Former Selectman John Haederle was honored Monday night during his final meeting at Easton Town Offices by fellow selectmen and State Senator Brian A. Joyce. Haederle opened the meeting with a speech of his own, but was honored throughout the night with two plaques and an emotional farewell.
 
"I feel like I'm at my own funeral," Haederle said.
 
Haederle, who has been on the Board of Selectmen since 2003, announced last week that he would be resigning to take a job in Washington D.C. as Director of Business for International Relief and Development. He said he plans to move early next month.
 
Haederle's departure leaves two vacancies on the Board of Selectmen. Irwin Cohen, who was not present at Monday's meeting, has decided not to run for an additional three-year term.
 
Currently, three people have pulled papers to run for Cohen's seat. Finance committee members Todd Gornstein and Patrick Goodman have joined Planning and Zoning Board member Dan Smith in a race for the three-year term.
 
On Monday, Haederle's seat became available for candidates, who must specify which seat they are running for. On Thursday, Finance Committee member Daniel Murphy pulled papers to run for Haederle's open seat.
 
Haederle, the 25-year Easton resident said preserving the Shovelshops last year was among his proudest moments as a Selectman, but he also mentioned renovations to Oliver Ames High School and Easton Middle School, and passing an override in 2006 as notable accomplishments during his time on the board.
 
State Senator Brian A. Joyce, who was re-elected to the Massachusetts state Senate in November, made an appearance at the meeting to present Haederle with a plaque from the state.
 
"I will tell you all sincerely, I think this is the best run town of all the town’s I’ve served, and John Haederle is a key component," said Joyce. "I know you’re off to bigger and better things. I wish you all the best. You’re a good man, you've done a lot for this town, and I’m glad you are my friend."
 
Joyce's sentiments were echoed by Board of Selectmen chair Colleen Corona, who presented Haederle with a plaque from the Town of Easton.
 
"You’ve been there every time I’ve needed support," she said. "I talk to you twice a day sometimes. It’s going to be very hard."
 
Haederle said accomplishments over the years were the result of team-efforts, and also noted that Easton has a bright future ahead with a board that is transforming. Former Finance Committee member Sean Noonan took over for Charles King last year and two new faces will take the place of Cohen and Haederle beginning in April.
 
"Everything that’s happening in town couldn’t have happened without a very dedicated group," Haederle said. "The next generation of leadership coming in is going to do an outstanding job as well."