Gorham Town Council Installs New Leadership in Urgent Meeting
UPDATE: The Gorham Town Council has just reinstated Suzanne Phillips as chair and appointed Seven Siegel as vice chair during a special meeting held on November 10, 2023. This urgent reorganization follows the recent elections on November 4, where Siegel, along with new members Kelly Dearborn and Charles Hamblen, secured their positions.
In a swift meeting that commenced at 6:30 p.m., Town Clerk Laurie Nordfors administered the oath of office to the newly elected councilors, ensuring they take their roles within the required seven-day window post-election. The council convened immediately after a reorganizational meeting that included a light dinner to discuss committee assignments.
Phillips received unanimous support from her fellow council members, signaling strong collaboration moving forward. “We’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead,” Phillips stated during the meeting.
Outgoing Councilor Rob Lavoie, who chose not to seek reelection, was honored with a plaque for his service. “You’ve been great to work with,” Phillips remarked, reflecting the appreciation felt among council members. Lavoie expressed gratitude to the residents of Gorham for their support during his tenure.
Notably absent was Phil Gagnon, who faced a surprising electoral defeat. Councilor Janet Kuech commented, “I’ll miss Phil sharing that institutional knowledge,” highlighting the impact of Gagnon’s experience on the council.
The Gorham Town Council typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month, but due to scheduling conflicts with Election Day and Veterans Day, this special meeting was deemed necessary by Town Manager Ephrem Paraschak. The board is set to meet again on November 18 to address its regular monthly agenda, continuing its commitment to the community.
As the new councilors step into their roles, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed about upcoming initiatives and meetings. The leadership changes signal a new chapter for Gorham, with potential for impactful decisions and community development on the horizon.
