Six candidates are vying for two seats on the Board of Selectmen in the town’s March 5 election. Each candidate was asked the same

two-pronged question: What major issue faces the town and what should we do to resolve that issue? They responded as follows:
Randy Bourgoin
School expansion needed

The town of Minot is currently faced with the issue of expanding the existing school. As a parent with a child attending the school system, I believe we need this expansion. The issue has been brought to the town on a number of occasions and has been unsuccessful. As a parent and a taxpayer, I feel this issue can be resolved without an impact on taxes.

To resolve this issue we have to educate and provide facts which indicate the current school system does not meet state standards. Minot residents have a great opportunity in front of them, hopefully they will take advantage of it.

Harold Bridgham
Boards should work together

The biggest crisis that Minot faces today is the inability of our governing boards to work cooperatively. I see this as the cause of other town problems, such as high taxes, inadequate scholastic resources and the lack of an industrial base to help pay for scholastic and municipal needs without burdening residential taxpayers.

I would propose allowing both the selectmen and the School Board to choose appointees to the Planning Board and Budget Committee. Having the chairs of all the boards meet monthly would help them to accurately represent and understand the needs of all Minot residents.

Dennis DeCoster
Taxes must be reined in

Taxes in the town of Minot are out of control. Recent revaluations of our properties have created monsters out of our tax bills. Retired, disabled and single-income families of our town are being left behind. If we keep giving more of our fixed incomes to pay our taxes, what will we have left?

We need to cut town spending. For example, our roads have never been better, but at what cost? Our school budget needs to be reined in. The approximate ratio of 13 students to one teacher needs to be reconsidered. In my opinion, there is no way the citizens of Minot can afford a performing arts center.

Stephen French
Town needs more businesses

I think one of the major concerns facing the town is the need of a tax base other than residential property owners. At present we are asking the residents of Minot to carry the burden of all our municipal services, school and other needs.

It will be difficult to entice large businesses to locate in our town without infrastructures such as public water and sewer, but we must find a way to expand our commercial districts to allow smaller businesses to feel welcome.

Susan Geismar
It’s time to deal with change

The major issue facing Minot is: Where do we go from here? Minot is facing changes – in demographics, in land and economic development. The diversity of candidates and referendum questions on this year’s ballot point to some of the serious individual issues facing the town, but also illustrate the need for the town to come together as a whole to examine its future.

Steps to mediate these issues – they will never be truly “resolved” – are coming into place: A town administrator has been hired, bringing a fresh point of view to the town, and committees are being created to address updating the town ordinances, comprehensive plan and recreation needs.

Ralph Gilpatrick
Balancing taxes is the key

The major issue for the town of Minot is to balance the needs of the town with the level of property taxation. Minot is a multi-generational community and increases in property taxes need to be thoroughly discussed and analyzed to ensure that residents are able to maintain their standard of living across all generations.

Although tax increases are inevitable, I would focus upon two areas in order to manage the incremental increase in taxes. First: Focus on group buying with other communities whenever possible. Second: Focus on the pursuit of grants for which the town is eligible. I look forward to working with the town administrator in regard to the latter.