WELD – Both candidates running for a three-year term as selectman say they recognize with the economy the way it is, they need to find ways to keep costs down but still keep town government operating.

The election will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the multipurpose room at the town office. The selectman’s position is held by David Jones.

Pratt vs. Vining

Laureen Pratt, a former selectman and an assistant clerk at 12th District Court and Franklin County Superior Court in Farmington, is 47 years old and lives on Center Hill Road.

Randy Vining, a self-employed cabinet-maker who is the son of Selectman Bernard Vining, is 57 years old and lives on Temple Road.

“My feeling is the biggest issue for the town is the townspeople may be struggling financially at this time with the economy the way it is, including increased fuel and heating costs,” Pratt said.

“I just think it is really tough for folks. We cannot stop government but we need to think of much better, innovative ways to do things to operate the town more efficiently.”

Vining said as in every small town taxes are the biggest issue.

“I don’t expect there’s anything I can do about it,” but he’s willing to give it a try, he said.

Instead of just complaining about the issues, Vining said, he wants to get involved and see if he could find ways to help resolve them.

Pratt said as a former SAD 9 director and selectwoman she worked closely with school and other town officials to see if there were ways to do things cooperatively and save money.

If elected, she plans to do that again. She previously had worked with the bond bank to get the town’s note on the new town office complex reduced by three years, which saved more than $109,000 in interest, Pratt said.

Vining said one thing he plans to do if elected, is to try to attend every meeting.

“I would listen to the working person because that is who I would represent,” Vining said.

He believes that using common sense and his business experience would be a benefit to help run the town.

Pratt said her previous experience on both boards will benefit the town.

“I’ve done it before and I did a good job the last time at trying to use the town’s money wisely,” Pratt said.

Being a selectman in a town without a manager is a bit overwhelming at first, she said.

“I really love the work, and I love trying to think of ways to benefit the town,” Pratt said, including writing grants.