WATERFORD — Voters will chose one of two candidates for a seat on the Board of Selectmen during this year’s annual town election on Friday, March 1.

Incumbent Selectman Wyatt Andrews and political newcomer Todd Sawyer will face off for the three-year seat on the board at the annual town election.

Polls will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building at 366 Valley Road.

In addition to the Board of Selectmen seat, voters will be asked to elect a SAD 17 Board of Director. Long time director Judith Green is seeking re-election unopposed.

Both candidates for the contested selectman’s seat were asked to comment on what they believe is the most important issue facing the town at this time.

“To say there are outstanding issues is probably not how I would phrase it,” responded Andrews, who first ran for the Board of Selectmen in 2010 as a write-in candidate when no one took out nomination papers to fill the seat being vacated by Selectman John Bell, who has since returned to the board.

“Waterford is a peaceful village, as the sign says when you come to visit. We have opportunities to improve like all small towns,” said Andrews who cited issues such as property and school taxes, building and road maintenance and having the ability to take care of the welfare of residents in need.”

Andrews said the town has maintained its mill rate for the past three years, something he is proud of and believes townspeople is as well.

“Waterford has its challenges, but doesn’t every town. We continue to lean on each other and share a vision to leave it better than we found it, proud to know these people,” said Andrews, whose father and cousin also once served on the Board of Selectmen he said.

Like Andrews, Sawyer’s family has been involved in local politics for years. Sawyer, a lifelong resident of Waterford and a manager of a locally operated, internationally owned construction company, said Waterford, like many other municipalities and the private sector alike, are facing changes in the labor force that will need to be addressed.

“More specifically, Waterford has a talented and experienced team that comprise the public works department, led by Road Commissioner Brad Grover,” continued Sawyer. “They are cost conscious, mechanically inclined, and have been able to maintain Waterford’s’ roads without excessive taxpayer burden. As this group nears or commits to retirement in the coming months, Waterford will have decisions to make in both personnel and operational areas.”

“These issues will need to be addressed, and I believe my experience in business, personnel matters, and costing will help move the town forward,” he said. “All options will need to be considered including changes to organizational structure, partial or full privatization, equipment upgrades and changes; all in the best interest of the Town.”

In addition to the race for a seat on the Board of Selectmen, long-time SAD 17 Director Judith Green is seeking re-election. She was first elected to the board in 2013. She previously worked for the SAD 17 school district for some 35 years including as the director of adult education.

Action on the annual town meeting warrant continues at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 2 when voters gather at the Municipal Office to act on the remainder of the warrant.

ldixon@sunmediagroup.net

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