Stonington — Acting First Selectman George Crouse, a Democrat, and Republican Selectman Rob Simmons agreed Thursday that Crouse will serve the remaining 11 months of the term of former First Selectman Ed Haberek.

The agreement means the town will not have to go through the time and expense of holding a special election to fill the seat.

In addition, the two men agreed to appoint unaffiliated voter Mike Spellman of Pawcatuck to fill Crouse’s seat as selectman.

Crouse has been serving as acting first selectman since Dec. 5 when Haberek resigned after seven years to accept a job as head of school for the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Seattle, Wash.

Simmons, a former 2nd District congressman, had initially indicated that he was interested in serving the remaining months of Haberek’s term.

But in the resolution he made to appoint Crouse Tuesday, Simmons said a special election would add additional complications to the responsible management of the town and “potential turmoil in Town Hall,” something he and Crouse wish to avoid.

The board had 30 days to agree to appoint a first selectman. If they were unable to agree, a process would begin that would likely lead to a petition drive for a special election.

Crouse is a retired teacher who has served five years as selectman and is well known for coaching the high school tennis teams for the past 40 years.

Simmons said the agreement was done for the good of the town at a time “when we need to put divisiveness behind us.” He said holding a special election in a year when there will be a regular election would have created more divisiveness.

The two men shook hands and pledged to work with each other after the vote.

Simmons pointed out that they worked well together in 1986 when they served on the Board of Police Commissioners  during a “difficult time.” He said that cooperation would continue and result in “a new beginning for the town.”

“We want to get over the past and move to the future for a better Stonington,” Crouse said, a reference to the numerous controversies that dogged Haberek over the past few years.

Spellman, a lifelong resident, is a retired state police lieutenant who now works as an officer in the Groton City police department. He is the son of the late Jim Spellman, a longtime first selectman.

“I love my town. It’s my turn to serve,” he said about his decision to get on the board.

Simmons called the board “tripartisan,” something he said he is a “historic moment” for the town.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas