DIXFIELD – Bettina Martin and Brenda Turbide were elected as Dixfield’s newest selectmen Tuesday.
In a race for a three-year term, Martin took 104 votes to opponent Norman Mitchell who received 25 votes. She replaces Montell Kennedy who chose not to seek another term.
Turbide, who received 68 votes, defeated William De Vries, with 38 votes, and Dan Hallock, who took 25 votes. She will complete the year remaining in former Selectman Steve Donahue’s term.
Martin, 67, was pleased to have won a clear-cut victory. Last year, she ran for a board seat and lost by a few votes after an official recount was held. At that time, she lost to current Selectmen Raymond Carlton and Tony Carter.
“I’m very happy to have won and I hope I can do a good job for the town,” she said. “I have financial experience and a broad knowledge of municipal law.”
She is a retired financial director and accountant. She is currently a member of the River Valley Growth Council, Dixfield Finance Committee and Dixfield Economic Development Committee.
Martin has mixed feelings about regionalization, although she said she has an open mind.
Turbide, 42, said she is excited with her win and looks forward to whatever comes up.
She supports regionalization and believes that’s the direction many small towns will have to take if they want to continue providing a full spectrum of services.
She believes her strongest assets are researching and writing policies.
“I want to make sure our policies are up-to-date,” she said.
She is a current member of the Water Advisory Committee and the Recreation Committee, both positions she’d like to continue if appointed by the Board of Selectmen.
Both women will attend their first meeting on Thursday, which will be a closed session with the Mexico Board of Selectmen to negotiate an agreement with Mexico town manager to serve as Dixfield’s interim town manager.
For SAD 21 board, dentist Bruce Ross ran unopposed for a three-year term vacated by David Law. Ross received 104 votes. Sonya Fuller received 14 votes for a one-year term. Town officials hadn’t confirmed whether she will accept the position by early evening.
See photo on Page B2.
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