Special legislation that will allow Selectmen-elect Peter Teitelbaum to officially join the Board of Selectmen is on its way to Governor Deval Patrick's desk for his signature.

"While I understand that the legislative process has to run its course, I am eager to join the rest of the board and to begin working with them," Teitelbaum said, adding that he hopes Patrick will be able to sign the bill in time for Tuesday's Selectmen meeting.

Teitelbaum will fill the seat vacated by Selectman Michael Schneider, who announced his resignation in early February, less than one year into his three-year term. Schneider officially left the board on March 31.

"I'm pleased that the legislature acted swiftly in moving this bill to the Governor's desk," State Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) wrote in a press statement announcing the bill's progress. "I know that newly-elected Selectman Teitelbaum has been anxiously waiting to formally take his seat and partake in his official duties as Selectman."

If Schneider  had resigned by January 30, the position could have simply been added to the April 3 ballot, but because of state regulations that mandate strict deadlines for elections, the town was faced with either holding a costly special election or seeking special state legislation to allow the town to vote the seat at the regularly-scheduled election.

The Board of Selectmen voted to seek legislation. Nomination papers were made available for the position and it was indeed added to the printed ballot. Teitelbaum defeated newcomer Amit Johar for the post.

Alan Slavin won the seat vacated by Walter Cruz, who did not seek re-election.

With Town Meeting wrapped up and the fiscal year ending, Teitelbaum says the new board's work is just beginning, with the town "trying to sort of struggle in this new budget climate ... [and Selectmen] trying to get everyone pulling in the same direction."

His immediate plans?

"The most important goal is to entice the employers to town and expand our tax base," Teitelbaum said. "After that, I think that we need to draw upon our unfulfilled tourist potential."