Davis Won’t Seek Reelection To Select Board Carol Gordon, Brian Phillips Declare Candidacy

CHATHAM – Having served nine years on the select board, advocating for waterfront investments, housing initiatives and programs supporting year-round residents, Shareen Davis has announced that she won’t seek reelection when her current term ends in May. Meanwhile, residents Carol Gordon and Brian Phillips have each taken out nomination papers to get on the ballot. 

 Davis said there is no single reason she’s decided not to seek reelection.

 “I’m choosing to be more intentional with my time and energy, focusing on my family and on thoughtfully growing a dynamic, ever-evolving business with a great group of people,” she said. Davis is the kitchen and marketing manager for Chatham Harvesters, a fishermen’s cooperative.

 “Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she wrote in a letter to supporters. Davis thanked her fellow board members past and present, town staff and the town manager, “whose professionalism and outstanding commitment keep our town running day in and day out.”

 Davis was elected in 2017, having unseated incumbent Seth Taylor following an active campaign. She served two years as board chair, and was a local and regional leader during the response to the pandemic.

 “During my time on the Select Board, we’ve elevated long-term priorities such as community sustainability, housing, the working waterfront, and environmental stewardship,” Davis wrote. “I am proud of the collaborative leadership and steady decision-making that helps Chatham navigate key challenges and lay important groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable community.” In recent years, Davis has been in the majority of several split votes by the board. Does she think her departure will shift the political dynamic?

 “It’s my hope that the next Select Board member fully embraces the goals and responsibilities of the Board, takes the time to understand the role and its broader impact, and comes to the table with good intentions and thoughtful ideas that serve the best interests of the entire community,” she said.

 As of late last week, two residents had taken out nomination papers to run for Davis’ seat, and both were candidates for the board in the past. Carol Gordon ran unsuccessfully in 2003, but has been civically active and is currently completing a term on the board of health.

 “Whether it’s 2003 or 2026, there are always challenging issues to be tackled in Chatham. Sometimes it is necessary to take decisive steps from a new perspective to preserve what you value – keeping Chatham Chatham,” Gordon said. “Present day compelling issues are not new to Chatham residents- affordable housing, Center for Active Living, year round residential tax break, water, marshes, the airport.”

 Gordon said this is the right time for her candidacy.

 “I’ve had a change in my lifestyle and believe now I can devote the time necessary to be an informed select board member,” she said. That will begin by developing her platform, something she has only started to do, given the early date.

 “I will bring a fresh perspective to the Select Board. I look forward to listening to both sides of the issues and developing ways that work best for the people of Chatham. It’s not my agenda – it’s theirs,” she said.

 This will be Brian Phillips’ third shot at a seat on the select board. In 2024, he was defeated but still earned around 300 votes in a race against incumbents Cory Metters and Dean Nicastro. He tried again last year, running unsuccessfully against incumbents Jeffrey Dykens and Michael Schell and challenger Stuart Smith.

 Phillips said he is also still developing his platform, but said a central tenet is “keeping Chatham, Chatham.” There is a need to preserve the town’s historical charm and natural resources, he said, and a continued need to provide opportunities for seniors, young families “and the middle class.”

 “Everything is connected, and all of these issues that drove my previous candidacy are just as important as ever,” Phillips said. “I learn everything I can from each situation and opportunity I get. This past year, I have learned a tremendous amount about affordable housing and what types best suit Chatham's needs – and which kinds are not right for Chatham,” he said. 

Phillips said he has also learned more about the government mechanisms that are behind community preservation.

 “I will bring honesty, empathy, a blue-collar work ethic and knowing what makes Chatham special to the select board,” he said.

Candidates have until March 26 to return signed nomination forms for the May 14 annual town election.