Politics & Government

Selectmen Appoint New Conservation Commission Member

A local lawyer who serves as a mediator for the state was appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

The Board of Selectmen voted 4-0 with one abstention Monday night to appoint Edward Woods Jr. as a new member to the Conservation Commission.

Selectman Dan Murphy, a local accountant, abstained from the vote because he said Woods is a client of his.

Woods, who is a mediator employed by the state, said one of his biggest strengths is giving everyone "their day in court." He is a licensed attorney specializing in land use law and real estate.

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"I believe in giving the people the proper time and giving people the opportunity to speak," he told selectmen during his interview.

Woods said the role of the board should be to "protect the environment and serve the public." While he stressed giving everyone a fair chance, he said his experience as a mediator has given him the ability to "say no" when necessary.

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"I have no problem saying ‘no’," he said. "I say 'no' every day."

Woods beat out the other candidate, Kyla Bennett, who had previously served on the board for two terms.


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