CAMDEN —There are now two more dates that will have special significance in John French’s 21 years of service on the Camden Select Board. The first was presiding over his final meeting as chairman and a member of the Select Board at annual Town Meeting June 13. The second was June 19, the first time in over two decades he watched a Select Board meeting from his home, sitting in a comfortable chair in his living room.

“I miss it already,” he said. “I am slowly deprogramming.”

This reporter recently had a fireside chat with French at his business, Coastal Auto Repair on John Street in Camden. It was an interview that I expected to last about one hour, but we talked for almost two hours, given the institutional history, anecdotes and knowledge that French energetically shared about a town he loves.

While we talked, a steady flow of customers stopped by to check on the status of their vehicles, asking whether a particular ailment in a vehicle needed immediate attention. And then there was a delivery for one of his repairs and constant flood of phone calls, although French described, with a big grin, his “special technique” for dealing with pesky telemarketers.

He has taken the meaning of open door policy to a whole new level during the years he served on the Select Board. Besides the normal business activity in the shop five days a week, there were also those who stopped by to discuss town issues, some wanting more information and clarification, others expressing opinions, sometimes differing from French’s position.

“It took a lot of hours away from work, but I made a commitment,” he said. “I have tried to respect folks, listen to them, show patience and help them through the process. Everyone has a right to be heard.”

It was 1997 and 21 years ago when French first won a seat on the Camden Select Board.

A gallon of gas cost $1.22, the price of a First-Class stamp was 32 cents, Bill Clinton was president and Titantic was the movie of the year.

Internet 4 was in the early stages and email was just launched.   

Communications between the select board and town manager were entirely different 21 years ago.

Meeting packets were hand delivered by a Camden police officer on the Thursday night before they met. There were a lot of phone calls used to discuss business, as well.

“I love talking to people and having the personal contact, eye to eye,” he said. “That’s my preference over Facebook, Twitter and social media.”

Why did French decide to run for the Select Board?

“I wanted to serve. Sounds corny, but true.”

Plus, some friends talked him into it.

His first run in town government was for both the Budget Committee and Select Board. He won both elections.

“And the rest was history,” he said.

French spoke about the “the original five,” including himself, who were the Select Board members he served with after he was elected in 1997. They were Peter Gross, chairman; Sid Lindsey, vice chairman; plus Brian Keefe and Leonard Lookner.

He has worked with four different town managers: Roger Moody, Roberta Smith, Pat Finnigan and Audra Caler-Bell.

French speaks highly of Caler-Bell, whom he described as a great fit for the town, has faith in her staff, and is an energetic leader.

I asked French if there were any accomplishments he was most proud of. He replied no, because he thinks of himself a part of a team and not as a single volunteer.

“I wanted to do what was best for the community and keep involved,” he said. “I didn’t have an agenda and only wanted to represent the interests of the citizens in the town.”

Was there anything he would have done differently?

“Looking back, I would have hired a clerk of works for the Snow Bowl project to implement a much different review process,” he said. “We all learned the hard way and I still take full responsibility for the issues.”

Why did he keep on running for the Select Board?

“There was always a project to finish,” French said. “It was a fast 21 years.”

And coming to closure with over two decades of service, has been a poignant experience for him.

“After voting this year, I sat down on the bumper of a Camden fire truck,” he said. “It was a time to reflect. I felt emotional and taken back with all of the well wishes and just everything.”

He has confidence in the current board.

“We have a good future,” he said. “The ship is going the right away. We are in good shape financially, the books are straightened out and we are fortunate with the town employees we have.”

French added: “It has been a pleasure and honor to have served. We are blessed with 20 or some odd committees who care about this town. They may disagree, but not many towns can say this: It’s not about politics, but about the community.”

He’s got some plans, however.

“I am going to finish my term on the Midcoast Solid Waste Board of Directors, which ends June 27 and possibly may stay on there,” he said. “I’d like to see what shakes out with the new board. I’m also thinking about the budget committee.”

French said that while he misses serving on the board already, he is excited about spending more time with his four grandchildren, especially with sleepovers at his home.

He volunteered that he doesn’t plan to run for the Select Board again anytime soon.

But, “never say never,” he added.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com