Marblehead bids farewell to Petersen

MARBLEHEAD-On his farewell appearance before the Marblehead selectmen, Douglas Petersen, the state?s new commissioner of agriculture, brought thanks for a productive working relationship, some good humor and a little bit of good news.As board members discussed the town?s 2008 funding for the Marblehead Cultural Council, Petersen rose and at their urging went to the microphone to announce that the town will receive at least $4,000, a minimum amount for all communities set by a vote of the Legislature earlier this session.Minutes later he sat at the table with the board and told them, “With rare exceptions (one or two rocky times in 16 years) I have had a wonderful relationship with the selectmen in this community? Most of my colleagues would be jealous. I respect the difficulties of your job and you have respected the difficulties of mine.”The primary election for Petersen?s replacement will be Feb. 5, the same date as the Massachusetts Presidential Primary. The election will be a month later. “You?ll have someone on board a good month before the state budget hearings,” Petersen pointed out.Until the election Petersen?s staff will remain to help town officials and constituents needing legislative advice, State Rep. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, will extend a helping hand and Petersen said he will make himself available as well.The longtime Democrat said Republican selectmen have treated him as if he were a Republican. Reflecting on the principles that led to public battles with two Democratic House Speakers, Charles Flaherty and Thomas Finneran, Petersen said he once jokingly asked colleague Lois Pines if she thought he had a problem with authority.Selectman William Woodfin, a Republican, said he had his agreements with Petersen as well as his disagreements and thanked him for always being available.As for the Causeway Street office he occupies now – he had to quarantine a pet shop earlier Wednesday – Petersen noted, “There are a few horses and chickens in Marblehead, and they?re mine.”