BUCKFIELD — Long-time resident Scott Violette is running unopposed for the open seat on the Board of Selectmen.
“I felt like somebody had to do it. We pay way too much in taxes, and from what I gather a lot of people feel that way,” Violette said.
Violette, who grew up in Hartford before moving to Buckfield after college, is a mechanic at Lee Auto Malls in Auburn.
Married with three daughters, Violette is a self-described libertarian. Though this will be his first stint serving the town, he didn’t expect there to be a major learning curve, explaining that the issues are “common sense stuff.”
He said Buckfield needs to come to grips with rising taxes and diminishing local control over goods and services.
“The people of Buckfield should take care of the people of Buckfield. When the state does it, you lose control,” he said.
“It’s a town of 2000 people. Do we need a $1.5 million fire station? We live out in the country; you’re going to have to sacrifice some stuff you’ll get in a bigger city.”
Violette said Buckfield should continue to explore withdrawing from Regional School Unit 10 if it can reduce education costs owed to the district.
“I don’t see what the harm is looking into withdrawing. It might not be the best plan – but maybe it is.”
Violette will fill the seat of retiring Chairman Warren Wright, who has served for the town in various capacities since 1996.
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