For Marion Planning Board member and candidate for re-election, Steve Gonsalves, business growth in the community is essential to the town’s survival.

“I don’t want to see the big box stores coming here,” Gonsalves said. “I would like to see more mom and pop businesses because it’s a great community. People are very supportive, and with proper guidance we can help form the structure of this town. Change is inevitable, but we can help mold it.”

Gonsalves, owner of Eden’s Florist and Garden Shop on Route 6, is running alongside Steve Kokkins, and his fellow board member John Sweeney, for one of two seats on the board. The 2012 Town Election is May 25.

After operating his own business for the past 18 years, and having served on the Planning Board for the last six years, Gonsalves said he believes the town needs to see more businesses to help offset taxes for property owners.

At last year’s May Town Meeting the Planning Board proposed a Neighborhood Overlay District, allowing for limited commercial development near Route 6. The proposal was turned down, but Gonsalves said he hopes to see it come to pass.

“Maybe it was a little too soon for the whole idea of mixed businesses and residences,” he said. “There are still major areas of the town that can be developed. That growth can help levy the tax burden. We need businesses to help level the playing field.”

“With the Planning Board I’ve been learning all the ins and outs of the town and I feel like I’m making a difference,” he said. “Just look at the new Cumberland Farms going in over on Route 6. It’s the prettiest gas station I've ever seen. I played a part in it. That’s a good feeling to have. It’s leaving a mark on your community.”

Gonsalves said he hopes for another three-year term on the board to continue helping residents as they move through the town government process.

“All the boards in town are phenomenal,” he said. “I started my business knowing nothing and people helped me through the process. That’s what I hope for the Planning Board. We’re meant to treat people fair and help guide them through the process.”

As for his future with the board, if re-elected, he said, “As long as they’ll have me I’ll keep running. I don’t have an agenda. I do a lot of community service because it’s a great town. Marion is the place that time forgot. Your kids can ride their bikes down the streets and you don’t have to worry. It’s very Norman Rockwell.”