Selectman candidate profile: Corinna Cole

Editor’s note: This is the first 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 Corinna Cole

Personal: Age 47, Married 29 years to Harold Cole, 2 children. Owner of Bluebird Promotions, a Marketing/Advertising business, Vice-president (and acting Secretary) of The Indian Lake Improvement Association.

Why are you running?

 I am running for Selectman because I really enjoy getting involved in politics, would like to help make some positive changes in Lebanon and I love solving problems!

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

I believe Lebanon's most crucial issue is poor communication and transparency. I submitted a petition, that is now Referendum 1 on the June 11th ballot, requiring all public meetings be video recorded and posted on the Town website.

I believe that will go a long way in improving communication and transparency if it is passed. I also would like to applaud Selectwoman Karen Gerrish for her monthly Saturday Constituent hours, that have made her accessible to the Townspeople. If I am elected, I would happily join her for those.

Why do you think you offer more than any other candidate?

I am a person that believes everyone has something to offer and you can learn something from everyone you meet. I have met all of my opponents and they all have good reasons why they are getting involved and some great ideas. I would like to build on all the great input and ideas of all of them. We need to look at the Town as a whole, see what is not working well and what is working.

Maybe even look beyond Lebanon, to what is working well in other Towns. I know being a Selectman is not an easy job and would really look forward to the challenge of whatever may come along. I hope all the candidates stay involved in one way or another. I am currently working to gain support for a Comprehensive Plan, another issue the Town of Lebanon really needs to address. Not having this important element in place, along with other issues, has lost the Town a lot of grant money.