Letter to the Editor: Deborah Shelkan Remis Announces Candidacy

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Board of Health office at Town Hall to request a RECYCLE sticker for my large garbage barrel.  My barrels runneth over in the two weeks before recycling pick up, so I decided to use a bigger, labeled, sanctioned barrel. While there, I inquired as to whether there was a vacancy on the Town Board of Health.  It so happens, that one of the members of this volunteer three-year position is up for reelection. I decided to take out nomination papers and collect the requisite signatures and now I am officially on the ballot as a candidate for the Board of Health and a town meeting member!

My family and I have lived in Swampscott for over 25 years.  During that time, I have been involved in various town committees: Swampscott Council on Aging, Swampscott Revitalization Committee, Community Collaborative on Health and Nutrition (a voluntary group comprised of individuals in Swampscott and Marblehead), and was a volunteer builder for Kids Cove playground at Blocksidge Field.  Our three daughters are graduates of Swampscott High School and have participated in town athletics and programs over the years.

I am a graduate of medical school with expertise in public health and geriatrics and can offer insights on community health issues that are relevant to all Swampscott residents.  I am articulate, focused, organized, creative and passionate about lifestyle and preventive health issues.  Those who know me will attest to the fact that I think “outside the box”, am an avid listener and always have a new idea.

As a member of the Board of Health, I will focus on the following:

• Endorse a proposal for weekly recycling pickup
• Review healthy food options in the schools and area restaurants
• Make blue and white equal green: Initiate a Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Program for restaurants, retail and pharmacy stores to eliminate the overflow of plastic bag usage in our town
• Evaluate innovative methods to regionalize basic public health services, including mosquito control, bacteria testing in our ocean waters, public health nurses, restaurant inspections
• Make our community a healthy and attractive place to live for ourselves and our families and tourists

Please join me in voting on Tuesday, April 24.  Remember to check for any updated redistricted precinct changes.

I appreciate your support

        Deborah

Deborah Shelkan Remis, MD, MPH