Two Gorham town councilors won’t seek re-election this fall, but both indicated a possible return in the future.
First elected in 1970, Calvin Hamblen has served a total of 18 years in six terms as a councilor. But he made voters a promise this week. “I’ll be back if the town runs into problems,” Hamblen said.
The other councilor, Matthew Robinson, is stepping down to spend more time with his family and give other people an opportunity to serve on the council. “I’m going to take a year off, at least a year,” Robinson said, also leaving the door open to serve again.
Gorham voters will choose two town councilors in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, along with two school committee members. The four seats are three-year terms.
Nomination papers became available at the town clerk’s office Monday. Registered voters in Gorham are eligible to be candidates for either board. Town Clerk Christina Silberman said the deadline for filing nomination papers, which require between 25 and 100 signatures, is 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.
School Committee members James Hager and Marie South both confirmed this week that they are seeking re-election to third terms. Hager is the chairman of the school committee and South is a former chairwoman.
South replied “I am,” and Hager said “absolutely” when asked this week if they would seek re-election.
Hager said he needed to keep working hard. “I find it very rewarding,” he said.
Hamblen, 75, a native of Gorham, is a semi-retired farmer and a certified public accountant. He said Tuesday he had decided not to run “as of today.” Hamblen, who also has represented Gorham as a legislator, served three years as chairman of the Town Council.
Robinson, 40, a former vice chairman of the council, announced in December he would not be a candidate for the council this year. However, he indicated at that time he might consider a run for the school committee this fall but dismissed the possibility this week.
A territory sales manager for Standard Motor Products for 20 years, Robinson travels extensively and wants to spend more time with his family. Robinson, who was first elected to the council in 2000, said he would often return home for council meetings but not see his wife, Melissa, and daughter, Samantha, who is 10.
Both Hamblen and Robinson served on the Town Council during the Gorham bypass process, which received funding last year. Both also closely monitored the town and school budgets.
Like Hamblen, Robinson said he would continue to keep an eye on town business. “I’ll watch the budget carefully,” Robinson said.
“I’ll say my goodbyes in the next couple of weeks,” Robinson said.
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