Wareham officially has a full Board of Selectmen.

Governor Deval Patrick has signed legislation that allows Selectman Peter Teitelbaum, elected April 3, to join the board.

"This day has been awhile in coming," Teitelbaum said Friday morning after being sworn in by Town Clerk Mary Ann Silva. "I look forward to serving the citizens of Wareham in my new capacity."

State Representative Susan Williams Gifford's office forwarded the signed legislation to the town on Friday.

"I'm glad it's finally done. Unfortunately, the process is what it is, and it took time for this all to come together," said Gifford (R-Wareham). "I'm very pleased that Peter will now finally be able to be seated on the board."

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.

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.