BUCKFIELD — Two men are vying for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in the Jan. 23 election.

Warren Wright and William "Bill" Sullivan have submitted nomination papers to fill the post held by Rodney Allen, who died in November.

Wright and his wife, Barbara, reside on Streaked Mountain. After his retirement from General Electric, he served as a selectman from 1995 to 1998, and has been a member of the Budget Committee and the Planning Board.

"I love this town," Wright said. "I want other people to come here and help us grow."

He said he is concerned about the town budget in light of the need for a new or renovated fire and rescue building and the uncertainty of school finances.

Sullivan has lived in Buckfield since 1975, and he and his wife have raised two sons. For many years he ran the Buckfield Garage, then managed a NAPA store. He is semi-retired.

"Now I have some time to do something meaningful for the community, and I would like to get involved in government," he said. "Since the November election, when the county re-elected a communist to the White House, I have been very worried about the way the country is going. Maybe it's time to put a line in the sand, and I can start with local government."

Sullivan said he is concerned about spending, too.

"As a business owner and manager, I understand budgets and how to manage," he said.

He questioned the wisdom of joining RSU 10, saying he believes schools are best when they are locally controlled.