Michelle Ouellette Smith knows that if she steps into the role of Marion Selectman, she's there to represent the people.

The former retail manager and mother of four is a full-time teacher at Acushnet Elementary School. She's a member of Marion's Zoning Board of Appeals. If that's not enough, she belongs to the Sippican School Committee, the ORR School Committee and the Southeastern Massachusetts Education Collaborative.

"The biggest problem we need to solve is the impending possibility we may have to upgrade our sewer treatment plant," Smith explained. "If we are forced to upgrade the system, we must ensure our decision is based upon what is best for our town and minimize the financial impact on our taxpayers," she explained.

She is critical of the way the issue has been handled in the past. "We form committees and pay for studies only to shelve the results of their findings. This inaction has caused delays and increased cost in each of the financial issues faced by our town. Instead of being able to invest money in our children’s education, provide new and additional services for our senior citizens, and provide the level of service and quality of life our taxpayers deserve, we are now faced with millions of dollars of repairs and continue to use taxpayers’ dollars to fight the EPA decision."

As a witness to the current budget debate between the ORR School Committee and the tri-town selectmen, Smith notes that the communication gap must be closed. "I believe teamwork, transparency and open lines of communication between the selectmen and all town departments, as well as the school committees, are essential."

Some of the most important residents to consider, according to Smith, are seniors and students. Marion's senior population is expanding as demographics continue to change. Smith says she favors growth in services for seniors, as well as additional programs at Marion's Senior Center.

Meanwhile, as a teacher and mother of four, Smith also notes that she understands the need for quality education. "As a member of the Sippican School Committee, I have experience negotiating union contracts and finding solutions for any challenges which might affect education."

Smith explained that her tenure on Marion's Zoning Board, as well as her involvement with the local school committees, has given her valuable inside experience examining the issues that face Marion in the future. "I'm a woman of action. I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work with my colleagues to find the solutions to the problems we face."