Newton Returns to Planning Board

A former longtime Westborough Planning Board member has returned to the board to fill a vacancy.

Selectmen, and planning board members Brian Bush and Mark Silverberg, recently unanimously appointed Summer Street resident Edward Newton Jr. to serve until the spring 2014 annual town election.

Trevor Beauregard resigned this spring, ending seven years on the board. Beauregard's five-year term expires in 2016, and the balance will be on next spring's ballot.

The two boards interviewed Newton and Cross Street resident R. Christopher Noonan for the immediate vacancy.

Members of each board praised both candidates' credentials.

Newton's Westborough Planning Board experience was the deciding factor. He served 16 years on the board. He told the boards during his interview last month that he did not seek re-election when his term expired because he had retired from the postal service and "I did not know where I would be" over the next five years.

"I think we have two outstanding candidates, and I hope I get to serve with both of them in the future," Silverberg said.

Silverberg said the board has "a lot of sensitive issues" before it, and Newton has attended the board's meetings.

"I feel he can be up to speed on a lot of the current topics more quickly," Silverberg said.

Selectman Leigh Emery initially suggested the boards appoint Noonan.

She cited his "very extensive background, more than most people that come onto the planning board."