Updated Jan. 30
After one term on the Oak Bluffs Select Board, Thomas Hallahan has decided to forgo another run on the town’s governing group.
The decision was confirmed by Amy Del Torto, Oak Bluffs town clerk.
“Although I have enjoyed my time on the [select board], I have decided not to run for another term,” Hallahan wrote in a Jan. 7 email to Amy Del Torto, Oak Bluffs town clerk.
Hallahan told the Times it was a difficult decision.
“Simply put, it felt like it was time to step down and be available for other opportunities that may be out there,” he said.
Hallahan was voted to the board in 2023 alongside Dion Alley. The two took the seats of former select board members Ryan Ruley and Brian Packish, who did not seek re-election that year.
Hallahan is also currently the senior director of administration, advancement, and finance at Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation. He previously led Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard for five years as executive director before becoming associate provost of the colleges of health at the American University of Iraq, Baghdad in 2021.
Hallahan previously lived or worked in various countries before taking his position at Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation, largely in the Middle East, including as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Jordan in Amman, in teaching positions like at Hamad Medical Center in Qatar, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Palestine, and doing consultation work in Saudi Arabia.
On the board, Hallahan said he worked with a dedicated group and received mentorship on stewardship from former long-time members Gail Barmakian and Jason Balboni.
“Each of the current members is committed and working towards what is best for the town,” Hallahan said.
Reflecting on what had been accomplished during his time on the board, he highlighted working with the harbor advisory committee to minimize the impact of personal watercraft in town waters and advancing the repairs underway to the jetty for Oak Bluffs Harbor. He also mentioned supporting Wendy Brough, Oak Bluffs assistant town administrator, to implement “a number of coastal resiliency projects,” hiring a new fire chief, and chairing the annual town fireworks “with my friend and colleague, Dion Alley.”
Del Torto said so far nobody has taken out nomination papers for a select board position except Alley, who’s running for re-election in the town election on April 16. Nomination papers will be available to pick up at Oak Bluffs town hall until Feb. 24. Nomination papers will be accepted until Feb. 26, and Del Torto said those interested in running for the select board need to get at least 24 signatures to be added to the ballot.
Hallahan isn’t the only select board member on the Vineyard who has decided not to seek re-election. Last week, Chilmark Select Board chair Marie Larsen announced she would not seek re-election.
Editor’s note: Updated with comments from Thomas Hallahan.
