CHELSEA — Select board member Linda Leotsakos announced her resignation at a special board meeting Thursday night, citing health reasons.

Leotsakos, on the board since 2011, will resign effective June 30.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve with you on the board,” Chairman Ben Smith said to Leotsakos as he began the meeting at the town office.

Leotsakos said wishes she could stay to help the residents of Chelsea.

“I am very committed to the work of the town, and I feel bad,” she said.

Leotsakos began her term on the board two years ago amid turmoil and turnover at the Town Office.

Residents first elected Leotsakos in March of 2011 to serve the remaining 15 months of a three-year term following the resignation of Tanya Condon, who was the seventh town official to quit in 15 months.

A month before Leotsakos was elected, the select board chairwoman, Carole Swan, was arrested on fraud charges. Swan is awaiting trial on the charges.

“Back in that day it was very difficult for someone to step in and put in the time that the town needed, and you definitely did that,” Selectman Mike Pushard said. “The town should be very thankful that Linda won that seat.”

Last year, Leotsakos handily defeated Flavia Kelley, the former town clerk who had received a settlement the year before after trying to sue the town.

Pushard described those years of turmoil as rough.

“How about hellacious?” Leotsakos added.

Residents will vote for two selectmen at the June Town Meeting. Pushard’s three-year term will be up, and he said he’s undecided if he’ll run again.

The person elected to Leotsakos’ seat will serve the remaining two years of the term.

“It’s really important that folks get involved,” Leotsakos said. “Get involved and stay involved because we’re on a solid roll, and we want to continue in that direction.”

Paul Koenig — 621-5663
pkoenig@mainetoday.com