To the Editor,

I have recently read many positive comments on Norman Hills, candidate for selectman. They have looked favorably on his proven experience in town government matters and proven experience in the Navy at sea, as a manager, and his engineering background.

I want to add a few more favorable comments based on my experience as a colleague and friend of Norm. I have seen him work graciously and effectively as president of a local science based group steering us for several years from meeting to meeting, introducing visiting speakers, radiating our policy of acceptance and the desire to seek knowledge. I have sailed with him aboard my small yacht, CURLEW, in the Canadian Maritimes in good and foul weather. He has been a steady and reliable shipmate. I rank him very highly in these areas. He is a realist who can get a job done.

Marion needs proven leadership at this critical time of tightening budgets and more challenging projects. I am concerned that the other candidates lack proven experience. Even though they are all nice and willing people they will be seriously limited when they are introduced to the myriad of problems which our Town faces. They will spend their first year in bewilderment, they will start understanding the system the second year, and become effective during their last year. Norm will be immediately effective and play a leadership role. We must start looking at the Town as a business and set priorities. We have been wasting considerable funds doing building studies when we know there are higher priorities in infrastructure. I am convinced that Norm has what it takes to lead us forward and work effectively with the other selectmen and members of government. I hope you will vote for him.

Thank you.

Edward C. Brainard II

Marion