Raymond Meldrum KINGFIELD -- Voters in the Town of Kingfield will see three candidates on the ballot for one seat for a three-year term as selectman on March 7. After 12 years of service, resident John Dill has decided to not re-run for office and is stepping down as selectman.

Last Thursday, organizers held a "Meet the Candidates" night at the Kingfield Elementary School. Nearly 40 people were in attendance.

Moderated by KES seventh grade student Thomas Faraday and assisted by classmate Emma Houston, all three candidates came out to answer some questions they received in advance. Some new questions from audience members were also fielded by the candidates.

Running for the municipal office seat is Scott Hoisington, Raymond Meldrum and Mervin Wilson.

This event was also covered by WSKI TV-17 and aired yesterday, Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m.

In a digital interview after the event, the candidates responded to similar questions as they did that night.

Hoisington grew up in Farmington and graduated from UMF in 1979. He moved to this area in 1988 and has lived here since. Hoisington is married with three children.

Merv Wilson "I have sat on a number of committees with my work," Hoisington explained, such as being the national chairman of United States Ski Association Coaches Committee and Golf Maine.

With his children now off to college and in pursuit of their professional careers, he's looking to give time to the position.

"I was born in Kingfield about 100 yards from my present home," Meldrum explained, stating that he held many jobs in the area including mill work, forest jobs and being a Constable and a fireman in town. He said he's been married for 44 years, has four daughters, seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Meldrum graduated from Kingfield Stanley School and the Criminal Justice Academy.

Wilson came to the area having lived most of his life in a small town setting in New Hampshire. "I moved to Maine from Mt. Washington Valley 10 years ago. Six of those years I have lived in Kingfield," Wilson explained. He and his wife have three children ages six, four and one. Currently, Wilson is self-employed as an independent carpenter and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from UNH. He has worked at Sugarloaf and understands the ski industry and has also managed a large retail store in the past.

Scott Hoisigton All three candidates had something to say about economic development in the area.

"I would listen to the residents of the town and their concerns in development," Hoisington said, "work with new businesses who wish to come to Kingfield and see if the challenges they encounter can coincide with the desires of the residents," Hoisington explained. He also said he'd promote the town through tourism avenues.

Meldrum said he'd work with the various town committees to establish favorable communications with potential commercial entities interested in establishing themselves in the Kingfield area. "After," Meldrum said, "determining if they would be a positive addition to the town of Kingfield."

Wilson said as an example, that he believes a primary role of selectmen is to work with residents to help decide how to best use the TIF money to aid economic growth. "If done properly, we could double the TIF amount with a matching federal grant without adding taxes."

All three candidates made comments on Kingfield's greatest assets, its people, natural beauty and small-town atmosphere, and how they'd work to promote the town and at the same time protect these assets through responsible management.

What are the challenges facing Kingfield and what did the candidates say they can do about them?

Hoisington said it's to find ways to bring in new business while at the same time keeping the town's character. "We should promote tourism through technology. Join our neighbors and other chambers to advertise what Kingfield has to offer. We also need to attract new business as well as work with existing ones to make sure they are happy so that they don't move," Hoisington explained.

"One challenge," Meldrum explained, "is the present sewer system that affects both residences and commercial buildings. We have a system over 20 years old designed for a 20- year life span and a 30-year mortgage." Meldrum said perhaps an environmentally friendly sewer treatment plant should be studied.

Wilson said that the economic times are one of our greatest challenges.

"The TIF and federal grant monies could help foster revitalization projects and build our local businesses. Some of the projects we should be considering are, hydro-electric power, a snowmobile/walking bridge over the Carrabassett River, new sidewalks, street lighting and Wi-Fi," Wilson explained.

Candidates were asked how they can promote, assist and inspire community involvement in the town?

Hoisington and Wilson mentioned the need for a Web site and email communication to enhance an already developed community involvement process. Meldrum stressed the need for family involvement.

Hoisington closed by saying he's a well-educated person who is good at problem solving and a good listener. "I would seek involvement from the residents and consider what the majority wants before making decisions as I would be their representative. I have a love for this area and the community and have the time to donate to the position."

Meldrum spoke of his administrative experience with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and his track record of meeting budgets over the past two years. This along with emergency management and scheduling decisions makes him a prime candidate for selectmen, he said. "I believe my knowledge of the town, budget and decision making experiences all will assist the board of selectmen as a team effort resulting in a prosperous town.

I am a good listener and problem solver, Wilson said. "I have run large and small businesses and been successful at both. I have been active in community service as a voice for MSAD #58 consolidation and serving on the playground committee. Also, my engineering education gives me a different perspective when looking at a town's infrastructure and construction."

Hoisington said we are a beautiful town trying to survive tough difficult economic times. "We need to work together to solve problems and promote tourism and industry for our community. My experience with town politics may be limited, but I will bring a fresh outlook without any preconceived history to my decision making."

Meldrum said his present boss often says, "I could have put many people as chief that would tell me what I want to hear; Raymond tells me like it is." "As selectman I will continue to listen but will be straight forward. All ideas deserve to be heard but all cannot be adopted. The best interest of the town rules."

Wilson noted, "Being from a small town in the middle of the White Mountains National Forest, I understand small town life. I wasn't born here, but this is where my family and I have chosen to live. Kingfield doesn't need change; it needs revitalization and a different perspective. I would like to be a part of that process."