About the candiddate
High school teacher for 31 years. Manager of Gem Theater in Bethel. Wife of Peter Southam, two children and granddaughter. I love recreation and volunteer for cross-country skiing and mountain biking for kids.
Education
B.A., Dartmouth College; M.Ed., Harvard School of Education
Previous Offices Held
Currently serving on Bethel Select Board, elected in 2023.
Top Three Priorities
It’s important to work with the board, listen to all perspectives and reach consensus in the town’s best interest. Bethel recently received strong applications from a diverse group of residents for the Comprehensive Plan Committee, bringing valuable expertise and viewpoints to planning the town’s future. The budget process should be responsible and transparent, with planning started early so ideas can be researched, discussed thoroughly and developed to benefit as many residents as possible.
Why are you running?
I am running for a second term because I have enjoyed serving and learned a great deal about local government. I am not afraid to ask questions to better understand issues and will begin a second term with more experience and be more effective from the start. I value collaboration, respect differing perspectives and believe decisions should be made collectively by the select board. I am committed to hard work, preparation and research, and will always give my best effort to the town.
What is the biggest challenge facing your community? The biggest opportunity?
Bethel’s biggest challenge is remaining affordable for young families, workers and older residents on fixed incomes. Housing, childcare, wages, taxes and access to healthcare all affect the community’s future. We need creative solutions that support a vibrant, growing town. Our greatest opportunity is our strong outdoor recreation economy, which attracts visitors who also support local arts, food and businesses. Protecting natural resources will help sustain that growth for future generations.
If you could change one thing about how your community functions, what would it be and why?
Communicating town information in a timely way can be challenging, especially with the newspaper publishing every two weeks. I would like to see the town website become clearer, more user-friendly and the go-to source for current information. I also support creating a comprehensive town calendar that includes community events and activities so residents feel informed, included and connected.
Do you support more development in your community? Why or why not?
I support the growth of local businesses, which add character and vitality to our town while providing goods and services close to home. I also support affordable housing development and plan to learn more about recent legislation designed to make housing easier to build. Organizations like Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments are valuable resources for municipalities exploring housing options and solutions.