Selectman Fortes to step down
By
Chance Viles
Reporter
Posted Nov 13, 2018 at 9:43 PM
Updated Nov 13, 2018 at 9:43 PM
TEMPLETON — Selectman Cameron Fortes announced his resignation from
the board, as of Dec. 1, as he is pursuing a career opportunity in
finance out in Boston.
With Fortes’ absence starting next month, the Board of Selectmen will need to find a new member, as well as re-structure since Fortes is the vice chairman.
“On my part as a young guy at 25 and being in finance, there is a lucrative opportunity for me and it only made sense to move to Boston to be closer to that opportunity,” Fortes said. “Though I won’t be acting (in a) selectmen’s capacity I still will be there for the community to help these things I was a part of.”
Fortes’ term is supposed to run until 2020. Although Fortes is leaving prematurely, Board of Selectmen Chairman John Caplis does not see the need for a special election, as the town will be able to elect someone to the spot come May during the normal election.
“No special election, we are trying to save costs as much as we need to, and based on the election coming up in May, it makes no sense to have the special election within 30 or 60 days, with another a couple months later,” Caplis said. “It’s still a loss for the board, Cam was a great asset, he had some good visions and great ideas, and he will be missed by most of us.”
Though Fortes is leaving his position, he intends to be a figure in Templeton.
“Serving Templeton, a place I grew up for 25 years, I own property there, I purchased a house in August, I will still be in Templeton and I will still be a part of the community,” Fortes said. “It’s been an incredible experience for me, maybe someday down the road I can act in a different capacity to serve the community.”
The Board of Selectmen will see a few changes come May, as Caplis has also decided he will not be running again, and Selectman Doug Morrison is up for re-election.
“I am not running again, for a multitude of reasons,” Caplis said. “I love the job, but it’s put a strain on my family and health and people don’t realize what these positions do to a person. There is a lot of responsibility on us, I have no problem with that but not at the sacrifice of my family or health and I hope that people respect that.”
Caplis cited deteriorating health, in combination with past injuries
and procedures, as a physical health aspect of why he will not re-run.
As far as mental health, the position has put a strain on his family.
“I won’t leave the people high and dry. I wish my health was better,” Caplis said. “Right now, I am having a difficult time. I am a triple heart bypass recipient that has been shot and blown up, and people don’t realize that. It takes a toll on your body physically and mentally.”
Fortes will make further statements on his resignation at the all-boards meeting later this month. His last selectmen’s meeting is expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 14.
With Fortes’ absence starting next month, the Board of Selectmen will need to find a new member, as well as re-structure since Fortes is the vice chairman.
“On my part as a young guy at 25 and being in finance, there is a lucrative opportunity for me and it only made sense to move to Boston to be closer to that opportunity,” Fortes said. “Though I won’t be acting (in a) selectmen’s capacity I still will be there for the community to help these things I was a part of.”
Fortes’ term is supposed to run until 2020. Although Fortes is leaving prematurely, Board of Selectmen Chairman John Caplis does not see the need for a special election, as the town will be able to elect someone to the spot come May during the normal election.
“No special election, we are trying to save costs as much as we need to, and based on the election coming up in May, it makes no sense to have the special election within 30 or 60 days, with another a couple months later,” Caplis said. “It’s still a loss for the board, Cam was a great asset, he had some good visions and great ideas, and he will be missed by most of us.”
Though Fortes is leaving his position, he intends to be a figure in Templeton.
“Serving Templeton, a place I grew up for 25 years, I own property there, I purchased a house in August, I will still be in Templeton and I will still be a part of the community,” Fortes said. “It’s been an incredible experience for me, maybe someday down the road I can act in a different capacity to serve the community.”
The Board of Selectmen will see a few changes come May, as Caplis has also decided he will not be running again, and Selectman Doug Morrison is up for re-election.
“I am not running again, for a multitude of reasons,” Caplis said. “I love the job, but it’s put a strain on my family and health and people don’t realize what these positions do to a person. There is a lot of responsibility on us, I have no problem with that but not at the sacrifice of my family or health and I hope that people respect that.”
“I won’t leave the people high and dry. I wish my health was better,” Caplis said. “Right now, I am having a difficult time. I am a triple heart bypass recipient that has been shot and blown up, and people don’t realize that. It takes a toll on your body physically and mentally.”
Fortes will make further statements on his resignation at the all-boards meeting later this month. His last selectmen’s meeting is expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Another one bites the dust ! What's new ! Could it be he has a good view of the train about to hit this town and does not want to accept the blame for his share of putting this town in an even bigger hole than was there before he came ? Sure sounds like it ! Your government is only as good as the people you elect. Remember that when you go to vote !
ReplyDeleteAppears Cam is on to clean up Boston as he did in Templeton..............lol
ReplyDeleteFrom twitter:
Cameron Fortes
@CameronFortes
Nov 14
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When the Gardner News reports it front and center I guess its undoubtedly official. Making Boston my new home December 1st and stepping down as Selectman. What a wild 2 years it's been. Hoping to see if I can help make a change in Boston next.
It would be extremely important that you do your homework, the next time you get involved with any project. If you had done that in Templeton, you would have had an understanding of why the town is in the position of is in and how it got there. You would have had a better understanding of the past, making it less likely we would not make the same mistakes that have been made over and over again. I guess that would have been to much effort. Instead we have an unsustainable budget considering what the school is expecting for the next year, and a Finance Department that does not contain one accredited person on it. Good luck in your new endeavor. Bev.o
DeleteYou going to run for Selectmen Bob M ?
ReplyDeleteHighly doubtful
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