East Lyme — First Selectman Mark Nickerson has announced that he will seek re-election in November.

Nickerson, a Republican, became first selectman in Jan. 2015 to serve the remainder of former First Selectman Paul Formica's term after Formica was elected to the state Senate. Nickerson then was elected to a full two-year term as first selectman in Nov. 2015. 

"Being the First Selectman of East Lyme has been an incredibly rewarding experience," Nickerson wrote in part of the announcement on his website. "In my position, I have the unique perspective of seeing the entire town’s operations, boards/commissions, volunteer groups and non-profits all come together to do their part to make our town the great community it is. We keep politics out of the management and development of our town; we accomplish these great results as a team. And THAT makes all the difference!"

In the announcement, he listed the completion of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, the purchase of the former Mobil gas station on Main Street and plans for a park there, the independent police force, improvements to the Community Center parking lot, the schools project, new band shell at McCook Point Park and plans for a dog park as accomplishments.

Nickerson said by phone Friday that being first selectman is an awesome opportunity to give back to a great town and work with professional department heads and commission members.

"I don't think my job is finished here yet," he said. "I think there is still a lot to accomplish and a lot that I can do. Three years just isn't enough."

He added that he is up for the challenge of leading the town and its citizens through the state's economic recovery that he is optimistic will happen at some point.

k.drelich@theday.com