My name is Suzanne Wight and I am running for the select board for the Town or Newry. I have worked in this school district for several years. I am currently a stay at home mom taking advantage of all the wonderful things this town has to offer.

If I get elected to the select board I would continue to support and promote all the wonderful activities of the town. I would hope to bring the perspective of a family living in this town. It is important that we have different representation on the select board to make sure that all individuals have a voice.

 What do you think are some important issues facing the Town of Newry?

Some important issues that the Town of Newry is facing are the ordinances on rental properties. This has multiple layers to consider.  Rental properties can be a great source of income and they can bring in revenue for the town but it can also mean a loss of homes that could be used for new families looking to relocate.

This complex issue needs to researched and we need to find a solution that is a balance for both sides. Another  area of importance is looking at the infrastructures that were damaged by the storms and making sure they are repaired to withhold another storm.

Does Newry overspend or underspend and, where should reductions/increases be?

 The town of Newry has a fairly large budget which can be beneficial as it provides resources for the community members. The Town of Newry has highly trained staff that work professionally to get the community needs met. As a stay at home mom, I understand and respect the need for a strict budget. I am conservative with spending while allowing needs to be met.  If elected, I would support the staff to meet the community needs while trying to save the townspeople money where we can.  

What is your experience with community organizations, and have you held positions in any organizations?

 During my time in high school, I was class president and I  was elected as a student representative on the school board. There were many aspects to these positions that I found fulfilling. I enjoyed that I could be the voice for many students and advocate for them, I was someone that spoke up for what I thought was in the best interest of the students.

I was able to disagree with administrators in a respectful manner and help them to understand a different perspective. I also enjoyed learning how a school district works behind the scenes.  I hope that if I am elected I can advocate for Newry residents the same as I did for my classmates. I will advocate for my neighbors strongly and respectfully. I will not be afraid to be alone in my voice and will never agree just to follow the crowd.

What town board positions have you held? Please offer any other information you would like to add.

I have not held any positions in local government or any form of.  However, I very much enjoy immersing myself into my community. I proudly started a swim team in the town of Augusta that was dedicated towards the Special Olympics. I helped and observed from positions such as coach, facilities coordinator, event coordinator, and as first contact host. After my relocation to Newry, I became involved with our SAD-44 school district. 

I enjoyed my employment as well as being near my stepdaughter during school hours. SAD-44 does a wonderful job offering a variety of activities for their students. I left my position at SAD-44 when I gave birth to my first child and I have since welcomed a second beautiful soul into our community.  During my furlough from my position at the school, I have obtained my Master’s Degree, I have stayed informed of local issues and I continue to be so proud to be raising my young family in the town of Newry.