There are many reasons people run for selectman. Matthew Vander Pol just wants to give everyone a voice.

“My first priority is to make everyone’s concerns heard,” he said. “I want to create an atmosphere where we can have conversations about everyone’s concerns. I want to make sure voters have all the unfiltered information.”

And as a father of four, he also hopes to look out for children.

“I want to make sure that the kids are taken care of as far as the school budget goes,” he said. “I want to be a positive role model.”

Vander Pol has spent 13 years at an engineering company, did some design, and worked in construction. For the past nine years, he has owned his own construction business in Marion. He also feels that the skills he’s gained professionally will be useful as a selectman, as the board reviews the plans for new projects in town.

“I have the ability to read plans and find errors,” he said. "Owning a business and helping keep a positive environment for employees will play a great role as a selectman.”

He also added that he would like to help work on issues with the water and sewer, as rates have gotten expensive and maintaining the infrastructure has become a concern.

“I’ve heard [Selectman Chair Jody Dickerson] and [Selectman Steve Gonsalves] suggest they should make a water and sewer subcommittee,” he said. “I think that’s a great idea and I would love to sit on that board.”

If elected, Vander Pol said he looks forward to working with current board members to keep improving the town.

“If I win, I look forward to working with Steve and Jody, and maintaining some things, creating new opportunities and dealing with the issues,” he said. “I know it’s a lot of hard work but I’ll dig right in.”