Robert Preston, the owner of a Main Street stationery shop, has been selected Bel Air mayor.
The Board of Town Commissioners picked Preston to replace mortgage banker Terence Hanley.
Hanley got the most votes in the Nov. 6 election, but went against his fellow commissioners by opposing a $5 million expansion of Town Hall and the attached Bel Air Police station.
Preston, 58, the third-generation owner of Preston?s Stationery, has served on the board since 2002. His father and grandfather also had served as commissioners.
“I think it was just my turn,” Preston said after being sworn in as mayor Monday night.
As mayor and chairman of the board, Preston will represent Bel Air in county and state meetings and at local events.
Preston said he planned to follow the example set by fellow commissioner David Carey, the former mayor who now serves as board vice chairman.
“I?ve always liked Dave Carey?s style,” Preston said. “I would like to look to his guidance, to try and take an even-keeled, upfront approach to leading.”
Hanley said he still opposes the expansion of Town Hall and the police station.
“I?m still going to vote my conscience and vote for what?s best for the town and the citizens of Bel Air,” he said.
Preston has already come out in favor of the project. He emphasizes not the Town Hall portion but the need for more space for the growing police force.
“It?s just time to invest in the future, and doing it now will give us the best value for our money,” he said. “We?ve paid off some existing loans, and that paves the way for some new projects.”
Preston has criticized Hanley, saying he pushed his own views more than those of the board.
Hanley said he is putting the criticism behind him to work together with other board members.
