By Carol Britton Meyer

Longtime Hull Town Counsel James Lampke this week announced his plans to “wind up” his career between now and the next fiscal year.

“It’s been an honor and the privilege of a lifetime to have served my hometown,” he said during Wednesday’s select board meeting. “While it has often been demanding and challenging as my main occupation, I have never ceased to feel a sense of satisfaction in helping make Hull the great community that it is.”

Lampke said while it remains to be seen whether there’s another role for him in town government once he retires, he plans to continue “working cooperatively [with town officials] to get everything done” in the meantime.

“I will discuss with the town manager and others how to [accomplish] an orderly and smooth transition moving forward,” he said.

Lampke, whose father, Haskell, was Hull’s town counsel before him, thanked town employees and officials and residents for their support over the years. He has been Hull’s in-house attorney since 1978.

“Hull’s government is a true team effort, and the public should be proud of the town’s workforce and the town and all that is being accomplished,” he said, adding that he is grateful to have been part of it. He thanked his family for “tolerating my absences due to work demands, and also for supporting me all these years.”

Chair Greg Grey congratulated Lampke “for finally entering this phase. It’s well-deserved, and the town can’t thank you enough.”

It’s been a labor of love, Lampke responded, “as it is for board members and the town manager and employees.”

“You’d make a great selectman!” quipped board member Brian McCarthy.

Town Manager Jennifer Constable, who previously was a member of the select board, told Lampke that it has been a privilege for her to work with him when’s she’s been serving in multiple roles.

“I’ve learned a ton,” she said. “This is not an easy decision for Jim. He worries about the town and the work he’s leaving behind, but while we’re grateful, we will be OK,” she said.

At least one thing is certain, the Hull native noted: “I won’t be leaving Hull,” he said.

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