Weston Selectman Not Seeking Re-Election

Citing an increased workload, Steven Charlip, a Weston selectman since 2006, announced yesterday that he will not run for a third term.

Charlip started his own law firm, Steven L. Charlip, LLC, three years ago, and said business has been booming of late.

"It's been a lot of fun, very rewarding," Charlip said about his time as a selectman. "But my practice is a lot of work, and it's time to step down."

Charlip also cited the length of his tenure as a reason for not running again, saying "six years is long enough" and that there are "plenty of good people who will fill in very capably."

"One of my goals (while a selectman) was to make the system as open as possible, which includes keeping fresh blood on town boards and committees," Charlip said. "That includes knowing when your time has come" to step down.

In addition to encouraging more open government, Charlip said one of his overarching goals as a selectman was to increase affordable housing in Weston.

"Weston's a tough town to break into, and one of my goals and the board's goals was to open it to the extent possible to families who need affordable housing," he said. As such, part of his responsibilities included serving as the Board of Selectmen representative for the Weston Housing Partnership, which has "put together some concrete criteria for where we'd like to see affordable housing go."

Town Manager Donna VanderClock voiced support for Charlip.

"All of the selectmen I have had the pleasure of working with during my time in Weston have been dedicated to good government and doing the right thing for the Weston community as a whole, and Steve is no exception," she said. "I have appreciated his thoughtful perspective, his sense of humor, and his support."