Schmunk, Bell enter contested race for Town of Lind Mayor: Opponent - Paula Bell

Town of Lind Councilmember Paula Bell is taking the next step into her elected official career by running for Mayor in the November General Election.

Bell has lived in Lind since 1976 and is a retired teacher. She said she decided to run for Mayor because residents asked her to, and after giving some thought she added her name in the mayoral race.

Bell said having a seat on Town Council has provided her with some experience of how the Town is run and what it means to be an elected official.

While Bell recognizes being Mayor would be a learning experience for her in several ways, she feels up to the task.

One of Bell’s first priorities as Mayor would be to stop what she believes is unnecessary spending of the Town’s money, which she is questioned about by other residents.

Bell also wants to rebuild the trust within the community and improve the lines of communication between residents, the Mayor, councilmembers and employees.

She said working together will help preserve the Town’s history as it moves into the future.

Another priority of Bell’s is to address the Town’s infrastructure needs and make it a more pleasant place for residents to live. Bell said she has researched the Town’s policies and procedures and will continue to uphold them.

She will also research grant opportunities to repair and maintain the infrastructure, as well as improve efficiencies of existing systems.

Bell would also work to keep residents informed of the progress of the infrastructure projects. She said it is important for residents to be informed about the work being done because the Town is spending local dollars to fund the work.

She has also attended conferences and workshops at her own expense to help improve the town. As Mayor, Bell would continue to attend conferences and connect with leaders from other municipalities who have experienced financial and infrastructure difficulties.

Bell would also speak with employees, groups and long-time residents to collect their ideas on fixing and improving infrastructure throughout the Town.

She would also work with staff to utilize their skills and expertise in a more efficient manner to improve productivity in the town and improve the Town’s facilities and day-to-day operations.

When it comes to creating and strengthening unity between residents, Bell said she would continue to listen to the concerns, ideas and solutions from members of the council and the public.

She would also work with the Lind School District, Senior Center, local businesses, the Lind Chamber of Commerce and engage local youth to learn ideas they would have for improving the town.

To help improve growth for the future, Bell said she would find the Town’s untapped potential and see what it can offer prospective businesses and residents.

She would also work with the Chamber to help promote the Town and encourage everyone to be receptive to new businesses.

As for public safety, Bell said residents and local block watches can lookout for out for each other and be aware of their surroundings, so they are not entirely dependent on the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

She also recognized the hard work of the Lind Fire Department to educate the council on the department’s guidelines and process.

If elected, one of the first tasks Bell would need to complete is finding insurance for the Town.

During a recent Town Council meeting, a representative from the Cities Insurance of Washington informed council the organization is considering canceling Lind’s insurance because of past and present councilmembers harassing employees.

Bell said she could not speak on the details of the matter as of press time as it is still under investigation.

If elected as Town of Lind Mayor, Bell noted elected officials will work for the people and she would strive to ensure residents and their concerns are not ignored.