On June 10, voters in Camden will consider two candidates — Bobbi Oxton Blake and  Christopher Rheault — seeking to fill one open Select Board seat being vacated by current Chair Tom Hedstrom. That seat carries a three-year term.

Penobscot Bay Pilot has posed questions to each candidate, providing the opportunity for the public to better understand their position on issues important to the town and region. Here, Bobbi Oxton Blake discusses her position on various topics.

Please provide a brief biography of yourself and explain why you decided to seek a seat on the Select Board.

My name is Bobbi Oxton Blake, and I am a candidate for the Camden Select Board. I was born in Camden, reside here, and I love the town of Camden. I currently work at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Rockland and have been employed there for the past five years. Previously, I served as the town clerk and tax collector for Hope for a few years. I am a long-time member of the Camden Lions' Club, having joined eight years ago.

On Saturdays, you may find me sorting cans at the Camden Transfer Station. Additionally, I have spent many years volunteering at the Camden Soap Box Derby, the soup kitchen at the Methodist church and many others. I am running for Select Board because I love our town. I want to preserve its beautiful landscape.

While I do not oppose change, it must be handled thoughtfully, honestly, transparently, and responsibly with taxpayers' money. My goal is to ensure the policies we implement are those that reflect the majority of our taxpayers' voices.

What do you understand is the job of the Select Board? 

The job of a select board is to set policy, that represents the people of Camden and ensures that the town of Camden is managed responsibly.

Are there any pressing issues facing Camden today that need to be resolved? If so, how would you like to see them resolved?

My main concerns in Camden are the ongoing budget and the rising costs. 

What are Camden’s strengths?

Camden has excellent schools, vibrant downtown, deep historical roots, a beautiful landscape, pristine lakes, ponds and hiking trails to name a few.  It also has a strong sense of community and I'm proud to call it my home.

How will you protect the Camden taxpayer as you govern a municipal budget and juggle    various interests that request municipal funding throughout the year?

Engage with Camden taxpayers, listen to their needs, and ensure their voices are heard. Make the budgeting process transparent, detailed and clear while addressing taxpayer needs.

Is Camden doing enough to work with neighboring municipalities to research and implement shared resources to reduce the fiscal load on taxpayers?

I am aware of some of the shared services between Camden and Rockport and will learn more. I support sharing services with neighboring towns, especially if it saves taxpayers money.

What is your opinion of the Megunticook River restoration project?

What would you like to see take place at the Camden Snow Bowl over the next 20 years? 

I have many memories at the Camden Snow Bowl, enjoying its events such as Toboggan Races, weddings, graduations, personal events and volunteering with my family in the 1970s at many pancake breakfasts. The new Round the Mountain trail is amazing and for bikers, hikers and families.  However, it's crucial to ensure it minimizes taxpayer burden.

How do you see Camden positioned in the larger regional Midcoast economy?

Camden has a huge impact as we pay 20% of the Knox County budget with our tax dollars and have minimal use of the services.

Does Camden have enough fully accessible (i.e., park and then walk onto shore) public access to the ocean?

Yes, I believe there is an opportunity for improvement. Any decisions made to enhance the experience for our taxpayers and tourists in Camden should preserve its natural beauty and be made with fiscal responsibility.

In the 2017 Camden Comprehensive Plan, the town said: “The space available for business and industry has decreased and there has been a greater reliance on tourism and hospitality to provide jobs. These two changes are closely related and are the greatest challenges facing the Town moving forward. We have to ask “how do we create well paying, quality year 'round jobs to encourage young people to move to town and raise their families while still being very supportive of the tourism industry?" Is this question still relevant to Camden?

Camden provides year-round employment through businesses such as Allen Agency, Lyman Morse, and Camden National Bank. We also have many health care providers, artists, builders, carpenters and remote workers who all make our town what it is today.  Support for existing businesses and encouragement for new ones are necessary. Camden has a fantastic school system and an attractive landscape suitable for raising families.  Keeping taxes affordable is in my opinion the way to attract and welcome young people with families to our town.

Camden has been governed by a five-member select board for decades (it once was a three-person board) but has occasionally and informally discussed moving to a council form of government. What is your opinion having a select board vs. a council form of government?

I believe the five members Select Board is the best way to go.  I believe it is the most democratic way, and it allows the most voices to be heard.

What do you think is the responsibility of a Select Board in balancing opinions and facts when making decisions?

The most important responsibility of a Select Board member is to listen to the taxpayers.  We need to take our personal hats off and look at what is best for the town as a whole and what the taxpayers of Camden want. 

 Free space! Please add any additional thoughts you would like voters to consider.

I have millions of stories about growing up in Camden, from not being able to get away with anything as a teenager because my dad, Bob Oxton, was Fire Chief in town to having so many opportunities to be involved in town events for the same reason. I would not change my life here in Camden for anything. I love this town and want to ensure that it remains the beautiful, enchanting town that it is for generations to come.