Selectman’s Race On

It’s official: There’s a race for Nor­folk Board of Selectmen. Challenger Scott Bugbee returned nomination papers with signatures this week to qualify for the ballot. He joins Jim Lehan, the current chair­man

of the Board of Selectmen, who had already returned nomination pa­pers. One three-year term is available on the town’s top board.

Bugbee, 46, is a director of prod­uct sales for Rogerscasey, a software company with an office in Boston.

He has coached youth soccer in Norfolk for the past four years. He has lived in town since 1994.

“One of my main goals is to give the voters a choice … giving people maybe a different perspective for the town,” Bugbee said in an interview this week.

Bugbee identified dealing with continuing budget problems in town as a priority. “I want to keep services level as best we can without putting an exces­sive burden on the taxpayer. That’s going to be one of the most challeng­ing things a selectman is going to face,” Bugbee said. Bugbee said he is running to try to help Norfolk.

“I want to give back to the town. … I have the time and desire to help,” Bugbee said.

Lehan, a retired insurance execu­tive and current financial consultant, is running for what would be his third three-year term on the Board of Se­lectmen. He is also a former member of the Norfolk School Committee. “First and foremost, it has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Norfolk. I first ran for this position to help our community remain fi­nancially

sound, ensuring fairness in our boards and that decisions reflectthe overall interest and values of our town. I have tried to represent all the needs of all our citizens from our schools to our seniors,” Lehan said in an email message.

Lehan also addressed budget problems.

“The last few years have been ex­tremely difficult as we all try to work our way through this financial crisis. Budgets continue to shrink, basic ser­vices continue to be strained and dif­ficult decisions had to be made. Next year will be no less challenging. I am running for reelection because I be­lieve my experience on the board will be helpful in continuing to manage the many issues that lie ahead,” Le­han said.

Lehan touted the town’s manage­ment of its money. “Last year Norfolk was one of the very few towns whose bond rating was increased by Standard and Poor’s, a recognition of how well we have man­aged

our finances. But ultimately it is all about helping people, this has been the true reward. I love this town and I am running for reelection to continue to give back to a town that has given my family so much,” Lehan said. “I hope that the citizens of Norfolk will allow me the privilege of continuing to serve them.” Norfolk’s annual town election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11.