To the Editor:

This year in the Selectman’s race two good men with entirely different qualifications are running.

Steve Gonsalves, a popular local business owner who has served on Marion’s Planning Board and the Conservation Commission is promoting what he vaguely calls “sensible commercial growth” and “doing the right thing.”

Norm Hills on the other hand talks precisely and deals in facts. Norm does a rigorous study of the issues, makes site visits, does data collection, attends continuing education seminars and reviews both sides before rendering a decision. He has served as chair of the Marion Conservation Commission, doing his best to preserve Marion’s natural resources and helping Marion landowners work within the requirements of the Wetlands Protection Act. He has been a member of the Community Preservation Committee, protecting Marion’s historical resources for future generations. His concerns about high energy costs and the use of polluting fossil fuels led him to volunteer for the Energy Management Committee where he helped draft the town’s Solar Bylaws. Six years ago, Norm was appointed to serve on the newly formed Capital Improvements Planning Committee that has been tracking and prioritizing major upcoming town expenses. Norm ran successfully for a seat on the Planning Board three years ago and is co-chairing its Master Plan Subcommittee.

After serving as a US Naval submarine engineering officer, Norm moved to Marion with his wife Helen 13 years ago and has participated in town government ever since. His knowledge of town government is unsurpassed. Retired from his professional work, and dedicated now to guiding Marion through the long list of challenges that the town faces, Norm is the one who is clearly the most qualified to serve on the Board of Selectmen. Your vote for Norm on May 13 is a vote for a brighter future for Marion.

Bill and Tinker Saltonstall