After 26 years of public service in Marion, Selectman Roger Blanchette announced on Tuesday his plan not to seek re-election when his second term on the board expires this spring.

Blanchette, who has been on the Board of Selectmen for the past 6 years, previously served on the Private Roads Committee, Housing Partnership Committee, Finance Committee and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

His fellow board member Stephen Cushing and Chairman John Henry congratulated Blanchette for his commitment to serving the people of Marion.

“Take a second to look back and I ask you to come up with a name of someone who is equal to your service to the town of Marion,” Henry said to Blanchette. “You are not just someone who shows up to the meeting but a mover and a decision-maker.”

Both Henry and Cushing said it was Blanchette’s ability to never shy from speaking his mind that garnered him support from the community over the years.

“People supported you in office because of your brand of attentiveness,” Henry said.

His brand, Henry said is Blanchette's ability to challenge people, even the Chairman, when he disagreed with them.

“It’s been a real lesson in humility for me,” Henry said. “In the army if you talked to me the way you do, you would be in Leavenworth but you can walk out of here with your head held high.”

“Roger is always willing to say the things no one wanted to,” Cushing said. “And that’s important.”

Blanchette’s replacement will be decided during the Town Elections scheduled for May 25.