Saying they were choosing between three “exceptional” candidates, the Board of Selectmen voted on Tuesday to appoint Kathleen Curtiss to the Conservation Commission for a 3-year term.
“We will not go wrong with whoever we pick,” Selectman Dan Kolenda said. “I see the benefit each one would immediately be able to provide to the town.” In addition to Curtiss, former Weston fire chief John Thorburn and ex-Zoning Board of Appeals chairman Sam Stivers also applied for the position.
Selectman Bill Boland said he favored Curtiss, who is co-owner and president of Doug Curtiss Landscape Design, because she would bring new blood to the commission, not having served on town committees in the past.
Citing his continued willingness to serve the town, Chairman John Rooney said he favored Stivers. “He has been criticized and attacked by various groups, yet he is nonetheless willing to serve,” Rooney said. “He really wants to serve the town because he has the best interests of the town at heart.”
Complaints from developers and residents last summer led to the Board of Selectmen deciding not to reappointment Stivers to another term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. This spring Stivers ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Planning Board.
The vote to appoint Curtiss was 2-1, with Boland and Kolenda voting in favor of her appointment and Rooney opposing it.
Curtiss replaces longtime Conservation Commission member Rhonda Russian who retired from the commission earlier this year.
Congratulations Kathleen, I am very confident your vast experience will add a positive and constructive input on the board.
Congrats Kathy!! I know you’ll do a great job!