NEW SHARON — Three candidates are seeking a seat on the Board of Selectmen in town elections Friday, March 1. The polls will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the Town Office, 11 School Lane. The Town Meeting will take place in the Cape Cod Hill School gymnasium, 516 Cape Cod Hill Rd on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m.

Running for the three-year term are Dennis McCourt, Paula Nason and Joseph Rollins. Selectman Bob Neal is not seeking re-election.  Donald Richard, who is listed as a candidate, has withdrawn from the race, he said.

Candidates were asked:

What is your experience with community organizations?

Why are you running for the Board of Selectmen?

What do you feel are the most important issues facing the town?

What do you hope to accomplish as selectman?

Dennis McCourt

Dennis McCourt

“I’m currently the Building Committee Chair where I have worked for over a year putting together a plan for the new Town Office and Fire Station; an article that will be represented in our town meeting warrant on March 2,” said McCourt. “

McCourt said he took on the position at a time when no one else wanted it. “I took it and ran with it,” he added.

“I am running for selectman because Bob is not. As chair of the Building Committee, I have been attending selectmen meetings quite frequently. I have heard what the town needs and what the town people want. I really think I can help with this process. With my knowledge of town government and a “go get em” attitude, I’m not afraid of asking the tough questions and getting the answers that are needed.”

He believes citizens are mainly concerned about taxes. “We need to give a real hard look at the different programs we have going on and the amount of money raised through taxation. We have to try to find other means of funding and look into all avenues to keep taxes down.

One of his goals is to get younger citizens involved in town matters. “These are the people who will run this town,” he said.

Paula Nason

Paula Nason

“I have owned and operated a childcare business in New Sharon for 15 years and have helped raise many children in our community,” said Paula Nason. “I was also a football mom for my son and his teammates for 10 years, worked in snack shacks, packed away game snack bags, cooked, served team dinners and helped as needed to support the teams.

“I am a fifth-generation New Sharon resident. At this point in my life, having raised 2 children, I have the time available to become more community involved.”

Nason believes taxes are one of the most challenging issues facing the town. “As in many small towns, keeping the tax base under control and limiting unnecessary spending while still meeting the needs of the town and residents is important.”

My hope is to work alongside the current board to continue the positive progress they have made over the past several years.”

Joseph Rollins (no photo submitted)

While collecting signatures for his nomination papers, Rollins asked citizens what town issues were most important to them. “Three things stood out,” Rollins said. “Tax policy, spending in general; and connecting with the community. We need to figure out if we can rethink taxation to help alleviate financial pressure on residents, and the stress of a potential foreclosure notice without negatively impacting our town’s revenue.

“We also should look at how modernization can help better connect the community. For example, not everyone can make it to meetings or access the notes available online. There are some very simple solutions to address issues like that.

dmenear@thefranklinjournal.com