Bell, Claypool vye for Lind Town Council Position No. 4: Incumbent Paula Bell

Paula Bell

Age: 51

Current Profession: Teacher at Lind-Ritzville High School

Spouse: Jeff

Children: Jennifer and Shaun

Incumbent Paula Bell is seeking reelection for Lind Town Council Position No. 4 during the upcoming General Election.

Bell is running for the position because she wants to continue to give back to the community that has supported her for many years in school activities and projects. Bell stated she believes she needs to continue to support residents by assisting with their issues within the town and being their voice on the council.

“I try to tie in the citizen’s concerns and issues, while having the bigger picture of keeping the town sustainable,” Bell said. “It’s our town and I’m proud to be their voice.”

Bell has been a member of the council for two full terms, and originally had been appointed into the position before running in a contested election.

During her time on the council, Bell has been diligent in researching issues and becoming familiar and knowledgeable about the town’s ordinances and procedures. One of her strengths as a councilperson is her passion for research and ensuring all rules are being followed, Bell said.

Bell said she takes the responsibility of being a councilmember seriously, and is constantly improving herself by becoming familiar with the budget and being the citizen’s watchdog. Bell said the need for accuracy and transparency is crucial for the council, and her understanding of the seriousness of her role is something she takes to heart.

If reelected, Bell said her top priorities are creating business opportunities, improving infrastructure and providing more opportunities for Lind residents.

“We need to have businesses continue and move into Lind so that we can once again thrive,” Bell said. “And with that, then there would need to be improvement in the infrastructure.”

Bell said maintaining and improving the current infrastructure has to be the primary focus of the council. But by attracting new businesses to the community, the town could receive more consideration for financial assistance to help upgrade the needs of the town, Bell said.

Bell said the completion of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant served as a great accomplishment for the town.

“As far as projects go, it’s always exciting to see what else is out there to improve the community,” Bell said. “But we (the council) have to keep in mind the cost and know the community cannot support large debt. It’s the council’s responsibility to keep that in consideration.”

Bell said researching potential projects and working with engineers through other projects in the town has allowed her to see the potential opportunities available for Lind. Her first responsibility to the community is to remain financially responsible to ensure the town can afford the projects.

Bell said she continually votes in opposition for large projects she does not believe are financially viable for the town.

After raising a family in Lind, Bell said she understands the importance of community and creating opportunities for the next generation. With a decline in the amount of businesses within the town, it is hard for families to find ways to financially support themselves without having to look elsewhere for employment.

Bell said in order to provide more opportunities, the town has to upgrade its aging facilities and provide continuous maintenance to keep the town viable and attractive for visitors and potential residents. She stated the best way to keep the town viable is to work together with the organizations already present within the community, and utilize the resources available there.

It is also crucial for the council to support the community efforts in order to unite the council and the community in helping make Lind an appealing place to be, Bell added.

Throughout her time within the Lind community, Bell has been active as a teacher and a volunteer. She originally began as a teacher in the Lind School District, and currently is the Business teacher at Lind-Ritzville High School.

Bell has volunteered with school functions and the Lind Combine Demolition Derby on an annual basis. She said she actively tries to support and volunteer at all community functions, including taking Santa photos for the Chamber of Commerce each Christmas.

Bell said she wants voters to know she is passionate about improving the town and continuing to work with citizens to ensure the town has a viable future.