Candidates of contested races in Marion faced a packed Marion Music Hall on April 29 during The League of Women Voters Candidates’ Night, with every seat filled and standing room only at the back. Voters had plenty of questions for candidates of the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Planning Board, but most questions were aimed at the two incumbents for Planning Board – Steve Gonsalves, a member of nine years, and current Planning Board Chairman Stephen Kokkins. Newcomer Jennifer Francis was unable to attend due to a prior work-related commitment that took her to Japan.
During his opening remarks, Gonsalves said over the years he has helped “shape and develop Marion’s future without losing its charm.” His concern, though, is the lack of “sensible growth” in businesses.
“I am afraid affordable Marion is slipping though our fingers,” said Gonsalves. “It’s time to welcome sensible growth here in Marion and stop fighting it.”
Kokkins has been busy trying to overhaul the town’s zoning and land use, he said.
“We need to review our present bylaws regarding land use,” especially along Route 6, he said, by fostering “smart growth … with an attractive balance and appropriately-sized businesses.” He continued, “I want to continue to encourage compatible businesses to flourish here.”
Finance Committee Chairman Alan Minard, who referred to the Planning Board in his earlier presentation about the state of the Town’s finances, mentioned the need for the board to find ways to encourage smart growth and increase tax revenue “without getting into CVS-like configurations.”
Minard asked the two candidates what the board could do to make smart growth and tax revenue through business a reality.
“Some bylaws are too restrictive,” said Gonsalves. “And it’s really hurting new business in this town.” He referred to a current Planning Board matter involving the site plan review and special permit application for Saltworks Marine, owned by Dan Crete, as an example of the hurdles resulting from tough bylaws and the frustration he feels “when we can’t get to the place we need to be.”
Kokkins said smart streamlining of the application and regulatory process is needed, also referring to Crete’s “tricky site” and its “difficult issues.” Kokkins also advocated for new mixed-use zoning, such as business mixed with residential housing.
There was some discussion about the proposed CVS construction plan for the corner of Route 6 and Front Street, and both candidates shared the sentiment that a CVS would be welcomed, just not beyond a footprint of 8,000 square feet.
But with the current bylaws and the proposed bylaw amendment of Article 43 on the Town Meeting Warrant – a citizen’s petition that would restrict all businesses to a 5,000 square-foot or 10 percent lot coverage maximum – both candidates called for further discussion, given that the Planning Board will not recommend its adoption at Town Meeting.
“There are things that are missed,” said Gonsalves. “We really need to think hard because we are affecting everybody in this town.” You don’t want to see explosive growth, said Gonsalves, “But you can’t have knee-jerk panic reactions when something like CVS comes to town.”
Kokkins and Gonsalves were asked to comment on the ongoing discord amongst Planning Board members, especially over meeting minutes and the general frustration of apparent clashes of personalities.
“It shouldn’t be this difficult,” said Gonsalves. “I admit it.”
Kokkins replied, “I strongly believe our overriding philosophy is for everyone to … treat everyone with respect.”
There is no question, said Kokkins, that it has been a tough year for the Planning Board.
And in closing, Gonsalves reminded everyone, “Remember, two Steves are better than one.”
For the Board of Selectmen, only Jody Dickerson was present for the Candidates’ Night, with opponent Dale Jones unable to attend last minute, although he was expected that evening. Rules do not permit questioning when only one candidate is present, but Dickerson had a chance to tell the voters why he should be reelected.
“[Marion has been] faced with many changes,” said Dickerson. “Some forced upon us…” Dickerson said he has the energy to put forth the effort to move Marion forward, “And this lens can only be developed through years of dedication … and passion for the Town of Marion.”
School Committee candidates include two newcomers, Jessica Harris and David MacDonald, as well as Michelle Ouellette, who served one term on the School Committee before losing by a handful of votes last year.
Harris, a high school science teacher, said education “is a vital part of my life.”
Harris highlighted her role in starting the Marion Natural History Museum’s summer program at the beach. She has two children, one at Sippican School and one who graduated from Sippican.
“I’d really like to continue to work towards fostering really excellent programs at Sippican,” Harris said.
MacDonald, who currently serves on the Sippican School Council, said his role on the council has given him “insight into the educational process.”
“Strong schools build strong communities,” said Harris. “I will approach this role with continuous improvement in mind.”
Ouellette, a special education teacher of 14 years with a child in the third grade at Sippican and 13 years of service for the town, including time spent on the School Council and other town boards, said she is committed to continuing to serve the town. Her experience teaching, she said, enhanced her service on the School Committee when it came to contract negotiations with teachers, which “helped the town in a large way financially.”
The Marion Annual Election is Friday, May 15. The polling station is the Marion VFW located at 465 Mill Street, Route 6. Polls are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
By Jean Perry
