NAHANT — The Planning Board and Board of Selectmen held a joint vote to appoint residents Tom Hambleton and Jeffrey Lewis as the Planning Board’s newest alternate members.
The Planning Board originally announced it was in need of two alternate members in July, and solicited letters of interest through the beginning of September. Earlier this year, alternate Planning Board member James Dolan stepped down from his position, while the other alternate member, Rebecca Flacke, became a regular member.
Hambleton and Lewis were chosen over Josie Reis, who was the other finalist. Each candidate was given the opportunity to advocate for themselves prior to a vote being taken. Hambleton emphasized his ambition to focus on the town’s master plan if selected.
“I have designed and managed many fairly large consulting projects that incorporate a lot of the same kind of issues that the Planning Board will address,” Hambleton said. “I think I might be able to help save some time, and possibly some money.”
Lewis admitted his government experience was limited, as he named serving one year on a committee as his only previous exposure.
“I like working with the town, I like doing things,” Lewis said. “I think of myself as a creative problem solver.”
Lewis made a career as a CFO and controller for more than 40 years.
Town Administrator Tony Barletta spoke on behalf of Reis and her background during the meeting. He listed her experience as a member of the Housing Production Plan Subcommittee.
Both boards cast their votes simultaneously via roll call. Lewis won the first seat by a vote of 6-1, with Planning Board member Shannon Bianchi casting his vote for Reis. Hambleton won the second seat by a vote of 4-2, with Board of Selectmen Chair Josh Antrim and Flacke voting for Reis. Planning Board member Michelle Capano chose to abstain.
While alternate Planning Board members are not voting members, they are allowed to attend and take an active role in all discussions.
