While I deeply appreciate the efforts of those who have served on the Camden Select Board in the past, I feel it is time for new energy and the perspective so thoughtfully expressed by Mary Beth Leone Thomas in her candidates interview in the Pen Bay Pilot and posted on her Facebook page. If you haven’t yet read it, I strongly encourage you  to do so before casting your vote.

 

Not only does Mary Beth bring a new perspective as a former clinical social worker, landlord, long-time resident and retiree, she also demonstrates the rare ability to dig into issues—to thoroughly research, engage and listen, before taking a position or making a proposal. 

 

Mary Beth values the richness of a diverse community and would prioritize policies that make it more feasible for those who work in our community to live in it—the trades people, employees, public servants and teachers we rely on as well as the retirees who worked and raised their families in Camden and the young generation who would like to return.

 

Ever increasing budgets and town property taxes diminish the possibility of a more inclusive community. And finally, as so thoughtfully laid out in the interview, Mary Beth would bring new innovative ideas and a refreshing outlook to the debate on how we might address a range of important issues we face as a community.

 

I have known Mary Beth and been witness to her commitment and capability since we both moved to this area 40 years ago and can think of no one better prepared to serve our town at this time.