Planning Board candidate and Chair Stephen Kokkins said being on the board is a balancing act, and it’s one he wants to continue performing.

“I think of it as my job to let everybody have their say so that the views are balanced,” he said. “We strive to represent the views of all the citizens.”

Kokkins has served one three-year term on Marion’s Planning Board, but he has 10 years of experience on Boxford’s Planning Board and Board of Appeals. Kokkins, his wife and daughter moved to town in 2002 but have spent summers in Marion since 1995.

As a professional engineer, Kokins said his 45 years of experience in the field has served the board well.

“I can apply that knowledge when developers come before the board,” he said. “I have some degree of expertise when it comes to determining the implications of a project.”

Under his leadership, the process of revising the master plan began and bylaws related to solar installations were reviewed and updated. Also, Kokins worked with Cumberland Farms representatives to help curb traffic congestion at the gas station last summer.

Kokkins also said the board conducted several pre-submission hearing with Mark Investments LLC related to the proposed construction of a CVS at the corner of Front Street and Route 6. The hearings attracted a lot of interest and the board successfully considered a wide range of potential impacts to Marion.

If re-elected, Kokkins said preserving Marion’s character would be a priority. “Change is inevitable,” Kokkins said. “We need to have a steady policy in terms of how to protect our town while providing opportunities for businesses to grow.”