Galligan Won’t Seek Re-election In 2027

ORLEANS – The scene at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's annual conference in January was a familiar one for Kevin Galligan. Too familiar, he said.

 “I sat there and looked around and thought, ‘I’ve been doing this for a while,’” he said. 

 At the same time, he said he saw a lot of new faces, many of them younger. It was an indicator that after nine years of service on the select board, the time had come for him to step aside to make room for someone new.

 Galligan announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to a fourth term on the select board when his term expires in May of next year. 

 “People like me,” he said when reached by phone Tuesday. “I know I’m supported by many people. And yet I don’t want to be in the way of an opportunity for somebody new with fresh ideas to serve. That’s kind of how I came to it.”

First elected to the board in 2018, Galligan also serves on the town’s wastewater management advisory committee and on the board of directors for the Orleans Conservation Trust. He also holds membership on a number of other boards outside of Orleans.

 “I will also be winding down all other public official positions over the coming months and look forward by June 2027 to stepping back into private life while continuing to love and support this community,” he said in his initial email announcing his plans.

 Galligan said while he’s enjoyed his time on the select board, he’s not ready to look back on and take stock of his three terms. Instead, he said he’s focused on helping others who might be interested in serving on the board in his place.

 “I’d rather make this about letting all of the boards and committees and other people that might just be out there to see an opportunity,” he said. “Give me a call and have some conversation about [whether] public service is right for them.”

 The select board in recent years has talked about ways of getting more people involved in the town government, and how to support those who might be interested in running for the board. Mary Wright, who ran unopposed this spring to become the board’s newest member, ran with the support of Andrea Reed, who opted against seeking re-election to a third term in May.

 “I need to do this responsibly and pave the way for a smooth transition and not just drop the ball,” Galligan said. “Because there are a lot of things that are moving. They’re all in good shape, and there’s a part of me that wants them to be well cared for. And I know that’s going to happen.”

 Galligan stressed that anyone interested in running for a seat on the board should be motivated first and foremost by a desire to work on behalf of the town and its residents.

 “Someone’s got to want to do this because they want to do it,” he said. “It’s not about the stipends. It’s really truly about the rewards of public service. They’re immeasurable."

 But with just under a year left on his existing three-year term, Galligan’s calendar is still loaded up with calls, meetings and events. He said looking forward, he’s hoping to lighten that schedule to allow more time for he and his husband to travel.

 “Yes, we get away once a year,” he said. “But I’d really like to travel to other places in the world. I’ve been limited in doing that.”