LEEDS — Approximately 50 people gathered at the Leeds Municipal Office on May 22 to honor Alphonso Theodore “Ted” Barker, who is retiring as selectman for the town.

Barker was first elected in 1980 and served for 33 consecutive years. His first terms as selectman were served in the old Leeds Town House, said by some to be the oldest town house in Androscoggin County, and in 2002 he helped move into the new municipal building.

He was on hand to help oversee the Leeds Bicentennial Celebration in 2001, worked with the school board to provide adequate space to educate the town’s children, collaborated with the selectmen and women of Greene and Turner on numerous joint projects and always worked for the citizens of Leeds.

Barker remarked, “The townspeople elected me to do their work, and I’ve always tried to do what is best for the people of the town of Leeds.”

Noted as a quiet man who made a big impact, Barker, a dairy farmer, is the third generation of his family to serve as selectman in Leeds.

On hand at the gathering to note his many contributions to the town were retired Administrative Assistant Jane Wheeler, who presented Barker with a plaque from the town in appreciation of his many years of service, and Rep. Gary Knight, who read a proclamation from the Maine Legislature recognizing the contributions Barker has made as selectman.

After the presentations, the guests had cake and lemonade while they visited with Barker, reminiscing about the past 33 years. Guests ranged from friends, family, present and former town employees, selectmen from neighboring towns and a representative from the state.

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