The town will hold a special election to find replacements.

WEST PARIS – A special election will be held May 15 to replace two selectmen who resigned this week, one for health reasons and the other out of frustration.

Toby Whitman said Friday that he has become disenchanted with the job because of pressure being put on him by a small group of residents who frequent selectmen’s meetings.

“I took the position because I thought I could make a positive difference for the town, but I’m sick and tired of being pressured and run down by the small group that comes to the meeting every week to complain about what we on the board are doing. I’ve had enough. I’d rather spend more time with my children and my wife,” Whitman said.

At Thursday night’s selectmen’s meeting Whitman said he was resigning due to business obligations.

He was elected in March 2001, and his term expires in March 2005.

Selectman Mary Waterhouse-Spear, who said she recently had surgery, has also resigned .

“It has become painfully clear that at this time I’m unable to meet the demands of the position,” she said. “Given the present circumstances it would be inappropriate and unfair for me to request an extended leave. I will say, though, that it’s an honor to have been a selectman and an honor to have served the people of West Paris.”

Waterhouse-Spear was in her third year of a three-year term. She was elected in March 2000.

Former Selectmen Wade Rainey, who was a member of the board for nine years, has announced he will run for one of the positions.

The third position is held by Chairman Harlan Abbott.

The election for selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor, is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the Agnes Gray School.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.