Amherst Selectmen Choose Bowler's Replacement

The Amherst Board of Selectmen have chosen Mike Akillian as the newest member of town government on Monday.

The board voted unanimously after a lengthy interview process between Akillian and the four other candidates for the interim position. He was sworn in last night and will now serve his term as a selectman until the next round of elections in March.

The selectman seat had opened up after the unexpected resignation of former chairman Bruce Bowler two weeks ago.

Selectmen applauded Akillian’s background in strategic planning and his work leading the ways & means committee. He emphasized the need for such planning throughout the interview process, as well as a focus on long term strategy within the budgeting process.

“I think the town is focused on budgeting as opposed to planning,” said Akillian while responding to a question about playing fields in Amherst. “We need to articulate our vision for the future.”

He has lived in Amherst for four years and currently works as a marketing and communications executive for Maguire Associates, Inc.

Akillian said that he wants the board to improve the way they frame their budget and other issues to the public. Improve communication alongside an organized town government will have the potential to “turn a lot of things around.”

He added that he is willing to put the energy and work into the position, as well as add some light humor to the board.

The other candidates considered last night were Mark Vincent, Reed Panasiti, Nate Jensen and David Chen. Dorothy Crocker had initially applied to be a candidate, but withdrew from the selection process.