WEST PARIS – Two men vying for a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen in Saturday’s town elections say they want to keep costs down.
Wayne Theofrastou and Christopher Cooper have announced their candidacies for the position, which includes the functions of assessor and overseer of the poor.
“I feel we need to work hard to keep our costs down as much as possible,” Theofrastou said, “and I feel we can do that by looking closely at where our money is going now and finding alternatives that will allow us to reduce costs in all departments.”
He said he strongly supports keeping the Agnes Gray School open, not transferring students to South Paris as the state has suggested.
Theofrastou has a degree in political science, has worked as an emergency medical technician for Tri-Town Rescue Service, has experience in law enforcement and has held seats on the Planning Board and Comprehensive Planning Committee.
Cooper, owner of Cooper Farms on Route 26, said he thinks he can help the town hold down costs and that selectmen must work closely to oversee the work of the town manager and other department heads to better coordinate all phases of government and build a solid team.
“I want to make sure everyone is working together for the good of the community and especially working together to keep costs down,” he said.
Cooper grew up in Buckfield and graduated from Buckfield High School in 1968. In 1971 he established Cooper Farms, which sells fresh vegetables and fruits. He is also a graduate of the University of Maine, where he majored in business.
Also to be elected are directors of SAD 17 and the Water District. Dale Piirainen and Shane Poland are running for those three-year terms, respectively.
Nominations are also taken from the floor. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the Agnes Gray School.
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