Marion Selectman Norm Hills is running again to keep his seat on the Board of Selectmen and continue what he said is a good synergy of the current board that works well for the town.

“As the incumbent, I have a clear understanding of the issues we are addressing and the challenges we see in the near future,” said Hills.

A resident of Marion since 2003, he holds a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, and a Masters of Science and a degree in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate school. 

After overhauling nuclear submarines and underwater systems in the Navy for the Engineering Duty Office when he served, Hills was employed by several government contractors doing similar work.

He leans on his engineering background for many of the issues that he sees as Selectman. 

Hills said that funding for the ongoing septic system overhaul that Marion has been planning is complex because as the project adds more phases and subprojects, it becomes more expensive. 

The board has been working for three years with state representatives to secure $2 million in funding to offset part of the cost, and has asked residents to write letters to the state for more funding. 

Selectmen are also looking to expand the system. If the town were to approve a new residential apartment complex, it would most likely have to expand the system’s limited capacity as well.

Hills is familiar with the specifics of developments as a member of the town’s Planning Board. He said that he is working with the Planning Board to develop tighter bylaws to give the town more control over who is allowed to build so that it has more control over projects

Hills said that the town is able to take on these projects because it is in good financial condition. 

“It would be difficult to improve the Town’s financial standing,” he said

Hills lives in the town with his wife, Helen, and has a son in Maine and Daughter in California. 

He wants to continue being on the Marion Board of Selectmen to sustain the good relationship between the members and contribute even more to the town’s future.

“I am eager to commit to another three years to the town,” said Hills.