To the editor:

As you go to the polls in Strong on March 5, I am asking for your vote to elect me as your selectman.

I have lived in Strong my whole life and have chosen to work here, raise a family here, and give back to the community as often as I have the opportunity. My two children have chosen to stay in the area and raise their families. My wife, Sue, and I are committed to the Town of Strong and have spent many hours volunteering to make this a good place to live and work.

I run a farm and have been on the Franklin County Agricultural Fair Board for 12 years, serving as chairman for the last several years. I served nine years as a board member of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

I served on the Strong Fire Department for about 30 years and worked as a manager for Dirigo Dowel for 16 years. Presently, I manage a spray foam insulation business and run our family farm. I am no stranger to hard work and have a good understanding of many aspects of management.

I’m listing all of these things I’m proud of, because I want you to know how seriously I will take the job of being your selectman. I have served five terms as a selectman over the years, and I know that Strong is facing difficult financial challenges because of statewide shortfalls. I have a thorough understanding of the different types of town accounts, the big picture of our annual budget, and I’m truly a fiscal conservative. I’m tough but fair, and that’s what we’ll need over the next three years as we face these difficult economic times.

I’d very much appreciate your vote on March 5 at the polls.
Sincerely,
Rupert Pratt
Strong