Fond Farewell from Board to LeMay, Cotton

Their fellow selectmen said goodbye to departing selectmen last night Christopher LeMay and Mary Ann Cotton with cake, sparkling juice, gifts and kind words.

Neither is seeking reelection.

LeMay thanked the voters who "put their faith in me'' for four terms. "I appreciate your confidence and support,'' he said.

He said that, since he announced he is leaving, people have thanked him for his service, when in fact, these people also deserve thanks for their efforts. Many residents coach sports teams or perform other volunteer duties that are no less important than selectmen, he said.

Selectmen just happen to have a higher level of visibility, he said.

Selectman chairman Brook Padgett saluted LeMay for his achievements on the board, including serving on the committee that helped make the new police station a reality.

Cotton said serving as selectman has been a "tremendous learning experience.''

"I can't think of a better way to spend a Tuesday evening,'' she quipped.

Padgett said Cotton helped the new Grafton High School project earned voter support and move along smoothly.

Both outgoing selectmen were encouraged by the level of interest in their seats on the board. Five candidates are vying for the two positions. 

"There are five great candidates,'' LeMay said. "Take the time to get to know them.''

After the public portion of the meeting, their fellow selectmen saluted their departing colleagues with cake, sparkling juice and gifts, including a personalized gavel for LeMay.