Selectman candidate profile: Bettie Harris-Howard

Editor’s note: This is the third of what is hoped to be five profiles of your selectman candidates. They are being published in the order in which they were received by The Lebanon Voice. All candidates were asked the same three questions.

Meet Bettie Harris-Howard

Personal: Age, 63; Occupation: Retired Health Care Administrator; married; four children, six grandchildren and one new great-grand daughter

Questions

Why are you running?

I am running because I see a lack of management and consistency. Town officials need to be accountable for their actions.  The town needs a realistic plan for the future, a plan that puts us in a position to apply for Grants that will bring money into the town to accomplish set goals.  We need more transparency, minutes of town board meetings need to be printed and available to all citizens. Our citizens need to be kept informed of the issues in town and openly encouraged to participate in the local government process.

The people of Lebanon should be represented in an honest and fair way. They deserve to have their voices heard without fear and be respected in a way that gives everyone the feeling that their opinions are important. Now I am retired and have the experience, time and the energy I put into my previous career to make a difference right here.

What is the single most crucial issue that Lebanon must address?

People with personal agendas and conflicts of interest in town positions.

Why do you think you offer more than other candidates?

I have the critical elements that are essential for a good selectman, education, owned a small business, administration experience, responsible for multi- million dollar budgets, management and team building experience. I am able to listen and compromise.

I have no hidden personal agenda. I look forward to the challenges of becoming selectman. I will fulfill my responsibilities with integrity, honesty, accountability and reliability.