Brian Packish (left) and Ryan Ruley will not run for re-election this spring.
Aidan Pollard

Ryan Ruley and Brian Packish Will Not Seek Reelection

Ryan Ruley and Brian Packish have announced they will not run for reelection to the Oak Bluffs select board this spring.

Ryan Ruley and Brian Packish have announced they will not run for reelection to the Oak Bluffs select board this spring, leaving two spaces open on the town’s governing board. Mr. Ruley, the current chairman of the select board, announced he would not seek reelection in an update at the select board meeting Tuesday. Mr. Packish confirmed in a phone call with the Gazette Wednesday that he would also leave the select board at the end of his term.

“I have been pretty vocal the last two years that I wouldn’t be seeking reelection,” Mr. Packish said. “I believe there should be term limits in town government.”

Mr. Packish will leave the board following his second term as select person. He previously served for five years on the town’s planning board. He said that in his nearly six years on the board, he’s proud of the work the town has accomplished.

“I honestly feel like the town has never been in a better position,” Mr. Packish said. “I feel like we have the best staff, the best department heads . . . financially we’re in a great position.”

Mr. Ruley leaves the board at the completion of his first term. His position on the select board was his first in office, elected as a newcomer in 2020 in a four-way race with Mr. Packish, restaurateur Mike Santoro and Richard Weiss for two seats on the board.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Ruley did not elaborate on his reason for leaving the board, and requests for comment by the Gazette went unanswered by press time Thursday.

Mr. Packish said he is not ruling out further government involvement in the future, but noted that he feels it’s time for a few new faces on the Oak Bluffs select board.

“I think we got a lot done,” he said.

Town elections take place April 13, with nomination papers available starting Jan. 3.

 

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/15/2022 - 18:43

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Tom OB

I like both Brian and Ryan. They have done a great job. Thank you for your service to the Town. I agree with term limits on Select boards and MVC.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/16/2022 - 06:56

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Bob Edgartown

We need more people in the public office to take Mr. Packish Lead in understanding term limits. The stagnation across all island boards is not healthy for the island. New faces with new, thinking, is always a good mix to the old ways of doing things. Thank you for your service.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/16/2022 - 10:26

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Paul OB

Brian you have done so much for OB and thank you! Yes we need term limits across all boards, especially MVC..
Wouldn’t it be nice to have it in all Government?? State Senate etc???
I suggest a 2 term limit.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/16/2022 - 17:18

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Rational Person Oak Bluffs

Brian Packish has been a big part of the Oak Bluffs transformation over the last decade. From his time on the Planning Board to his terms as Selectperson his leadership has helped to guide the town through various projects that are the envy of other island towns. The North Bluff improvements, Streetscape project for Circuit Ave, and the upcoming improvements to Healey Square and Kennebec Ave as well as the recently completed Town Hall. His leadership will be missed.

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