Candidate profile: Andrew Daniel for Marion Planning Board

May 5, 2021

MARION — Planning Board incumbent Andrew Daniel says it doesn’t matter what kind of business comes to the board — he tries to treat all of them equally.

“It could be a big institution or a small coffee shop,” Daniel said, adding that his job is to “hear each case and treat everyone fairly.”

Daniel is in his sixth year on the board and running for his second full term. He started on the board when there was a vacancy, and he was appointed by the Selectmen.

As for why he sought his original appointment, Daniel said “there were a couple cases where I really disagreed with how a couple cases were being treated.”

Since starting on the board, Daniel said he’s proud of having been a proponent of The Mary Celeste Whiskey and Wine Library and Tri-Town Motors. 

Daniel, who works as a facilities director for the Town of Rochester, previously owned a home improvement business.

He said he feels his experience in construction qualifies him for the position.

“My gift is I can make plans sing,” he said. “I can visualize [them] in my mind.”

In addition to serving on the Planning Board, Daniel sits on the Old Rochester Youth Baseball board and coaches for the program, and is a member of the Friends of the Marion Recreation Committee.

Daniel said the biggest issues facing the Planning Board are the multiple proposed housing projects and sewer and water limitations, which he said make it difficult to approve such projects.

“That’s gonna be a huge hurdle,” he said.

Additionally, Daniel said he’s excited to see the board fill out, after dealing with a longstanding vacancy.

“I’m just glad to see people wanting to get involved,” Daniel said. “We need new people in town government.”