MARION — For almost two decades, Marion Select Board candidate George “TJ” Walker has committed himself to serving the town as former chair of the Planning Board for five years and as a current member of the Board of Assessors for the past nine years. Walker is now looking to bring his knowledge to the Select Board if elected on Friday, May 16.

“I’m aware of the challenges and opportunities,” said Walker.

Walker said that the most important issues to address in Marion are related to infrastructure and financial prioritization.

He hopes to improve living conditions for senior residents, focusing on lowering the high cost of living and the physical infrastructure of the town.

“We’ve got a number of seniors who are economically challenged right now with the high cost of living, real estate taxes primarily [and] you throw on the high price of water and sewer in town,” said Walker.

He said he had a “very moving experience” with a resident who said she intended  to live in her Marion home until the end of her life. However, if the sidewalks and roads aren’t fixed, she won’t be able to stay in town due to issues with mobility.

“We should be looking after these people. The fact that our infrastructure is in such poor shape is affecting a great number of folks in our community,” said Walker.

Walker submitted a citizen’s petition that could potentially appropriate $2.7 million to prioritize the repair of roads and sidewalks in town.

Reducing water and sewer rates for residents is also a priority for Walker.

“We should be looking at exploring regionalization with neighboring communities to try and reduce costs, address some of our infrastructure inefficiencies and provide meaningful relief to the residents,” said Walker.

Walker would also like to restore financial transparency with residents and efficiently spend taxpayer money.

“I would insist on transparent budgeting and ensure that our tax dollars are directed to our most pressing needs, and I would recommend that we establish an audit committee for additional oversight,” he said.

When he was made aware of the potential $3.7 million Town House renovation project, he expressed disappointment in the lack of public discussion about the matter.

“I was disappointed to read in the first week of March in the newspaper that town officials were going to spend [almost] $4 million on Town Hall. There hadn’t been any public discussion. There was no opportunity for public comment,” said Walker.

He said he supports the potential creation of a historic district in Marion, stating “It’s a positive for the taxpayer and in some areas it’s helped certain types of development.”

Walker also approves of regulating short term rentals and accessory dwelling units in town.

“We have a number of homes in town that are strictly used as rentals. It provides a challenge for neighbors and other residents if it’s unrestricted,” said Walker.

Walker holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College, a master’s degree in administration from Northeastern University and a law degree from Seton Hall University, in addition to 35 years of experience managing commercial marinas, flag hotels, function centers and restaurants across the South Coast.

“We have a special seaside community and it’s really about the people that are here,” he said.