Three residents compete for one open Select Board position in Marion

MARION — Three residents are competing for an open seat on the Marion Select Board.

Norman Hills is up for reelection while Toby Burr and TJ Walker, who have both held Select Board seats in the past, oppose him.  

Norman Hills said he is running because he believes he is the person for the job and hopes he can continue to “get things done” for the town. 

“I think I'm the most qualified person to do it,” Hills said. “I've got the experience.” 

He has been on the Select Board for nine years and said he is unsure what residents will be most concerned about this year. 

Hills said only so many projects can be completed each year, but hopes the town can continue its progress on multiple projects including finishing the shared use path, doing phosphorous treatments at the water treatment plant and resolving the Island Wharf parking issues. 

Toby Burr was elected to the Select Board in 2022 and served for one term. After a break, he said he is eager to jump back into the game.

He said he wants people to feel heard, not ignored, especially about concerns such as lowering tax and water rates.

“Everybody should feel that their comments are being listened to and paid attention to,” Burr said. 

His main goal is to ensure people feel listened to, adding that voters can contact him anytime. 

Burr also wants to limit state legislation in the town, as he believes states are becoming more involved in how towns are run. 

“The state is meddling in everything now and they're going to continue to meddle and they're going to make it worse and worse,” Burr said. 

He added state influence costs towns more money too. 

TJ Walker has lived in Marion for over 40 years and is currently an elected member of the Board of Assessors. He has been in and out of elected government positions since 1993 and has held positions on the Board of Assessors and Planning Board. 

He has a law degree, a masters in administration planning and is a licensed Coast Guard captain. 

Walker said he looks to improve fiscal discipline, repair infrastructure and address water and sewer rates.

“The water and sewer rates are outrageous and need to be addressed,” he said. “We have folks in town now whose water and sewer bill is more than their property tax.”

Walker wants voters to know he is a successful businessman and hopes to translate that in his term. 

“I would approach town finances with the same scrutiny that I applied in my own business, making sure that every dollar is wisely spent, transparently with public consultations throughout,” Walker said. 

Town elections will be held Friday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Benjamin D Cushing Community Center located at 465 Mill St.