Swampscott’s Paster heading for greener pastures

SWAMPSCOTT – Selectman Marc Paster, who has served for nine years, said he would not seek re-election this spring.”I’m honored to have served the residents of the town of Swampscott for the past 14 years (nine as a selectman and five as a member of the Board of Assessors),” he said. “I have enjoyed every minute of it. However I have made the very difficult decision not to run for re-election. I plan on spending more time on my career and on charities that my wife and I are involved in.”Paster, who said he has no plans to run for any political office in the foreseeable future, said among the things he is most proud of is making town government more professional, which included hiring the first town administrator.Among his other accomplishments, Paster cited the building of a new high school, senior center and athletic fields.As he prepares to step down, Paster said he doesn’t want a party or plaque but he would like two things from residents and the town.”I want the taxpayers to insist the town and schools provide the best possible services within their means,” he said. “That means not going to the taxpayers for additional money.”Paster also urged residents not to forget Jennifer Harris and Jared Raymond, who were both killed in Iraq.”I know I never will,” he said. “As a town we need to support our veterans and their families.”The other selectman seat up this spring is currently filled by Jill Sullivan, who was elected Oct. 2 in a special election to fill a vacancy after Reid Cassidy stepped down. Sullivan has already pulled her nomination papers and said she intends to run for re-election.