Wilson Elected New Chairman Of Board of Selectmen

Scott Wilson has been elected as the new chairman of the Tewksbury Board of Selectmen.

Wilson was nominated by Selectman Doug Sears and voted in unanimously at the board's organizational meeting on Tuesday. Sears was elected as vice chairman for the second straight year and newly elected Selectman Jim Wentworth was elected clerk.

Wilson is beginning his fifth year as a selectman, having been elected to a second term in 2012.

"We had talked about (interest in chairmanship). I said I think I'm ready. I'm at a point in my life when I have the time," said Wilson. "I feel I'm ready to lead this team on the issues we're facing moving forward."

One of those issues is the ongoing contract dispute with the Firefighters Union and the desire of some in the community to see additional funds moved into the Fire Department budget to ensure the South Station remains open year-round.

"This is where I'm going to earn my money, so to speak, to build a compromise," said Wilson.

If the two sides can't reach agreement, the case is scheduled to be heard by an arbitrator in Boston next month.

Selectman David Gay, who served as chairman of the board of the past year, said he has every confidence in Wilson's leadership abilities.

"I think Scott will continue to serve Tewksbury well as the succeeding chairman with continued leadership not only with his fellow Board members but for the residents of Tewksbury," said Gay.

Wilson will be the third chairman for the Board of Selectmen in three years. Prior to Gay, Todd Johnson had served four years as chairman.