RAYMOND — The Board of Selectmen heard from 15 residents Monday night who wished to be considered for terms on six different town committees.

Chairman Frank Bishop welcomed each candidate and thanked those who have served or are currently serving on committees for their time and interest. Each candidate read a letter or presented a statement to the board and answered questions from board members.

Among the candidates was Cheryl Killam, conservation commission chairwoman, who asked to be considered for re-election to a three-year term. She said one of her goals would be getting students more involved in local conservation efforts.

Selectman Robert Carlberg raised many questions with the candidates, including one for Killam concerning the use of public funding to finance private landowners' conservation efforts.

He asked whether Killam thought commission funds should be used to front some of the cost when working to conserve property that is privately owned.

Peter Cleaves, commission treasurer, followed Killam's interview and responded to Carlberg's question by saying the commission should be able to approach a landowner prepared to cover some of the conservation costs involved such as survey and appraisal work.

"It is unrealistic to think the landowner will put up these costs," he said, adding that it is important for the commission to be competitive with developers and real-estate firms.

Most importantly, he said, "You've got to have a healthy environment." Before answering to any board member, Cleaves made it clear he was unhappy with the questions presented as tension had seemed to grow from their interaction with Killam.

Both Killam and Cleaves agreed in their separate interviews that the commission works in conjunction with other boards in town, such as the selectmen, toward the same overall goal: To fulfill their respective duties with the town's best interest in mind.

Bishop ended the lengthy discussion by saying that when it comes to how land in the town is conserved, his main concern is that it is done in the right way to protect all citizens of the town.

The board also heard from Kevin Woods, chairman of the Raymond Community Television Committee, who was interested in serving another three-year term.

Woods said he is planning a monthly show where the public can call in live to ask town officials questions. Invitations will be extended to the Board of Selectmen, the School Board, the town manager and the superintendent of schools, among others.

He also noted that volunteers are needed within the committee to help run events and programs.

"It's not really something that's taken off in the public yet," he said. But as long as they know people are watching, their efforts to provide community television will continue.

Action will be taken on committee appointments on April 16.