We asked the two candidates for a single open seat on the town’s Board of Selectmen to introduce themselves to voters. Here’s what they had to say. The winners of voting on Tuesday, March 12, will serve a three-year term.

Beth Blair

My name is Beth Blair. I am running for the Board of Selectmen because I love this town and believe volunteer leadership is crucial to the strength of our community. Since building a home here in 1990 with my husband Christopher, I have actively contributed to town life by:

– Serving on the Municipal Building Committee (2 years), which oversaw the creation of the new municipal complex on Baptist Road, as well as the re-invention of the old fire/highway buildings into our current Elkins Public Library.

– Serving as a Board Member and publicity manager for the Canterbury Community Farmer’s Market (13 years).

– Editing and producing the town newsletter (11 years).

– Filling many roles with the Canterbury Fair (20+ years) including managing the Chicken BBQ, Squire to the Morris Dance Team, publicity, and signage.

– Co-leading the Canterbury Halloween extravaganza hosted at Shaker Village (7 years), plus working several more years transitioning the event to the town center.

By profession, I am a graphic artist and designer, have co-owned two children’s health publishing businesses, and co-written and illustrated the “Everything Kids” series of puzzle books. Attention to detail and deadline was a requirement to ensure these ventures were successful.

The skills I’ve gained professionally and through community work have prepared me to work well as part of the town management team. I ask many questions, listen carefully and have great respect for Canterbury and its history. I am not afraid of long hours and am highly motivated to keep things neighborly!

Thank you for considering me for the Board of Selectmen.  I welcome questions: 603-783-4333 or bethblairnh@gmail.com.

Calvin Todd

I’m Calvin Todd – a name you are probably familiar with, as this is not my first time running for Selectboard. I hope that speaks to how passionate I am about serving Canterbury residents. Service is a hallmark of my life. After serving in Afghanistan, I was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with Valor. A lifelong New Hampshirite, my wife Alice and I put down roots in Canterbury ten years ago, and I made a commitment to serve my community the way I have served and protected my country.

I am currently a member of the Zoning Board and the Budget Committee. I recently served as a member of the Canterbury School Withdrawal Study Committee. I have experience and deep knowledge of how the Town of Canterbury works. I’m running for the Board of Selectmen with a pledge to be open-minded, fair, impartial and transparent in addressing the town’s needs. I believe that every resident deserves a voice and I commit to ensuring yours is always heard. As a younger candidate, I also hope to form a bridge between our long-time and new residents. Through responsible spending, strategic growth, and inclusion, Canterbury can continue to be the community we all know and love.

The depth of my community involvement, a lifetime of service, and independence from any conflicts of interest make me well suited to represent the interests of Canterbury residents on the Selectboard. While I might not be the most polished candidate, I am dependable, thorough, trustworthy and I care about our town. I ask for your support in helping Canterbury thrive. Feel free to reach me at calvintodd10@gmail.com or 603-370-1861.