Voters in Strong will go to the polls from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 15, to cast their ballot for a selectman. For me, the choice is clear: Rupert Pratt.

His ability to lead, one of the requisite qualities for an effective selectman, comes from experience. In addition to his previous 13 years on Strong’s board, he has volunteered years of service to the Franklin County Agricultural Society, Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District, School Administrative District 58, Franklin County Budget Committee, and the Farmers Union.

For 30 years, he was a volunteer member of the Strong Fire Department.

I served with Rupert for six years, and now I am finishing my fourth term. The current slate of board members has been a pleasure to work with. They are thoughtful, deliberative and non-divisive.

Rupert would only add to the quality of work being done on residents’ behalf.

Milt Baston, Strong