FARMINGTON — Two candidates seek election to the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday.

Matthew “Matt” Smith and Michael J. Fogg are on the ballot to fill the seat held by Andrew Hufnagel, who resigned in March.

Voting takes place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 10 at the Community Center on Middle Street.

Being born and raised in Farmington, Smith, 44, said he has “watched the town grow and change over the last 30 years and I have come to really appreciate what we have here.

“I think we still have some growing to do but I also believe that we need to keep the feeling that Farmington gives us, the small town with a lot to offer and I would like to be a part of that,” he said.

Fogg, 67, wants to see if the way he approaches things will be effective and benefit the town.

“I am one who will study an issue and inquire of those impacted to gain insight and make a decision/vote based on what is best for the townspeople of Farmington,” Fogg said. “To agree to disagree doesn’t usually get a lot accomplished.”

Smith, a logger and owner of a small business for 22 years, has served three years on the Budget Committee and a year as an alternate on the Planning Board where he serves now. 

He also has served two years on the Conservation Commission, two years on the Recreation Committee and one year on the Transportation Committee, he said.

As a coach of youth baseball for 16 years, Smith served as vice president for Franklin County Babe Ruth for six years.

He is chairman of Certified Logging Professionals of Maine.

Fogg’s experience has been in education, he said. He has also been self-employed and served as a member of various local organizations.

“That time has given me experience with working with diverse groups, integration, state and federal mandates over which one has no influence or control, preparing budgets, budget shortfalls, running a meeting and getting things done,” Fogg said.

He is chairman of the Franklin Somerset Federal Credit Union supervisory committee.

Taxation and funds received by the state are on the minds of both candidates. It’s an issue they feel the town is facing and one to work on as a selectman, they said.

Smith said in the near future the town will have to deal with change for the Fire Department.

“We know change is coming. We need to find the right combination that will leave us covered and that we can afford,” he said. “Every year we seem to get less and less money from the state, so we need to find ways to continue to fund what we have and we, as taxpayers, can afford.”

Fogg said he considers taxation a major issue for residents.

The issue is whether “the revenues raised through taxation are excessive and whether or not they are being utilized to their fullest,” he said. “There is a reason why wheels squeak. If you care for it yourself, then you don’t need someone else to grease it for you.”

abryant@sunjournal.com

Address: 116 Partridge Road

Age: 44

Occupation: Logger

Address:  124 Pine Tree Lane

Age: 67

Occupation:  Retired educator

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