Dale Jones has pulled out of the Marion Board of Selectman race and is now throwing his support behind candidate Stephen Gonsalves.
Jones handed in his intent to withdraw from the election to the town clerk’s office on Monday night, April 4, one week before the Monday, April 11 deadline to drop out of the election. Two candidates remain in the race – Norm Hills and Gonsalves who both currently serve together on the Planning Board and Conservation Commission.
“I really want to be selectman, but I didn’t feel this was the year to do it,” said Jones on April 5 during a phone interview. “[Gonsalves and I] had a discussion, and he actually believes the same things that I do.”
Jones said he would rather withdraw from the three-way race and put his support behind the candidate who most shares his views on the town and which direction it should go. He said that would be Gonsalves.
“I look forward to doing whatever else I can do in the town,” said Jones, specifying that he’d like an active role in the renovation of the VFW Hall should it eventually be turned over to the town. He wants to see it turned into a senior center for the Town of Marion, saying, “I’d like to see it done properly.”
Jones has also submitted his intent to step down from active service with the Marion EMS, but he will maintain his EMT status and continue to work with the Fire Department without participating in active coverage.
Jones has served as an EMT in Marion for 40 years.
By Jean Perry