WELD — As part of the Bicentennial celebration, voters will go to the polls Friday, March 4, from 4-8 p.m. at the Weld Historical Society Town House.

Those casting ballots will receive a special commemorative souvenir. Douglas Voter is seeking a three-year term as selectman while Ben Hout is seeking a one-year term. No one is running for the five-year Planning Board position currently held by Margot Joly; however, Joly says she will accept if written in.

Voter said he and his wife, Lisa, moved to Weld about five years ago. “I’ve met so many wonderful people. It would be an honor to serve the people of Weld,” he said.

Retired after 38 years with Sysco, a Fortune 100 Company, Voter is now a part-time training and development manager for the company. “My years with that company will lend very nicely with managing the town’s affairs,” he said.

Last year, the Voters began Mount Blue Property Management and Resources, LLC. The business offers handyman, landscaping and caretaking services.

Voter is a captain on the Weld Volunteer Fire Department. He is also an Emergency Medical Responder.

Ben Hout and his wife, Jennifer Latham, have also been in Weld about five years. Their business, Benjamin Leo & Associates, provides accounting, consulting and business management services.

Hout said he expressed interest after hearing of the need for someone who understood accounting and cash flow to run for selectman. Members of the Bicentennial Committee and fellow Masons have supported and encouraged him. “It’s an easy fit with the business I run,” he said.

Hout has met with current selectmen Tom Skolfield and Joe Demers and has worked with treasurer Colleen Stewart to better understand the job. “It’s not terribly different than what I do all day every day. Actual duties are in-depth, but the decisions needed are pretty straightforward,” he said.

At 10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, voters will begin deliberating the other 14 Articles included in the town warrant.

Selectman Joe Demers said one article that may draw discussion relates to the town tennis courts which have seen a reduction in use. Those who have helped maintain the courts are no longer able to do so. A discussion is needed and decisions made, he said.

Demers said the number of articles on the warrant has been decreasing over the past few years after the town decided to update its accounting software. The new system brings budget decisions in line with that software.

“The education piece will take a little time. It has changed how folks look at the town budget,” Demers said. The new system has some real benefits and will be very good for the town. “It allows us to simplify things,” he said.

Demers was quick to point out the new system doesn’t take anything away from the people’s vote. Discussion is still possible but if there is no need for it, time is saved.

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