WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A local business owner has declared his intent to seek a spot on the Select Board in May's town election.

 

Nicholls White on Tuesday said he plans to run to serve the last year of the term being vacated by Jeffrey Thomas.

 

White is the owner of Purple Dragon Games on Spring Street and a longtime resident of the town.

 

"I'm someone who enjoys jury duty," White said in a news release. "I love civic society and I love Williamstown, and I care a lot about how leadership can create spaces that work for everyone.

 

"In gaming, I've spent years building inclusive spaces. My experience there could be of service to the town. The environment is also a passion of mine, and I'm eager to explore ways we could make the town greener."

 

White lived Williamstown most of his youth, attending Williamstown Elementary School and Mount Greylock Regional School before finishing his secondary education abroad.

 

He returned to town and earned a degree in philosophy from Williams College in 2004.

 

White lived in the Boston area until 2017, when he returned to Williamstown to open his store.

 

"Serving on the Select Board really appeals to me because it means I can bring my passion and experience in specific areas and use that to work with other folks who have their own skills and convictions that they bring to the table," White said. "That, to me, is a great strength of democracy, and of a small town like Williamstown. I admire the work lots of people are already doing to make sure everyone gets to enjoy that, and I'm eager to do my part to help make our town even better."

 

Thomas' unexpired term is one of two positions on the Select Board on the May 11 annual town election ballot. Also up for grabs will be the seat currently held by Anne O'Connor, who has announced she will not be running for re-election.

 

Nomination papers are currently available for those two races and several other positions in town government, including a seat on the Planning Board. The deadline to return papers with signatures is March 23.

 

Questions regarding running for town office can be addressed by reaching out to the town clerk's office at npedercini@williamstownma.gov or 413-458-3500, Ext. 101.