By Jonathan L'Ecuyer
ROCKPORT — The senior member of Rockport's Board of Selectmen announced yesterday that he will not seek re-election this spring.
Charles Clark, a 12-year veteran of the board, said he actually entered into his fourth, three-year term in 2007 having already decided not to seek a fifth.
"I have had the privilege of serving the town of Rockport for the past 12 years," Clark said. "For now, I'll take a break and then we'll see what the future holds."
He said his early announcement was timed to be in the town's best interest, as it will give interested residents time to think about mounting a campaign for the board's only open seat.
"I know there are many fair-minded and thoughtful people who would be strong candidates for selectman," Clark said in a letter e-mailed to "friends" yesterday morning. "I am hopeful that a spirited, positive campaign will occur that will help prioritize the town's needs and keep moving us along in a positive and productive direction."
Since he was first sworn into office in 1998, the 52-year-old Clark has served with 14 different selectmen, four permanent and two interim town administrators, three school superintendents, two public works directors, and countless other department heads.
"I have also worked with many talented and dedicated volunteers, and depended upon the work of our fine employees at Town Hall and elsewhere to carry out the necessary work of the town," Clark said. "Together, we have strived to serve the townspeople of Rockport and build a solid foundation for the future.
"I will leave this position with personal pride in many of our accomplishments," he added.
Selectman Sarah Wilkinson yesterday commended Clark on his dedication to the position.
"Charlie has given a great deal to the board and town as a whole, and I thank him for his many contributions," Wilkinson said. "I have enjoyed serving with him for the 3 1/2 years I have been on the board so far.
"I, of course, understand his need to move on to other things. I hope that residents who step forward and run for the position will look at the time and effort that Charlie put into the board, and use it as a model for future selectmen," she added.
The Meadow Road resident was inspired to enter the political realm after having served as chairman of the town's bylaw review committee in the mid-1990s.
The group, a committee appointed by the selectmen to review the bylaws and suggest changes, worked for two years to completely revise the town's general bylaws. The changes were later accepted by Town Meeting vote and included the creation of a new permanent Town Government and Bylaw Committee to review proposed changes and make recommendations to Town Meeting.
"It led me to learn a lot about the town and meet a lot of people I had never met before," Clark said.
Prior to the addition of the Government and Bylaw Committee, Clark added, the Finance Committee made recommendations to even non-financial bylaws.
Only two of Clark's four campaigns involved contested races.
He ran against Gerry Maisch and Kurt Bradley in his rookie campaign, went unchallenged in his second bid for the seat, defeated Edwin Holmes on the way to serving his third term in 2004 and was easily re-elected in 2007 in an uncontested race.
Longtime Planning Board chairman Samuel Coulbourn said the town will miss Clark.
"I think he has been an excellent selectman, always interested in the concerns of other Rockporters, and forceful and effective on the Board, without harshness or rancor," Coulbourn said. "Charlie has worked very well with the Planning Board over all his 12 years, and we will miss his helpfulness and enthusiasm."
Clark said he looks forward to spending time with his family, wife Molly and children Joanna, 20, and Gil, 13.
The annual town election is Tuesday, May 4.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x 3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
