Marion has its first candidate for selectman – longtime resident Randy Parker.

Nomination papers were available Feb. 1 for all available town positions, including a selectman seat left open by Jody Dickerson, who announced he would not run again for his spot.

Parker grew up in Wareham but has lived in Marion since 1983. He’s a member of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Committee, as well as the Community Preservation Committee.

He decided to run for selectman because he thinks it’s necessary that the town departments all work together for a common goal.

“I think one of the most important things is bringing the town departments together,” he said. “It would be nice to pull together in the same direction.”

His love of Marion also played a factor in the decision.

“It’s like no other town,” he said. “…It just stays Marion. I just hope I have an opportunity to serve.”

Planning Board member Andrew Daniel also pulled nomination papers, looking to return to his seat. Daniel was appointed in August after board member Steve Gonsalves resigned. Because he was assigned mid-term, he needs to run for re-election to keep his seat.

Ray Pickles has also taken out papers to run for his Board of Assessors seat.

Nomination papers are available at the Marion Town House in the Town Clerk’s office.