There’s a new strong voice running for Belgrade’s selectboard — Barbara Allen.

While she may be new to running for an elected position in town, she’s a tried-and-true worker for organizations all across Belgrade that enhance the quality of life in our town: Belgrade Central School’s Arts Enrichment Program, the Belgrade Library Trustees, the McGrath Pond-Salmon Lake Association, and the Friends of Belgrade Lakes Village’s volunteer work to raise funds for the enhancement of the Village.

Her community-focus volunteer commitment built upon her professional background in fundraising and development. She understands the relationship between our natural resources — the lakes — and the tax base. She recognizes the value of new businesses that fit with the character of the town. She knows how to get people to work together for a common cause. Now add in a work ethic that gets things done and you’ve got a great candidate for the selectboard.

Like other towns throughout Maine, our selectboard faces increasingly complex issues and challenges as it works to maintain the quality of life that its citizens value and at the same time keep a handle on expenses so that they can continue to afford to live here. Barbara has the necessary professional and demonstrated personal strengths to be a valued member of the board and a fair and balanced representative of all the residents of Belgrade.

It’s the right time to put her skills to work for Belgrade.

Join me in voting for Barbara Allen on March 20 at the Center for all Seasons or at the Town Office from now until March 16.

Kathy Atkinson

Belgrade