Dave Nelson Planning To Run For Selectman

Lynnfield Board of Assessors Chair Dave Nelson has indicated that he plans to run for selectman in 2012, with current Selectman Arthur Bourque having said he will not seek re-election after this current term.

Nelson has lived in Lynnfield since 2005 and ran for selectman in 2006 and 2008. "I think I did OK," he said when looking back on those races. Since then, Nelson has served a three-year term on the town finance committee and he is currently serving his first term on the board of assessors.

"I consider myself as having the heart of a true public servant," Nelson told Lynnfield Patch this week, adding that his philosophy as a public servant focuses on basics like listening, planning and communicating. He also said that the town's long-term financial security would be his top priority as a selectman, to help make sure "that we have the right resources and for the right reasons."

Along with his service on town boards, Nelson is also a member of the school council at Summer Street Elementary School, and he also served on the town's superintendent search committee last year.

"I sincerely believe that I have the right combination of community service and proven business management experience that qualifies me for the position of selectman," said Nelson. "I'll learn a lot but I have a lot to offer."

Before moving to Lynnfield, Nelson lived in Redondo Beach, California and spent about 35 years working in upper management for Southern California Edison - specifically managing their environmental health and safety organization. Nelson has since retired from the private sector but his wife works as a school nurse in Revere while his two daughters attend Summer Street and Lynnfield Middle School.

"It will require making some very tough choices through responsive leadership and the combined efforts of good town volunteers and voters, to continue making Lynnfield a wonderful place to live," said Nelson in a separate statement announcing his candidacy.