Salem - Although First Selectman Bob Ross will not run for re-election this fall, he said he wants to serve on the Board of Selectmen in the upcoming election.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell last week appointed Ross executive director of military affairs, a job he starts today.

He could stay on as first selectman, but Ross said that holding two full-time jobs would be too much.

"I don't want to get myself overextended and not be able to do either well, which would be bad for the town, bad for the state and bad for my reputation," Ross said Thursday.

The Board of Selectmen has two open positions for part-time members, including Democrat incumbent Anne Krodel's seat. She has announced she will not seek re-election.

Ross, who has no party affiliation, promised a smooth transition to the new first selectman. He added that if elected to the board of selectmen, he will work hard for the new selectman's vision, whatever that vision might be.

"I'd really thought I would (be first selectman) for two terms," Ross said. "I made a list of about 12 things I wanted to do next term, and I plan on sharing those with whoever is voted in to replace me."

During his one term, Ross has pushed for more economic development and a more progressive government, highlighted by modernizing the town's Web site.

His biggest contribution was an initiative for a modern roundabout to replace the Salem Four Corner's stop light. The project, which could start as early as 2011, has been approved by Department of Transportation engineers.

According to Babes Country Deli owner Bob Currier, whose sandwich shop is arguably the town's epicenter of resident commentary, most people are sad to see Ross go.

Ross came into the deli earlier this week for breakfast, after the announcement of him not running again was made public, and he was greeted by townsfolk with handshakes and congratulations, according to Currier,

"I'm going to be a public servant my whole life," Ross said, who expects to serve on the Board of Selectmen indefinitely. "I have no plans on leaving Salem any time soon."

In his final five months of service, Ross intends to restore Salem's historical buildings on the town green. The architectural assessment of the two buildings will cost about $20,000. If renovation appears plausible, Ross will seek state and federal grants to pay for the restoration.