MARION — In preparation for the Marion Election on Friday, May 16, nine candidates from the Planning Board, Open Space Acquisition Commission and the Select Board discussed their intentions and ideas for the town at a forum on Tuesday, April 29.

All four Select Board candidates running for one open seat appeared at the forum, including Cynthia Callow, John Hoagland, Sean Sweeney and George “TJ” Walker.

Callow has contributed to a number of committees in the Marion government, including working as Chair of the Conservation Commission for seven years and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals since 2019 and acting as chair since 2020.

“I know this town, I know this government and I know how it works and I have the time to devote to the job,” she said.

At the forum, she pointed out road repairs, problems with sewer and water systems and Town House renovations as some of her top priorities.

Callow said that if she’s elected to the Select Board, she intends to ensure safety for all residents on existing roads and sidewalks by looking into paving and repairs in addition to fixing infrastructure below the pavement and asphalt.

In regards to sewer and water issues, she stated that the town must look for solutions to the current high-rates that residents are paying.

Callow emphasized that the town must get creative to “get more people on the sewer line” and ease the burden of residents who currently pay for water and sewer.

Callow also asserted that Town House renovations must be completed in order to avoid legal issues in the future and to guarantee safety for Marion government employees.

“They have to be ADA compliant, and we need to have a sprinkler system,” she said.

When solving issues in town, she stated that officials must consider the effects of climate change when finding solutions to these ongoing issues.

“We can solve [the issues] by working together as a team and thinking as a community,” said Callow.

Sweeney currently works in civil engineering. He said this career experience gives him the knowledge to understand complex community issues.

“I bring a sharp eye to detail, a deep understanding of regulations and the ability to navigate challenges with clarity and fairness,” said Sweeney.

He outlined road and sidewalk repairs, Town House renovations and senior living conditions as some of the biggest issues he plans to address if elected to the Board.

Sweeney referred to Marion’s aged roads as a “long term problem” that will “require a long term solution.”

He stressed that it is important for the town to move forward with “a municipal plan” and commit to appropriating investments to solve these roadway issues.

“Let’s think as a community. Let’s invest in a way that’s going to help us all,” said Sweeney.

Town House renovations are a pressing issue for Sweeney. He stated that the town could run into legal trouble in the future if the ADA compliance and fire suppression renovations are not addressed this year.

“I think it’s something we need to do. I think it needs to happen as soon as possible,” he said of the renovations.

If elected, Sweeney plans to encourage zoning that increases housing and development of land to create structures that support the needs of aging residents.

“We want people who have lived their entire life here, who raised their children here to have a place to stay,” he said.

He emphasized that the town must prioritize infrastructure moving forward.

“From repairing our roads to upgrading water and sewer systems, we need to invest in the backbone of our town,” said Sweeney.

Hoagland previously served on the Marion Select Board from 1986 to 1992, in addition to career experience in marketing and sales management.

He listed several issues he plans to prioritize if elected to the board, including sidewalk and street repairs, lowering cost of sewer and water systems and creating a community that supports senior needs.

To address issues with aging sidewalks and streets, Hoagland stated that the town must “finish a comprehensive sidewalk and street improvement plan” that targets “our most dangerous areas.”

He also intends to prioritize transparency about water and sewer rates, stating that the town must “create a water and sewer initiative” that provides clear information to residents about “current rates, future [and] projected rates and specific actions being taken to control costs and minimize increases.”

Hoagland said he plans to “champion creative housing options around the village of Marion that allow our long-term neighbors to remain in town,” stating that it is essential to take care of residents over the age of 62.

“We need to make sure that we have services and facilities here in town to meet [senior resident needs],” said Hoagland.

Tri-town education is also a primary concern for Hoagland.

“We need to make sure that the three towns work together [with] the junior high and the high school and pass what’s needed to be done for both the faculty and for the teachers there,” said Hoagland.

During his campaign, he knocked on over 700 doors in town and reintroduced himself to the community to understand the needs of residents.

“Marion deserves a Select Board person who listens to you, communicates transparently and acts decisively on the issues that matter most,” said Hoagland.

Walker served the town of Marion for almost two decades, with two terms on the Planning Board and five years as chair and as a member of the Board of Assessors for four terms, alongside managing marinas, hotels and restaurants in Massachusetts.

“I would approach town finances with the same careful scrutiny I apply to my own business operations, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and transparently with public consultation,” said Walker.

If elected to the Select Board, he would like to address issues with road and sidewalks, government transparency and job retention in Marion.

He plans to work with residents to “develop a sustainable, long-term maintenance plan” for infrastructure.

“Marion’s roads and sidewalks have fallen into critical disrepair, leaving children, seniors and mobility challenged residents to walk in the streets,” said Walker.

To address the issue of roads and sidewalks, he submitted a citizens petition that could potentially appropriate $2.8 million for repairs.

Walker stated his disappointment with the lack of financial transparency with Marion residents, referencing the possible Town House renovations in particular.

He emphasized the importance of restoring the community’s voice in government decisions, adding that “we need to do a better job.”

Walker said Marion is experiencing a “job retention crisis,” with government employees resigning at a rate that is higher than the Commonwealth average.

“My concern is that some of these employees have experienced improper treatment and may be reluctant to come forward. The lawyer in me says there’s liability here. We need to address it now,” he said.

He plans to embrace the Select Board position with a solution-oriented approach if elected.

“I chose to run to help our community address today’s imminent challenges,” said Walker.

Current Planning Board Chair Andrew Daniel shared a statement regarding his uncontested reelection.

Daniel has been a member of the Planning Board for “about 10 years” in addition to working as a construction supervisor for 20 years and as Rochester Facilities Director for 10 years.

He aims to focus on developing housing projects in Marion and supporting small businesses during his next three-year term.

All three candidates running for two open three-year seats on the Open Space Acquisition Commission appeared at the forum.

Incumbent John Rockwell first started working with Open Space in Marion in 1994, while maintaining a career as a wetland specialist at the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program and environmental planner along the South Coast.

He stated that the Commission has received $1.3 million in funding through grants that he wrote.

Rockwell expressed that community input and care for the land is important to the work that’s done on the Commission.

“One of the most important things we do is we actually ask the voters of the town what they want us to do with open space,” said Rockwell.

Newcomer Adele Sands stated that she was inspired by her conservationist father throughout her career.

She worked with federal and local conservation agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency in addition to a 35-year career as an English teacher and superintendent at Bristol County Agricultural High School.

Sands stated that it has been “the dream of my life” to continue her father’s legacy in her career.

“It’s very important to me, pursuing opportunities for land conservation, to benefit the community, to benefit our next generations,” said Sands.

Newcomer Shaun Walsh served on the Marion Conservation Commission for the past nine years, including previously working as chair.

As an environmental lawyer, Walsh feels that he has the experience to serve on the Open Space Acquisition Commission.

He emphasized that Marion has open spaces that need to be protected.

“It’s really important that the town support the acquisition in improvement and maintenance of these really important spaces that we have,” said Walsh.

Current Select Board member Norman Hills is running unopposed for a one-year seat on the Open Space Acquisition.

Hills highlighted his previous experience on the Marion government, including eight years on the Select Board, six years on the Planning Board and 15 years on the Conservation Commission.

“I have the skills and the background knowledge of the town to help improve the processes that are involved in the service committee,” said Hills.