Lucy Wallace (File photo)

Though the election is more than three months away, one candidate has already announced her intention to run for a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Lucy Wallace, of Orchard Hill, who served four consecutive terms on the board between 1998 and 2010, said she will compete for the seat currently held by Peter Warren, whose term expires this year.

"There's always speculation and I thought that since I'd already made a decision, I might as well announce it," Wallace told the Press in a brief phone interview.

In a 200-word announcement released on her behalf Tuesday, Wallace is quoted as saying, "The choices we make today will define Harvard, now and in the future, whether guiding commercial development, revitalizing town center, restoring our historic buildings, or deciding our future with Devens. Our current quality of life and the legacy we leave for future generations are at stake."

Wallace did not seek reelection in 2010. Since leaving the Board of Selectmen, Wallace has remained active on town committees. She was named "Citizen of Note" in 2010.

Wallace is currently co-chair of the Council on Aging, a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee, and in her third year as president of the board of the Nashua River Watershed Association. She is also a member of the Board of Deacons of the Congregational Church of Harvard. During 2010 and 2011 she was a member of the first Municipal Buildings Committee.

Wallace has been a constant presence at meetings of the current Municipal Building Committee as it has developed its recommendations for the renovation and expansion of Hildreth House, the town's senior center.

Asked why she was running once again, Wallace said, "The Selectmen are at the helm and can make a difference." She said that a number of residents had asked her to run.

"It's not that I've just been sitting on my little hill wondering, 'Hmmm. What should I do next?'," Wallace said.

Wallace bemoaned what she described as a recent lack of respect among members of town boards.

"It can happen on any board, not just the Board of Selectmen," she said. "People have disagreements and that's what a democracy is all about. But it's also about listening to each other and finding consensus and working with each other…I think I can bring that kind of experience to bear, and I like to be able to do that. I have an opportunity now and want to do what I can."

Warren, a former Harvard Fire Department chief, told the Press in an email Wednesday he is "undecided at this point" about seeking re-election. He was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2009 and served as chair from July 2010 through June 2011. He currently represents the Selectmen as a voting member of the Capital Planning and Investment Committee.

Candidates for town boards must first be nominated at Town Caucus. Town Clerk Janet Vallente has proposed the evening of Saturday, March 10, as the caucus date, but Selectmen must approve it before it is official. Town elections are scheduled for May 1.