DOVER-FOXCROFT – A director of emergency medical services, a controller and a business owner are vying for two positions on the Dover-Foxcroft Board of Selectmen.

Brian Mullis, director of emergency services at Mayo Regional Hospital, said that through teamwork and collaboration, the community can prevent the further erosion of jobs. He said that the board should work closely with existing businesses, the chamber of commerce and the local economic development council.

“Our selectmen must ensure that Dover-Foxcroft is a business-friendly community and that we work hard to market our town and attract quality, sustainable businesses that will provide jobs in our community,” Mullis said.

Mullis also said he believes every effort must be made to keep the tax rate as low as possible. In addition, he said regionalization may improve some services while saving taxpayer dollars.

Paul Raymond, a controller at Numberall Stamp & Tool Co. in Sangerville, said the most immediate and pressing problem is to find a replacement for the retiring town manager. He also said the board should attempt to keep a cap on property taxes by being a diligent steward of community spending. Another equally important problem is improving the business climate, he said.

“Over the years, I have been fortunate in having been involved in or associated with – either on a professional or social level – local government and some aspects of county government, various clubs and organizations,” Raymond said.

Raymond said he believes his training and analytical experience as a financial professional will be helpful to the town.

Small-business owner Joyce Perry said she would work to re-establish a set of practical goals and to help renew a sense of direction of the board.

“Our current officials operate from one crisis to another, many times as a result of impulsive – if not whimsical – ideas,” she said.

Perry said the board needs to establish a firm business plan that offers a vision for the town’s future.

She said it is important for the board to reconsider how the business park is marketed. Although the park has been lucrative for some officials, it has yet to provide new jobs or tax revenue.

“My priority for turning around the board’s failing economic plan,” Perry said, “would be to focus on re-establishing fair tax policy and provide real tax incentives for improvements and expansion of established businesses and residential properties.