach at Shawsheen Tech since 2007.

“Thank you to all of the voters who placed their trust in me over the years. I’m grateful to everyone who held signs, wrote letters and made calls on my behalf. Thank you to all of my friends and family who have supported me and encouraged me every step of the way,” continued Bendel. “Finally, I would like to publicly thank my wife who is, and has always been my biggest supporter. Without her, nothing I do is possible. I look forward to being involved more in the future, but for now I am excited to focus all of my energy into my most important job, being a dad.”