ROCKINGHAM — I am running for the Rockingham Selectboard's one-year seat. Because I have been on the board for almost 15 years, I bring history and experience.
I was one of the founding mothers of Citizens for Participation in Rockingham (CPR). This organization was started almost 20 years ago, because there were few choices and too many candidates were running unopposed.
Every time we have an issue in our community, we have a plethora of candidates running for office. Despite the fact some are running against me, I am delighted at the number of choices.
Many people have asked my opinion on whom to vote for. Some candidates have been on the Selectboard before, and others are brand new to the process.
I am voting for Susan Hammond for the three-year seat. Susan brings vision, intelligence, and diplomacy. As the director of an international organization, War Legacies, she has the ability to listen to all sides before forming an opinion. And, unusual for Rockingham, she holds no grudges!
Some people may be surprised by my choice for the other one-year seat, but I feel the best person would be Cass Wright. Even though Cass's wife, Deb Wright, is a serial letter writer who seemingly is always criticizing the Selectboard and its decisions, I feel he would stay above the fray. I have read his letters and listened to his answers on a candidates' forum and have been impressed. I have also worked with him on the Board of Civil Authority. He shows up, is thoughtful, and works hard.
With all the issues facing our town, I feel we need a board that will listen, be respectful and - above all else - be united so we can solve these issues together.
“The efforts of the government alone will never be enough,” John F. Kennedy said. “In the end, the people must choose and the people must help themselves.”
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Masonic Temple in Bellows Falls.