Tobin, a former councilor, will fill the spot vacated by the resignation of Blaine Davis until the November election.

The Windham Town Council last night appointed former Councilor David Tobin to fill the at-large seat vacated by the resignation of Blaine Davis.

Tobin, who served on the council for 10 years ending in June 2007, will serve in the seat until the November elections, when candidates will vie for the remaining year of Davis’ term. He told councilors he would not seek the spot in November, a prerequisite the council set when looking to fill the position. Councilors agreed appointing a future candidate to the seat would give that candidate an unfair advantage in the election.

Before making the appointment last night, the councilors met in private to review applications from three candidates: Tobin, former Councilor Will Blanchard, and George Thebarge, a longtime Windham resident and planning consultant. The candidates did not attend the session.

Though all three candidates were impressive, Tobin, who also represented Windham in the Legislature for three terms and has served on many town committees over the years, was the best fit to step up and serve right away, Councilor Donna Chapman said.

“Dave has been doing a lot for the town. He’s up to speed,” she said.

In his application, Tobin, a Republican, touted his experience and knowledge of the council. Last week, councilors agreed that the seat should be filled in the interim in order to give the council another voting member. Before the appointment, there were only five members, and four votes are needed to approve an item. If an item is voted down, the council cannot take it up again for a year.

“I believe that the council needs enough members to make sure it can meet a quorum. This is a short-term appointment and experience is very important,” wrote in his application. “I look at this position as a fill-in Town Councilor as an insurance policy in case anything happens to another councilor, such as sickness, necessary travel, requirements of employment, etc.”

Tobin, who is retired, is a former American Legion Post Commander and has served on many town committees, including three Comprehensive Planning Committees, the Public Safety Building Committee, and the Windham Ordinance Review Committee.

Residents could see a shake up on the council in November, when four seats will be up for grabs. Starting Aug. 10, potential candidates can pick up their nomination forms at the town offices for a one-year at-large term, a three-year at-large term, a three-year term representing the West District, and a one-year term representing the North District.

David Tobin