I write in strong support of James (Jim) Hakala for selectman in the town of Paris.

The Paris Board of Selectmen is short one member due to a recent resignation. The town needs its full complement of five members and voters need to go to the polls on Thursday (yes, Thursday), July 19, to fill that fifth spot.

Hakala has attended nearly every board meeting for the past several years. He makes sure he is present at town meetings as well. He served on the Road Committee, which has just completed its mammoth Roadway Improvement Plan, and he currently serves on the Planning Board. He does his homework, is conscientious, respects others, comes prepared and, when he speaks, people pay attention.

I know him to be thoughtful and fair and that he will keep the best interests of our town at the core of his decision-making.

Anne Stanley, Paris