Joan Bowen of the League of Women Voters of Bedford welcomed members of the community to a Candidates’ Forum on Sunday afternoon in the Shawsheen Room of the Town Center Building. The meeting began with opening statements from the three candidates competing for two open seats on the Board of Selectmen: Bopha Malone, Ed Pierce, and Mark Siegenthaler. This was followed by a question and answer period for the trio and then each was allowed a brief closing summary.
Malone, who if elected would serve on a town board for the first time, spoke to the need for new voices and perspectives and pledged openness and accessibility. She has worked as a community banker at Enterprise Bank for the last 13 years. Malone is also on the boards of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Middlesex Community College, and Communities for Restorative Justice.
Pierce is a three-year incumbent on the Board of Selectmen seeking a second term. He described a passion for public service and pointed to his experience as a member of the School Committee, Recreation Commission, and Finance Committee. Pierce is a CPA and now has his own business providing financial expertise to other companies.
Siegenthaler is a former Selectman, having stepped down in 2017 when he chose not to run again after serving seven three-year terms. He remained active in town affairs, serving as a member of the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust and Planning Board.
Questions from community members expressed concerns on a range of issues including how to increase participation in local government; how to best support the DPW in building and maintaining green infrastructure; NetZero next steps; and traffic mitigation. More than one question asked about the selection process for the proposed new fire station at 175 Great Road (Article 26 in the 2020 Town Warrant) and more detail on the need for a new fire station relative to perceived needs in other areas. Another resident noted the difficulty of finding a downsized property in Bedford for elderly residents who would like to stay in town but in a smaller home.
At the conclusion of this discussion, candidates for other offices who are running unopposed were invited to give short introductory statements. Robin Grace, candidate for Library Board of Trustees; Rebecca Green Neale, candidate for Board of Assessors; Susan Schwartz, candidate for Board of Health; and Jacinda Barbehenn, Planning Board candidate, took advantage of the opportunity to address the gathering and encourage participation in the town election on March 14.
Loading ...
