Aaron Saunders of Ludlow will not be seeking reelection in the March 28 town election. He said he made the announcement to give other potential candidates a chance to consider running for the job.
LUDLOW - Selectman Aaron Saunders said that although he will not seek reelection to the Board of Selectmen, he will look for ways to stay involved in the community.
Saunders, 35, who announced on Tuesday that he will not be seeking reelection in the March 28 town election, said local politics is extremely rewarding.
He said day to day issues such as tax rates, public safety issues and potholes in the roads are extremely important to people.
"I enjoy the interaction in the community," Saunders
The three-term selectman said he has a new job with Benchmark Strategies which which aids overseas companies seeking Boston business opportunities.
He said he is working in economic development and governmental relations.
"I'm enjoying the job," he said.
Saunders said he made the announcement now that he will not be seeking reelection to give other potential candidates time to make a decision.
In 2014 Saunders ran unsuccessfully for the First Hampden-Hampshire District state Senate seat formerly held by Gale Candaras.
The seat was won by Democrat Eric Lesser of Longmeadow. Saunders said he is pleased to say that Lesser "is doing a fine job and doing right by the community."
Saunders said his terms on the Board of Selectmen have not been without challenge. "Whether it was the October snow storm which required the transformation of our high school into a shelter and warming center for hundreds of residents or mid year cuts to state funding that required cuts in local services and difficult increases in local taxes, our town repeatedly showed its resilience and overcame whatever obstacles were in our way."
Saunders said one of his proudest accomplishments on the board is helping to gain increased access and parking at the Springfield Reservoir in Ludlow.
It is rewarding to drive by and see the cars and know we have improved the quality of life for those who enjoy going to the reservoir to "take a good walk," Saunders said.
Saunders said others have speculated that he might someday run for state Rep. Thomas Petrolati's job.
"I have no plans to run for selectman or any other office in 2016," he said.