Chatelain Won’t Seek Re-election In Brewster

BREWSTER – After six years on the select board, Ned Chatelain has decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming annual town election.

 One select board seat with a term of three years will be on the ballot, along with a number of other elected offices. 

 Chatelain said the decision to officially step away was difficult, but ultimately came down to the time-consuming nature of the role. 

 “It’s a tough decision,” he said. “I have loved doing the work and I still love doing the work. But it’s very time consuming and I need to be spending more time at home and at work.” 

 Chatelain is a real estate broker at the family-owned Chatelain Real Estate, where he works alongside his brother and parents. When he’s not working, he is spending time with his wife and two children. 

 Chatelain said his biggest accomplishment during his six-year select board career was being involved with the Sea Camps. 

 “That was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be able to open a new beach for the community, to preserve some open space and provide opportunities for housing, for the rec program to expand its offerings and to have the only community pool on Cape Cod,” he said. “Its really just a priceless opportunity, a really exciting project to be able to have had the opportunity to work on.” 

 Chatelain has been a fervent supporter of many of the projects on both the Sea Camps bay and pond properties. He recently voted in favor of the feasibility study on the pond property, a project to determine if the property is the right fit for an affordable housing development. 

 He has also acted as the select board liaison to the affordable housing trust, a position to which he has dedicated a lot of time and effort. He is currently the acting chair. 

 Chatelain said although he doesn’t have any specific plans at the moment, he’d love to stay involved within the community in some capacity.

“I’ll give the same advice that was given to me,” he said when asked if he had any advice for his successor. “It’s something I think is amazing public service advice, and that is to always be undecided. To not have an agenda, to come in with an open mind and to approach every decision point undecided and take the information in, ask questions, learn about the issue and make the best decision you can with the information you’re provided.” 

Bruce Semple, a resident with a robust volunteer resume across the town and surrounding region, has officially entered the race. Most recently, Semple served as vice chair of the Brewster Energy and Climate Action committee, is a current board member of the Brewster Ponds Coalition, sits on the Brewster Ladies’ Library association finance committee and serves as a poll worker during elections. He also graduated from the inaugural citizens’ civics academy last year. 

The last day to obtain nomination papers for the May 19 town election is March 27, and they must be returned by March 31. 

In addition to the open select board seat, the ballot will include a number of other elected offices. 

 Two spots are available on the board of health, each with a three-year term; two seats are open on the Brewster School Committee, each with a three-year term; the constable position is open and will serve for three years; one seat is open on the housing authority for a term of five years; one seat is open on the Nauset Regional School District committee for three years; two planning board positions with four-year terms are available, plus one seat with a two-year term; and the recreation commission has two available seats with three-year terms. 

 The town moderator role is up for re-election as well. Charlie Sumner, the current town moderator, has confirmed he will be seeking re-election.