At-large member of sewer seat filled after ballot error

Scott Soby was appointed the member-at-large on the Board of Sewer Commissioners Tuesday, May 3 at a joint Select Board and Board of Sewer Commissioners meeting with a term expiring May 6, 2026.

Soby’s appointment comes after an error on ballot for the May 6 town election that did not include a position for member-at-large. The ballot instead gave voters the choice to vote for a non-sewer user when the position was already filled by James Giberti. 

Soby previously filled a spot left vacant on the Board of Sewer Commissioners in Aug. 2024. 

Soby was defeated by Carey Paster in the election as they both ran for a sewer commissioner seat.

The sewer commission consists of five members. Three sewer users, one non-sewer user and an at-large member, this person can be a sewer user or a non-sewer user.

Soby said that would like to focus on the nitrogen pollution and limitations on sewer extensions.

"I think we have to think more regionally than just the town of Wareham," he said. "Pollution doesn't recognize boundaries."

Coming together with surrounding towns like Marion, Carver and Bourne to solve pollution problems is something Soby said he thinks would be beneficial. Soby also said he wants to keep an eye on emerging technologies. 

"Traditional engineering solutions like sewer plants are big, expensive and have high maintenance costs," he said. "There may be other technologies that are becoming available that would help us solve some of our finance and pollution problems at a much lower cost."

Soby said he enjoyed working with the waste water treatment plant and highlighted sewer director Scott Kraihanzel. 

A informational sewer meeting will be held Monday, June 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 520 in the Multi Service Center at 48 Marion Road to discuss the draft Recommended Plan for the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.