Neither Tarbox, nor Coventry seeking to keep Westport Island seats

Thu, 04/04/2024 - 3:15pm

Westport Island Selectman Jeff Tarbox and Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit board member Mary Coventry are not running for those seats in June, and both told Wiscasset Newspaper, they hope someone does. 

Near midday April 3, one month after nomination papers became available, no one had taken out papers for either seat, Town Clerk April Thibodeau confirmed.

There is still time. According to the town’s notice on nomination papers, they are due Friday, April 12; pick them up and return them with 25 signatures of registered Westport Island voters. The papers can be picked up or returned during regular office hours, the notice states.

In separate phone interviews, Tarbox said he is not running because he needs a break, and Coventry cited personal reasons she would not be able to give SVRSU the attention it merits for another three years. She praised fellow board members and Superintendent of Schools Howard Tuttle, and said she has greatly enjoyed serving.

Coventry and Tarbox urged fellow residents to consider running for the seats. 

The second selectman’s and SVRSU board seats are both for three-year terms. If no one files papers, Thibodeau said in an email response, “The positions would still go on the ballot to allow write-ins.” Elections are June 11.