SCARBOROUGH – In a surprise announcement made at the close of Wednesday’s Scarborough Town Council meeting, Michael Wood announced his resignation, effective with the November elections.

An air traffic controller at Portland International Airport and three years away from mandatory retirement at age 56, Wood said he’s taken a new job with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in New Hampshire.

“That requires quite a bit of travel, beginning in September,” he said, “and, after a lot of thought, I think it’s only fair to the citizens that I resign my position on the Town Council in time so that those citizens who wish to run have time to gather the required signatures to get themselves on the ballot.”

Wood’s resignation means that four of seven seats on the Town Council could turn over this fall. Councilors Karen D’Andrea, Ron Ahlquist and Richard Sullivan are up for re-election. Wood has two years remaining on his term. Council Chairwoman Judith Roy noted that, by timing his resignation to the regular election cycle, Wood saves the town the cost of staging a special election.

Wood said he considered trying to finish out his term, but ultimately decided he would be unable to devote sufficient attention to the job.

“I take very seriously this position that folks have voted me on and I think it’s very important that I have the right amount time and preparation to represent folks in the manner I think I’ve accustomed myself to,” he said.

Wood is in his fourth year on the Town Council, having previously served nine years on the Planning Board. The new super-commute that prompted his resignation is a result of his refusal to relocate.

“I love my home here in Scarborough,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Nomination papers are available now at the town office to run for one of the four open council seats. Forms must be returned to the town clerk by 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Sept. 7. Those interested in running for office will have to specify whether they are running for one of the the three full terms available, or to fill out Wood’s unexpired term.

To date, D’Andrea has announced her intent to stand for re-election, while Kerry Corthell, the second alternate on the Planning Board, also has taken out nomination papers.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Michael Wood