Peter Teitelbaum, a 10-year-veteran of the Select Board, announced on Feb. 15 that he will be leaving his seat as of the May 3 Town Election, with one year left in his current term. 

“I’ve had an interesting combination of professional opportunities and physical health challenges present themselves at the same time, so I don’t see myself having the time in the next year to really devote to doing this job the right way, so it’s time to make way for someone else,” Teitelbaum said, before thanking those he’s worked with over the years. “Thank you for the trust you’ve put in me for the past ten years.”

Teitelbaum’s departure isn’t the only major change ahead for Wareham’s boards. Planning Board Chair Richard Swenson will be resigning his appointed post, as he is moving out of town. Swenson has served on the board for about two and a half years, including about a year as Chairman. He also served on the Redevelopment Authority.

In addition to the remaining year of Teitelbaum’s term, seven other elected seats will be on the ballot. Nomination papers have been available at the Town Clerk’s office since Jan. 31, and must be returned with at least 50 registered voters’ signatures by March 7. So far, two incumbents have pulled papers, as have four hopefuls. 

Two three-year seats on the Select Board, currently held by Jim Munise and Patrick Tropeano, will be up for votes. Tropeano has announced he won’t be seeking re-election after serving three terms on the Select Board, in addition to terms with other committees. Munise, first elected in 2019, is seeking re-election. 

Two returning candidates are set to join Munise on the ballot: Ron Besse, current Conservation Commission member, and Jody Santagate, current Decas Steering Committee member. Both Besse and Santagate ran for the Select Board in 2020. 

Margaret Ishihara, a lawyer, has pulled nomination papers for a three-year seat as Town Moderator. 

Brennan McKiernan has pulled papers to run for a three-year seat on the School Committee, currently held by Mary Morgan. McKiernan first ran for School Committee last year. 

Town Clerk Michele Bissonnette, first elected in 2019, will be seeking another three-year term. 

Two other positions are set to be on the ballot: David Halberstadt’s three-year seat on the Board of Assessors and Peter Dunlop’s three-year-seat as Sewer Commissioner.