SHELBURNE — The extra time to herself as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic left Margaret Payne with plenty of time to think.
“I really felt like I wanted to be a bigger part of my community in a way that I could use some of what I have to offer to work for the town, and to learn more about how it works and what I can do,” Payne said.
Payne, 73, was elected on June 23 to serve a three-year term on the Selectboard, assuming the seat vacated by Matt Marchese. Running as a write-in candidate, she secured 193 votes.
“I really like working collaboratively, so to be part of a team in Shelburne really appealed to me,” Payne said.
She was also inspired by the recent local protests, noting that she believes people, women in particular, need to be more proactive in stepping up and taking part in politics at all levels of society.
“This was my little step in that direction,” Payne said.
Another motivation for running was her passion for justice, she added.
“The thing I’ve always been … most passionate about is justice and service for people who are underserved, and that varies over time and place,” she said.
Payne, who owns Foxbard Farm on Bardwells Ferry Road, has been a member of the Shelburne Housing Authority for 10 years, on and off. She is also president of the Senior Center Foundation, which she has been with since 2014.
She’s lived in Shelburne since 1999, when she moved to the area with her late husband to run his family farm.
“I’ve just really come to love New England through living (in Shelburne),” Payne said. “I grew up in Philadelphia, not on a farm. I have felt welcomed in New England, and I really have found a match with the kind of work ethic and tolerance and appreciation for nature and community support for one another.”
Payne said she knows she has a lot to learn as she assumes the new role, but she is looking forward to working with her new team.
Already, she has learned the town needs to develop an emergency preparedness plan.
“I’m looking forward to working with other team members to develop that more fully,” she said.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263. Twitter: @MaryEByrne