ORANGE — The town’s three-member Board of Selectmen is down to two members after Walter Herk resigned this week, citing his intent to move out of town.
Herk’s resignation was effective immediately and he did not participate in Wednesday’s meeting at Orange Town Hall. He said he is moving to New Salem and members of the Orange Board of Selectmen must reside in Orange. He said he plans to move the second week of October but wanted to give the town as much notice as possible to elect a replacement during the presidential election Thursday. Herk also said he does not want to vote for any decision that within a couple of months will not affect him.
Herk, an electrician, said he was elected in 2014. He said he ran for office because he stopped coaching Little League and wanted to make a difference in the town.
“Eighty percent of the time I liked it,” he said. “It’s a pretty good town and I enjoyed doing it. I learned an awful lot about town workings.”
Herk said he learned a great deal from Town Administrator Diana Schindler and Chairwoman Kathy Reinig.
Reinig told The Recorder that Herk will be missed.
“He did a fabulous job while on the board. He’s extremely hard-working,” she said. “Wally’s been very good to work with.”
Orange Town Clerk Nancy M. Blackmer has announced nominations papers are available. The paperwork may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office until Sept. 15. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1 p.m. each day.
The only local office appearing on the ballot will be the unexpired selectman term. Nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk by Sept. 20.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.
On Twitter: @DomenicPoli