NEW GLOUCESTER – The chairman of the Board of Selectmen, David Lunt, abruptly resigned this week.

In a letter to Town Manager Rosemary Kulow and four selectmen, Lunt said, “At this time I believe that (it) is in my best interests to pursue other ways in which to serve the town of New Gloucester. I would very much like to continue serving on the Community Fair Committee, the Public Safety Committee, and the Fire Station Committee as a citizen representative.

“Also, I will continue to serve on the Municipal Oversight Committee of the Cumberland County Community Development Block Grant Program until the board, if they so desire, names a new member to that position.”

Lunt said he no longer wanted to serve as a selectman.

His announcement came on the heels of an executive session Monday initiated by Selectman Steve Libby on Kulow’s work performance.

Libby did not return telephone messages for comment.

Kulow said she will miss Lunt’s leadership on the board, but would not comment on Monday’s closed-door meeting.

Lunt said he tendered his resignation “with mixed emotions.” His priority now is to serve the town, he said, in ways that make a positive contribution.

Kulow said she could not comment on the meeting because it was held in executive session.

Lunt was re-elected to a three-year term last June. His term would have expired in June 2010. Selectmen will decide how to fill the remainder of his term.

In light of the upcoming annual town meeting in May, and school budget and election referendum in June, town officials say time constraints will impact public notice and timetables for candidates. Selectmen may put the election for Lunt’s seat on hold until June.