WESTPORT — First order of business in a special Board of Selectmen post-election July 1 meeting was to elect Richard Brewer to serve as chairman.

Previous board chairwoman, Shana Shufelt, nominated Mr. Brewer.

“I've been thrilled to be the chair for the last two years but I will move Dick Brewer as the chair,” she said.

Asked if he would be willing, he replied, “Very much so. Thank you for considering me.”

The board voted unanimously in favor of Mr. Brewer — “I am honored to be selected as chair,” he replied.

Board member Steven Ouellette then nominated Ms Shufelt as vice-chair.

“Are you willing to serve as vice chair? You know a lot of the inner workings — help the kid along."

She agreed to do so and the vote was again unanimous, as it was for Ann Boxler to repeat as clerk.

Mr. Brewer praised Ms. Shufelt for her work as chair for the past two years.

“You've done a wonderful job. We have appreciated your wisdom, insights, fairness, listening to people … You have always treated people with dignity and respect.”

The reorganizational meeting followed the previous week's election at which voters reelected Steven Ouellette and Brian Valcourt to the board.

An article that was on the July 25 Town Meeting warrant (but has been removed as part of an effort to keep the meeting brief and the crowd small) asks voters whether they would like to change the name Board of Selectmen to Select Board, and to change chairman to chair.

Those questions, which selectmen supported, will likely be taken up at a later special town meeting.

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