FAIRFIELD – Philip Roy, 38, of Fairfield has announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat as a Somerset County commissioner.

District 2 serves Fairfield, Smithfield, Norridgewock, Mercer, Madison and Solon. Zane Libby now fills that seat and reportedly is seeking re-election.

Roy is a veteran member of the Somerset County Budget Committee, having served six years in that position.

He also served two consecutive terms on the Fairfield Town Council, the Land-Use Board of Appeals and has represented Fairfield on the First Park board of directors. He is also a member of the executive board of the Kennebec County Council of Governments.

Roy said he has watched county government carefully and said he could bring a responsible, accountable effort to the position. He said the delay in siting and constructing a new jail needs to be immediately addressed.

“I have knowledge of Somerset County’s needs, as well as experience in dealing with county problems,” said Roy. “My time on the budget committee has provided me with new ideas and initiatives for solving those problems.”

He said his experience as a builder has made him aware of the need for job creation and realistic economic development in Somerset County. He said he is also concerned about the effects of high taxes on working men and women.

Roy is sales manager for Kaplan Home Improvement in Augusta and lives with his wife and son in Fairfield.

He has dedicated many hours to community service as director of the YMCA/Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Waterville and the Fairfield Police Athletic League Hockey Program.

“I have believed it to be my duty to voters to exercise an open door policy and I embrace new ideas,” said Roy. “I feel it is important to listen to the peoples’ needs and I think outside of the box to solve problems.”