NEWFANE — It is very unusual for me to think about running for public office. If fact, I have never considered it before one of my neighbors called me over to chat in Newfane common.
“We want you to run for the Newfane Selectboard,” he said.
“Why me?”
“Because we need fresh ideas, creative people, and to bring new life to Newfane.”
I was stunned. What did it take? What could I contribute? Why me, of all people? After all, I was born in England, and lived there the first part of my life. I had come to America to marry my husband, an American. I studied U.S. history as part of my citizen test, and learned about the Constitution and the principles that are the underpinnings of this country's democracy.
I was deeply moved when I and a group of new Americans were sworn in to citizenship, and I have lived in Newfane for over 25 years. But running for office was a foreign idea.
Over the years I did notice a change in Newfane. When I first arrived, the town had a certain wonderful spirit - open, warm, and with a feeling of true community. But over the recent past, things seemed to have changed. Things that were easy to accomplish were now harder, often a struggle. The spirit, always there when it counted, had gone underground.
There was a group of Newfane folks who supported the idea that I should run. I took them seriously, and, more than that, I took the decision seriously. I read everything about town governance I could get my hands on. I watched most of the past Selectboard meetings that were online. And I personally attended several meetings to see what was going on, if I thought I could make a difference, and if it could matter to the town.
I decided to run. It was more than running for local office. It was a commitment to the town I love. I do have a vision of how Newfane can be on the move again.
It is steeped in my first lovely experience of living in Newfane, of attending town meetings, of seeing how people joined to support what was best in our history and traditions. It is a vision that we can support both local businesses and residences to build toward our future. It is a vision deeply rooted in Vermont-style democracy, which is the best anywhere.
We, the people, are able to form a more perfect government by the ways in which we participate in our communities. So I will be on the ballot in March, and I ask for the support of my fellow Newfane citizens so that we can join to further build the town we love.