After serving on the Select Board for nearly two decades, Jim Nye is not seeking re-election this June.
In an interview with the Current, the National Grand Bank president reflected on his 19 years of public service and the factors that led to his decision.
“It’s time,” said Nye, 62. “I’d like to spend time with my children; they are on their way out of college, so I’d just like to spend more time with them.”
Nye’s journey on the Select Board began in 2005 when he was inspired to run after a conversation with a woman from his church who was struggling with a proposed $2.7 million general override (which ultimately passed) and the impact it would have on her ability to remain in her home.
“She had lost her husband years before and on fixed income,” he recalled. “She told me, ‘Jim, I don’t think I can afford the taxes. I might need to sell my home.’”
Nye said the woman went on to say that she didn’t want to leave, especially since she had raised her kids in town. “That’s why I decided to run,” Nye said.
The town has not passed a general override since 2005.
In 2023, Nye was the only Select Board member to come out against a proposed $2.5 million general override. He said the town had a history of successfully meeting financial obligations without overrides and should do so again.
Nye and his Select Board colleagues faced criticism in 2023 for the town keeping millions of dollars at National Grand Bank and not securing higher interest rates elsewhere. The state Ethics Commission had earlier determined that there was no conflict of interest in Nye’s dual role. He told the Current that controversy did not factor into his decision to retire from the Select Board.
Jackie Belf-Becker, who served alongside Nye for 18 years, described him as “totally dedicated to Marblehead,” always putting his love for the town first.
“He’s a truly unique person. He’s generous, thoughtful and smart,” Belf-Becker said. “And I think the Select Board will miss him terribly.”
During his tenure, Nye has taken pride in several accomplishments, including maintaining the town’s triple A bond rating, several debt-exclusion override projects and cultivating a sense of town pride. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving these goals.
“It’s all been about being part of a team and getting things done,” he said. “I’ve often said that, as a Select Board member, you are either 20% of the solution or 20% of the problem.”
Select Board member Moses Grader praised Nye’s contributions and the impact.
“After 19 years, Jim’s departure from Select Board will be a great loss, but Jim also realizes that, with the direction of the board in good shape, that it is a good time to bow out and for others to step forward,” Grader said.
Grader also commended Nye’s character, highlighting his respect and kindness toward all people, “even under the most trying circumstances and unfair acrimony.”
Bret Muarry said he has admired his steadfast commitment to our community.
“He gets involved and never turns away from someone in need. Jim may be stepping back from the Select Board table,” he said, “but I know he will never step back from making Marblehead a better place to live.”
Nye did express concern about the impact of social media and anonymous criticism on the town’s discourse, noting a decline in civility.
As he looks to the future, he identified potential challenges for upcoming Select Boards, including budget issues and staffing, largely due to the high cost of living in Marblehead.
“Marblehead is a difficult geographic place to get to and a very expensive town,” he explained.
The decision to step away was not an easy one, but Nye believes it is the right choice for himself and his family.
“It’s been a great ride,” he said. “It’s been a blessing.”
