Randy Dean has resigned from the Board of Selectmen, effective immediately. At Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Administrator Tim Bragan read aloud Dean’s letter of resignation, announcing his departure from the Board of Selectmen, as well as the Personnel Board and the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. Dean’s letter offered no explanation for his action.
Dean, whose term was due to expire in 2008, leaves his position on the board with just over 140 days remaining. According to Bragan, town bylaws indicate that it is up to the remaining selectmen to choose whether to continue with an empty seat until the next election or call a special election to replace Dean. At Tuesday’s meeting, the selectmen concurred that, given the short amount of time remaining, it was not worth scheduling a special election. However, if at least 200 registered voters request it, then the selectmen are required by law to schedule a special election.
Dean took office in 2002 and was serving his second term as a selectman. He took an active role in last year’s contract negotiations with school and town employees.
Dean’s resignation appears to have been unexpected by most residents, as well as his fellow selectmen. At Tuesday’s meeting, Bob Eubank was visibly startled by the news, saying, “I’m surprised.”
Bragan was also surprised by Dean’s departure. “I wish him the best,” he said, “but we have to continue our work no matter who is sitting in that seat.”
When contacted for comment, Board of Selectmen Chairman Lucy Wallace said, “He did a great job with union negotiations with the town. He also did a great job with non-union personnel, making sure that their benefits were equitable …. he always had the town’s interests at heart.”
