To the Editor:

Hello citizens of Marion – I’m Steve Kokkins, current chairman of your Planning Board, and I’m running for re-election this May. It’s an honor to serve Marion and its citizens – you – and I hope to continue in that service.

While there are certainly important issues and trends larger than our town of Marion, in our state, country, and even the world which we may keep in mind, the primary objective of our Planning Board is to benefit the common welfare of our wonderful town, both now and into the future.

As your present chairman, and as your vice-chairman before that, you have seen that we have been very busy dealing with new issues of development, future planning and appropriate land use. I’d like to emphasize that I, and other members, feel that involvement and contributions of you, our residents, is extremely important, and welcome. I want to work to keep this going, or even increase.

I support creative use of key areas such as our Route 6 and Front Street corridors, with an attractive balance of appropriately-sized businesses and possible inclusion of some mixed-use zoning to energize this vital area. We have encouraged compatible businesses to flourish in our unique Village area which constitutes a most pleasant and unique focus of our town. I’ve helped to create board sub-committees to concentrate on these efforts, which include talented citizen members as well, and more are welcome!

We’ve seen an increasing diversity of opinions on our board, as well as with groups of active residents. This is a part of our free democracy which we all cherish. But, we should strive to treat all persons with respect and courtesy, allow all to speak with consideration for others, and expect the same in return. This is how we can keep focused on our primary job, which is to benefit our town, its people, institutions and businesses—over and above any personal agendas or politics. If re-elected, I hope to continue this philosophy so we can best serve you.

Finally, a little personal background which I think helps make me a good candidate to continue to serve on this board: I’ve been a registered professional engineer in both Massachusetts and New York, which helps me understand much of the civil and environmental issues brought before us, plus managed many programs in projects over time; I’ve served here in Marion for three years (resident for over 15,) but before that also served for about 10 years on each of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of our prior home town of Boxford. So, I have a little experience there to bring to the table – plus likely a few extra gray hairs!

My professional experience in 45 years of work at the School of Hard Knocks has helped me in life, and, I hope, in being a good Planning Board member with a balanced and sensible outlook.

These last characteristics I see in most other members and residents will surely result in the best and most widely-supported service to our beautiful and unique seaside town.

Thank you for your support, and please vote on May 15. Two seats need to be filled, so make your best choices!

Steve Kokkins