Thompson Recognized For Long Commitment To Community Service

 HARWICH – On May 13 the water/wastewater department staff held a farewell gathering for the outgoing commissioners Allin Thompson and John Gough, who did not seek re-election. There was also a major focus on Thompson, who has served the town in various capacities, mostly as a volunteer, for 60 years, including 16 on the commission. Thompson, 85, also served three terms as a selectman.

 “It’s been a wonderful run,” Thompson said at the gathering of town officials and friends. “I’m not running for anything, or away from anything. The people of the town of Harwich have always been first class to me in every way and I’ve done all I could over the years to make our lives better.”

 “Your time here on the board, with all your experience you bring along, guided and led this department with professionalism,” said water/wastewater staff member Wellesley Marsh. “Thank you for everything you’ve done. We’re better off for it.”

Water/wastewater Commission Vice Chair Noreen Donahue thanked Thompson for his years of service, friendship and all of the history and knowledge he provided to the commission.

Former select board member Larry Ballantine praised Thompson’s commitment to the community over the years, adding that Thompson was also one of the founding members of the Pleasant Bay Alliance.

Thompson said he started contributing to the town in 1966 and was appointed to an unexpired term on the parks commission in 1967. He served until he made the transition to the finance committee in the early 1970s. He resigned from the finance committee in 1977 and took a paid position as the committee’s executive secretary.

He was elected to serve on the town’s initial charter commission in 1986. During that period he also served on the historical commission. In 1988 he was appointed to the bylaw review committee. He was elected to the board of selectmen in 1989 and re-elected to three-year terms in 1992 and 1995. While serving on the board, he also served on the Brooks Academy Museum Commission and on a school superintendent search committee.

Over the years, he continued to serve on the citizens advisory committee for wastewater and the wastewater implementation committee. He was chair of the school building needs committee and served on the Monomoy Regional High School building committee. He remained on the Pleasant Bay Alliance for 20 years, and now completes his 16 years on the water/wastewater commission. 

Gough was elected to the water/wastewater commission six years ago, when the commission was expanded from three to five members. Donahue praised his service to the community over that time.

The two outgoing members have a lot to be pleased with during their service as commissioners. Thompson and Gough received copies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water Program award. The 2026 Public Water System Award was just presented to the Harwich Water Department for outstanding performance and achievement in the medium and large community systems category for 2025.

The two candidates running unopposed on Tuesday’s annual election ballot to fill the seats are Ed McManus and Ann Frechette.