JAY – Two papermakers are running for one three-year selectman’s term at the Monday, April 27, annual town meeting.

Polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Building.

Incumbent Selectman Steve McCourt, who is the current chairman of the Board of Selectmen, is being challenged for the seat by Deric DiGiuseppe.

Incumbent Selectman Amy Pineau Gould is uncontested for a second three-year term on the board.

Jay School Committee members Tammy Dwinal-Shufelt and Judy Diaz are also unchallenged in their bids for re-election to that board.

Both DiGiuseppe and McCourt work at Verso Paper at the Androscoggin Mill in Jay and have lived most or all of their lives in the town.

DiGiuseppe believes that the biggest issue facing the town is maintaining fiscal responsibility while enticing quality jobs for the area.

McCourt believes employment in the area with the Otis Mill closing and trying to keep people in the area are the biggest issues the town faces.

If re-elected McCourt said he will continue working on trying to keep the mill operational in some form.

Wausau Paper plans to cease papermaking operations at its Otis Mill by May 31, close the mill down and try to sell it. The company has said it would not sell it to a competitor in North America.

“Right now we’re in the process of working with state officials and with mill officials and investigating development of the mill,” McCourt said. “That’s what I’d like to do. I want to keep the mill open.”

DiGiuseppe also has set some goals if elected.

“I feel we need to focus and highlight our strengths and continually work to improve our weakness through community support of local businesses,” DiGiuseppe said. “We need to keep the businesses we have and develop new ones. I encourage carefully examining our budgets in order to continue services without increasing the tax burden to the townspeople.”

DiGiuseppe believes his positive attitude toward the success of the region and being an active member of the community will benefit the town.

“I have gained experience in identifying and providing solutions to problems throughout my many years of employment, civic activity and volunteer opportunities,” DiGiuseppe said. “I have an open mind, eagerness to learn and desire to make a positive impact on the future of the community.”

McCourt said his experience of owning and operating his own logging and lumber business, and his three years on the board will benefit the town.

“And having been born and brought up in the town of Jay, living here my whole life and being educated in the Jay school system, I know the town of Jay pretty well.”