Hillsborough has settled on a process to fill what will become an empty seat on the town’s Board of Commissioners. The board at its last meeting approved the process, which Mayor Tom Stevens says will look almost identical to the one used to select Matt Hughes to replace former commissioner Brian Lowen.

“We liked that process; we feel like we’ve done it before; it seemed like those were the right questions to be asking people,” says Stevens. “I’m anticipating and certainly hoping we’ll have a number of people so we will have the hard decision of choosing between a number of good applicants.”

The commissioners will use the same questions to find Jenn Weaver’s replacement. Weaver is running unopposed for mayor this fall. Stevens says topics will range from applicant’s opinions on affordability, development, experiences the applicant may have had working in the community and gauging their availability and commitment to the job.

The mayor says the board has not pinpointed exactly what it is they are looking for in a candidate.

“I think generally we want to see someone who has a commitment to Hillsborough, at least has some experience, and has a real willingness to learn about the various issues,” he says. “All of us are dealing with limited amounts of information. We have to rely on a professional staff, and we also have to listen to what our constituents are saying and use our own good judgement.”

The board will be accepting applications through November 8 and starting interviews on November 25. They hope to make their decision by December 9 so the new commissioner can attend the school government class for newly elected officials.