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

It took about eight full hours for the review committee to get through the 48 applications the Town received for the part-time fire chief position. And the one thing Town Administrator Paul Dawson could say for certain to the Marion Board of Selectmen on May 5 was, “We have an extremely strong pool of very qualified applicants.”

The review committee, which included Dawson, Selectman Jody Dickerson, and two fire chiefs from neighboring towns, has formed some preliminary thoughts about which applicants will advance to round two of the application process. Dawson said he should have a list of finalists to share with the board within the next three weeks.

“The applicant pool is strong.” Dawson said again. “A lot of interest in this position and a lot of qualified people have applied.”

The two fire chiefs helping review applicants, said Dickerson, “[have] never seen a stronger pool of applicants.”

The question will no longer be which candidate should we pick, said Dawson. The question will be, how do we pick just one?

“It will be a difficult decision, but for good reason,” Dawson said.

In other matters during the May 5 meeting of the selectmen, the board approved the appointments of several new officers at the Beverly Yacht Club, located at 99 Water Street.

“Why do we approve the officers?” asked Selectman Stephen Cushing. That’s a really good question, Dawson told him, saying it is simply a regulation of the yacht club.

The board also voted to accept the Beverly Yacht Club’s choice for a new manager, Robert Wayne Shorter, after a brief conversation about his past life and experience.

Shorter will replace outgoing manager Dean Lavoie who has steered his career path toward Gloucester.

Also during the meeting, Dawson updated the board on the hiring process of candidates to fill the newly created position of coordinator at the Marion Music Hall. Nine applications were submitted before the deadline passed last Friday, May 1. Dawson said he would introduce the name of the applicant who will be recommended for the job at the next meeting.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is scheduled for May 19 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

By Jean Perry

Ron Merlo, who has been a member of the Mattapoisett Planning Board for two terms totaling 10 years, wrapped up his second five-year stint at the May 4 meeting. But he had one final to-do to pass along to the other members – ceasing the continuing efforts of The Village at Mattapoisett condominium association to get town-supplied trash collection.

The condominium association has been seeking this town-supplied service in spite of it being expressly not allowed in their subdivision permit or ownership covenant.

Merlo was part of the Planning Board at the time of the subdivision application. He said, “I am whole-heartedly against overturning a decision make by a prior board.” Merlo said, by doing so, the wrong signal would be sent and a precedent put in place that could have far-reaching ramifications.

Selectman Jordan Collyer tasked Merlo to follow-up with town counsel for guidance to ascertain what rights the condominium association may have, as well as the best steps for the Town. Merlo said that counsel advised a special permit could be granted to the association after the Planning Board holds a public hearing. The board members did not take any action on this matter on this night.

In closing out his years of service, Merlo shared, “It has been a pleasure to serve … I hope I did it honorably.”

In other business, a request by resident Paul Osenkowski to have the board issue a cease and desist order to the developers of Brandt Point Village was discussed.

Chairman Tom Tucker said, after discussing the matter with town counsel, the developer would be invited to meet with town counsel.

The meeting will focus on what the Planning Board has permitted thus far for the subdivision, and what work has actually taken place that may be causing conflict with residents in the neighborhood.

The original investors are no longer part of the project, Tucker said.

The Appaloosa Lane subdivision engineer, Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering, came before the board to ask what the next steps are now that the new stormwater management plan has received conditioning by the Conservation Commission after months of work with the Town’s engineering firm, Field Engineering.

Tucker asked Highway Superintendent Barry Denham if he was satisfied with the project to which he replied, “It is the best situation for everybody out there.” Grady will return during the next meeting of the board to have updated plans signed.

Also meeting with the board was Tree Warden Roland Cote to discuss the removal of several trees located at 84 North Street. Cote was granted permission to remove one of three in question.

Eversource will be required to be present to plead their case as to why the other two trees in question need to be removed, Tucker told him.

Continuing on the theme of tree removal, Denham sought permission to remove diseased and compromised trees in the Tinkham Dam area.

He said that the upcoming dam repairs will require that the diseased tree(s) be removed while several other trees will need to be removed because of the damage they will sustain during reconstruction of the roadway.

Denham said he had met with the Tree Committee, which will be planting new trees after the work is completed and are in agreement with Denham’s plan.

The removal and replanting project will become part of an application by the Tree Committee for the town’s Tree City USA status with the state. The Planning Board approved the plan.

Board member Mary Crain distributed a draft handout she wrote intended to help voters understand the bylaw changes on the warrant.

After some discussion, they agreed that language needed to be added to each of the bylaws being proposed that clearly indicated the Planning Board’s support versus sponsorship.

Resident Bonne DeSousa asked for clarification on the difference between support and sponsorship. She was told that support meant the board agreed with the changes. Tucker made it clear however, that Brad Saunders, managing partner of D + E Management LLC who authored the changes and additions to zoning bylaws, will be presenting them on the floor of Town Meeting.

The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for May 18 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell