FARMINGTON — Four candidates are seeking two seats on the Board of Selectmen in Monday’s town elections.

The polls will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the Community Center. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

“I encourage people to understand the importance of their votes and to make it to the polls and to also come to town meeting,” Stephan Bunker, board chairman, said.

Bunker and Andrew Hufnagel are running for re-election. They are being challenged by Jon Bubier and Joshua Bell.

Each candidate acknowledges the need for the town to find a solution to maintenance of town roads. Some also see a need to encourage business growth, keep taxes down, and find a harmonious working relationship on the board.

Bunker, 63, is semiretired but continues as a public safety consultant and cducator. He is Maine Municipal Association president and has chaired the town board for several years.

“Roads are the No. 1 complaint I hear from residents,” Bunker said.

During town meeting, residents will consider a five-year road plan and raising the first year down payment rather than borrowing, he said.

Bunker would like to see more goal-setting instead of being reactive to issues.

He said he would also like the board to have better communication and recognition of the role of selectmen and the town manager, who is responsible for the day-to day-operations of the town and employees.

After years on the board, he has the value of that experience but continues to learn, he said. His work with Maine Municipal also exposes him to ideas and other town officials from across the state.

Andrew Hufnagel, 40, has served on the board three years. Between occupations following an injury, he wants to promote more community involvement in town government. He encouraged Bell to run for the board, he said.

He would also like to see the board grow and develop with better communication among themselves and with the town manager.

He said the town needs to encourage business growth, help existing businesses and promote Farmington. He encouraged formation of a town economic development committee and started the Farmington Business Association this year.

As a former small business owner, Hufnagel brings a perspective from meeting and talking with a diverse group of people, he said.

“I have a feel for the pulse of the town. It helps me make an informed decision,” he added.

Bubier, 50, a local business owner, previously served four years on the board, following four years on the Budget Committee.

Bubier considers the roads a big issue for the town. He  also voiced concerns about the board.

“I want to serve my community and do the right thing for the town of Farmington,” he said.

Running a successful business for 25 years, Bubier said he provides the knowledge to negotiate with others in solving problems.

“Jon brings a business perspective and those tools to town management,” Bunker said. “He’s also the mastermind behind Neighbors Helping Neighors, a group providing sweat equity to those in need.

Bell, 28, a stove technician, is chairman of the Budget Committee where he has served five years.

Roads, encouraging business and rising taxes are issues for the town, he said.

As a husband and father of three children, “every dollar matters to families,” he added.

He sees the need to evaluate the necessity for spending and how it affects townspeople. After working on his grandmother’s farm as a youngster, he knows it takes hard work to earn a dollar.

Bell said he can be a good steward of the taxpayer’s dollar, because he, with a young family, has a vested interest in the town.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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