Selectmen Appoint New Member

Brad Galinson has been appointed as the new member of the Board of Selectmen this week, filling in the vacant seat left by former chairman Jim O’Mara.

O’Mara resigned from his position on the board in August after as the new town administrator for Amherst.

Selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Galinson onto the board until his term expires in March 2012.

The board interviewed three applicants on Monday night, but Galinson’s previous experience on the board and his knowledge of the budget process gave him the edge. Galinson served on the Board of Selectmen from 2007 until 2010.

"I am honored to serve the citizens of Amherst again and am thrilled at Jim O’Mara’s appointment as Town Administrator," said Galinson. "I look forward to getting to work to deliver another fiscally prudent and responsible budget."

Selectman George Infanti said that Galinson has an excellent grasp of numbers and the budget process.

“The Board felt at this time it would take very little time for him to get up to speed, already knowing the Department Heads and a number of their wants and needs from previous years,” said Infanti. “We look forward to working with Brad and believe his knowledge and previous dedication to the town will be an asset to all.”

Chairman Bruce Bowler said that the other candidates were very qualified, but Galinson was the best fit at this time.

"After discussion the board felt that with Brad already knowing how the budget works and his background in the private sector and also he has only been off the board for about 18 months he was the best to help us with the upcoming budget season," said Bowler.

Jim O’Mara said that he is the right choice as the town works to put together a budget in tough economic times. His ability to analyze the budget makes him perfect to fill in on the board.

“He asks tough questions on expenditures,” said O’Mara.

Galinson will be seated at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 26, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.