My name is Theresa Walton, and I am running for a one-year Budget Committee seat, as well as a one-year seat on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Though this is my first foray into public service, I am no stranger to town government – how it works and what is required. I spent 10 years as a reporter covering town and school district business. While attending meetings, usually four nights a week, I was struck by two things: A realization that most towns don’t have enough volunteers and a desire to be part of the solution in my hometown.

Since I recently changed positions with my company and work days not evenings, I now have the time to commit to volunteering here, and want to help present voters with well-thought-out spending proposals that pass the scrutiny of the toughest reviews.

The budget process is long and involved and is about more than looking at the immediate cost of a line item or project. The budget committee’s recommendations influence many voters and should be made only after careful consideration of all the facts. It requires looking at all the implications of a spending proposal –what happens long-term if something is passed or rejected – and determining what is best for the taxpayers now and tomorrow. That may sometimes mean saving a penny on the tax rate, but other times may mean spending that penny to save much more in the future. Each proposal and line item is different and must be evaluated on its own merit.