Lenox — With the May 6 election behind them, reelected incumbent members of the Select Board are anxious to continue the business of operating the town.
“I’m just very happy to be re-elected,” current Chair Ed Lane said in response to a request for comment by The Berkshire Edge. “I feel that most people understand the hard work we’ve done, and they appreciate it.”
Lane said he is ready to move forward with the town’s two large projects—an update to the wastewater-treatment plant and development of the new public-safety facility—along with keeping a close eye on the Housatonic River Rest of River remediation project, as well as the search for a new town manager following the upcoming departure of Christopher Ketchen who is bound for a state director position. “It will be a busy year,” Lane added.
For incumbent Neal Maxymillian, the victory means focusing on immediate priorities that mirror Lane’s top considerations as he said he and his colleagues are “anxious to roll up [their] sleeves and get to work.” “While I’ll still have to recuse myself from negotiations regarding work plans, it’s time to focus efforts on what can be done to support those that are most affected, revitalization and development by the riverside and in Lenox Dale,” he said. Due to his past company’s involvement as a remediation contractor, Maximillian has stepped away from any related issues that come before the dais.
He also spoke highly of newcomer Jared Weber, who came in third place by less than 20 votes as he vied for the two open seats, commending him and expressing admiration for his campaign efforts. “He brought new voters into the process and gave more people a voice in town governance,“ Maxymillian said of Weber. “I hope he will continue to participate in town committees or boards, and that we can work together moving forward.”
Weber agrees, and said he is “looking forward to staying involved,” even picking up a volunteer form at Town Hall the day after the election, aiming to join local boards and committees. As with Lane and Maxymillian, he identified the town’s top issues and, given his professional background as a corporate headhunter, is “particularly interested in supporting the Select Board in the search for Lenox’s next town manager.”
“While I’m disappointed that I won’t be assuming a seat on the Lenox Select Board this season, I was thrilled to see such a high level of voter participation,” Weber said. “I’ve enjoyed meeting and connecting with so many Lenox residents over the past few months, and I’m looking forward to staying involved.”
He said he encourages other newcomers or citizens to “seek out opportunities to get involved and stay aware of town governance.” “I believe that the support shown for me in the election results indicates that there is support in Lenox for a number of points I made throughout my campaign, specifically regarding participatory governance and opportunities for access, and I hope to see sitting Select Board members take note and engage accordingly.”
Lane was the top vote-getter in the May 6 Lenox Select Board election with 794 votes, followed by Maxymillian with 687 votes and Weber with 673 votes.
