George Parker is resigning from the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen because he and his wife plan to move to Newcastle. (Maia Zewert photo, LCN file)
Damariscotta Selectman George Parker will resign from the board because he and his wife, Carolyn Parker, plan to move to Newcastle.
Parker, who was elected to a second consecutive three-year term in June, announced his resignation in an email to Town Manager Matt Lutkus on Aug. 23. Earlier this year, Parker moved his architecture practice to Newcastle after the couple sold their house.
During his time in Damariscotta, Parker served on a variety of boards and committees, including a 23-year stint on the Damariscotta Planning Board. He currently sits on the land use committee and public works committee.
Parker said he will remain willing to help the town where he can and provide institutional knowledge whenever needed.
“(Parker) is not only a thoughtful, articulate, and experienced selectman, he has also been a tremendous resource in providing a history of the community, especially in the realm of planning, and his architectural design expertise has been invaluable in regards to the public works committee,” Lutkus said.
The selectmen will discuss and likely accept Parker’s resignation Tuesday, Sept. 5, Lutkus said.
The town will hold a special election to fill the seat for the balance of Parker’s term.
Nomination papers will be available beginning Sept. 11 and will be due back to the town office by Oct. 2. In order to appear on the ballot, a candidate must return papers with at least 25, but not more than 100, signatures of Damariscotta residents.
The election will coincide with a statewide referendum Nov. 7.
