By TIM O'CONNOR
Sun Correspondent

Daryn Marsh and Mark Nelson met for a debate at the Wilmington Community Television studios sponsored by the League of Women Voters, WCTV and the Wilmington Advertiser.

Cain was also scheduled to appear but could not make the debate because of a family emergency.

Marsh said he would bring a resident's perspective to the board because he is neither a business owner nor a town employee. He said he will listen and represent townspeople's voices and opinions.

"I do not have a business interest in this community," said Marsh. "I have a resident's interest."

While Marsh focused on his own traits, Nelson immediately attacked Cain.

Since Cain was elected in 1978, Nelson said, the town's budget has increased by more than $40 million.

Nelson also said Cain failed to properly handle the MBTA's proposal for a commuter rail parking lot in the town center.

Cain's opposition to the lot forced the town to accept the MBTA's plan rather than a compromise, Nelson argued. He added that Cain's opposition created a "false hope" among residents.

"I see it as a disservice to the town," he said.

The two candidates agreed on many issues, such as placing restrictions on who can serve on town committees.

"We need to have more people who live in town and deal with the issues on a daily basis," said Nelson.

Nelson also strongly criticized Board of Health Chairman James Ficociello, who he said has not lived in town for the past 15 years.

Marsh said he does not support the fluoridation of town water. People who want fluoride can get it in plenty of products, he said.

"We have enough things in our water," said Marsh.

If elected, Marsh said, he will bring the board back to where it is supposed to be: a public-service job, not a private-service job.

The election for the selectman's seat will be held on April 15.