By Kerri Pepoy,Staff Writer

OTISFIELD – Hal Ferguson believes in service to one’s country as well as to one’s community. That’s why he is running for a spot on the town’s Board of Selectmen.

“I think if you have a chance to do something for your community, you should do it,” he said Friday in an interview.

Ferguson, 64, has been an Otisfield resident for seven years and is a member of the town’s Finance Committee. He is currently building a home on Shore Road with his wife, Judy, a substitute teacher at Otisfield Community School.

“I think with my background, I have some things I can offer (to the town,”) said Ferguson. “I really don’t have an agenda. I just believe you need to give to your community.”

Ferguson hopes to fill the slot of Lenny Adler, who steps down in March after 31 years of service.

The election is planned for the annual town meeting on March 4.

Ferguson was born in Portland and grew up in Westbrook. He spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, rising to the rank of captain. He took college classes at night while he was stationed in Hawaii and obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

After his service as a Marine, Ferguson worked for Raytheon Corp. for 19 years as a logistics manager.

“All the traveling I did in the military and for Raytheon gave me a real appreciation for what we have in this country, and in Maine,” he said.

In his spare time, Ferguson enjoys skiing and hiking. He has a son, four daughters and eight grandchildren.