Josh Pinkham won a tight, Aug. 9 run-off election for a seat on the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen by 21 votes (227-206), upsetting incumbent Dick McLean.
Pinkham will begin his third stint as a selectman – his first without McLean at the same table.
McLean and Pinkham tied in the June 14 election, forcing the run-off.
The results will also mean a change in leadership for the board, as McLean is the current chairman.
The board will elect McLean’s successor at its Wed., Aug. 17 meeting.
“We’ve got to get to work,” Pinkham said Aug. 10, noting the town lacks a police chief, will soon lose Town Manager Greg Zinser and must decide how to move forward with controversial zoning changes.
Pinkham said he’ll work to get “up to date” and “educate” himself in the coming weeks.
Pinkham also expressed gratitude to his supporters and thanked McLean for his “dedication and years of service.”
“We’re both passionate about the community and want to make sure Damariscotta is one of the best places to live,” Pinkham said.
McLean could not be reached for comment before press time.
