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Colley will not seek reelection

Colley will not seek reelection
From left, Williston Case, Scott Garay, Brent Colley, Tom Gomez, Scott Flint. Colley said the men “are very important to our town.” 
Photo by Kai Haaland-Baker

SHARON — After serving five terms as Sharon’s first selectman, Brent Colley has decided not to seek a sixth, according to an announcement issued on Monday, April 3.

Selectman Casey Flanagan, a fourth-generation Sharon resident, announced the same day his intention to run for election to the post in the November election. A member of the Democratic Party, Flanagan has served three years on the Board of Selectmen and four years on the Board of Finance.

Working collaboratively on behalf of the town was a theme of Colley’s tenure. He offered some comments about his years of service on Wednesday, April 4.

“Being open and transparent” were cited by Colley as important. He said that he sought to accomplish goals that past boards and commissions had identified and begun to work on, knowing that those projects would improve the town.

“I’m not your typical first selectman,” Colley said. “I don’t sit in Town Hall. I get out there and I work. I cut trees; I visit people; I’m at the town garage; I’m at the firehouse; I’m riding roads in storms. I know that isn’t usual, but it’s necessary in a small town.”

“Small towns need leaders who know. I know every road and every house and every potential issue,” Colley added.

An appreciation for area and local history led Colley to serve the town, present and future, while remaining sensitive to that history. He also described his extensive background in human resources, accounting, project management and sales.

Colley readily identified two approaching challenges that the town will face: bridges and the mill rate.

As for his own future, Colley indicated that he will definitely remain in Sharon, although he is not sure what his professional direction will be. “I have skills, but I need help,” he added, as he looks ahead.

Asked what he likes most about Sharon, Colley said, “I like what we’ve become.”

Leila Hawken

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