To the Editor:

Marion is fortunate to have five excellent candidates running for a seat on our Selectboard. I thank them all for stepping up to serve our town in this challenging position.

As you all know, Marion is facing some daunting issues in the near future: the possibility of an expensive renovation to our wastewater treatment plant, antiquated and leaking sewer and water pipes, crumbling roads and town buildings, and vulnerabilities to coastal flooding…to name just a few. Tackling these challenges will require committed leaders who are skilled in management, planning, infrastructure, and town governance.

There is only one candidate who possesses all of these qualities, and he is Norm Hills.

Norm will bring his 50 years of experience as a mechanical engineer and project manager to the job of improving Marion’s infrastructure. He will bring his experience on six town boards and committees to navigating town governance. He will bring his 18 years as a project manager for the Navy to implementing our new Master Plan and preparing Marion for the future. Norm does his homework, he knows the rules and plays by them, and he makes decisions based on facts.

His hard work on the Master Plan was acknowledged last year with the Special Recognition Award from the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), the organization that has assisted Marion with the development of our Master Plan. The award citation praised Norm’s “pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to town planning.”

When we need an expert to do a tough job, we all seek out the most qualified and experienced person we can find. Marion has tough jobs ahead, and Norm Hills is the clear choice to tackle them. Please join me in voting for Norm Hills for Selectman on May 12 .

Jennifer Francis

Marion