The people of Waterford have spoken. They want Whizzer Wheeler – as cantankerous as he is – to represent their interests in town governance.

Wheeler was elected selectman Wednesday, an election that sets him right back in the seat he resigned in July, enabling him to serve out his original term through March.

The Whizzer wasn’t even campaigning for office. In fact, he resigned with some vigor in the midst of an effort by a small group of citizens to recall him. He was, he said, tired of the personal attacks and drained from slugging through an atmosphere “fraught with bitterness and divisiveness.”

The town made a good-faith effort to replace Wheeler, including a public forum held Aug. 29 for voters to question three residents who were seeking the open seat. Interestingly, Take Back Our Waterford – the group that mounted the recall effort against Wheeler – did not put forth a candidate for the seat, an indication that the group is capable of relentless, grinding criticism but not of identifying and seating an alternative.

We’re delighted to see Wheeler re-seated as a selectman. His win was decisive, with 117 write-in votes, which is 46 more votes than anyone who was actually campaigning for the office.

The resounding re-election puts the question of whether Wheeler’s service to his constituents is welcome and appreciated to rest. He’s the man.

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