Ed Field has run his own business for 35 years. He’s served on boards and raised a family. Now he wants to serve the town he’s lived in since 1979. It’s his first run for elected office.

“I’ve run a business for 35 years and signed an awful lot of paychecks and know what it takes to manage a budget,” Field, 74, said last week.

When it comes to running a town, he sees the importance of being able to make tough decisions – to be able to separate what’s necessary from what’s just desirable.

“I think it’s important that we keep in mind all of the constituencies and what is important to each constituency,” he said. “What’s equitable for all the constituencies.”

One thing he’d like to see ended is going out to bond to pay for infrastructure. While he’s been convinced it’s necessary for the $2 million road bond on the ballot Nov. 4, Field said it’s just not the best use of taxpayer dollars.

“Bonding always means cost plus interest. The cost always shows up in big letters and the interest always shows up in small letters,” he said. “In the future I would like to eliminate bonding and start putting money away for the needs we anticipate.”

Running for the Town Council seems a natural progression for Field. “it’s been my experience that when I get involved in something I’m often asked to be in a leadership position,” he said. “I can easily fit into a leadership position.”

To watch Field and the other seven other Town Council candidates, here’s a link to videos from the EG News Candidates Forum Oct. 16 at New England Tech.