Following board member Brian Packish’s announcement last month that he would not be seeking reappointment to the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, the Oak Bluffs select board settled on Brian Smith as the town’s newest representative to the MVC.
Mr. Smith was chosen over three other candidates Tuesday, including select board member Gail Barmakian. Addressing the board, Mr. Smith focused on his prior experience with the MVC as a representative for West Tisbury from 2010 to 2014, and noted his broad availability to attend meetings as a self-employed person.
“I’m a very big supporter of the MVC,” he said.
Other candidates for the position were Steve Auerbach, who cited his long history with the Vineyard, and Scott Slarsky, who said he could bring his experience in planning from Boston to the Vineyard.
Also tossing her hat into the ring, Ms. Barmakian noted her previous experience serving as the appointed member of the MVC.
Mr. Packish said that while Ms. Barmakian’s experience was notable, he was interested in promoting civic engagement and appointing someone from outside the select board.
“I have tremendous respect for all your service,” he said to Ms. Barmakian. “You pretty much live this.”
In a 3-1 vote, Ms. Barmakian, Mr. Packish and member Ryan Ruley all voted for Mr. Smith. Emma Green-Beach voted for Mr. Slarsky, and Jason Balboni abstained.
Also Tuesday, the board approved a soil remediation project by the U.S. Coast Guard from Jan. 18 through March 24 on the town-owned land surrounding the East Chop Light.
The Coast Guard, which owns the lighthouse, will replant the grounds as needed, assistant town administrator Wendy Brough said.
Two other town appointments to the regional MVC remain open; select boards in Edgartown and Tisbury are due to decide on their appointments at upcoming meetings. Both towns are seeking interested candidates.
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