Political newcomer Sarah Wilbur said she has thought about running for office for many years. This year, she decided, “seemed like the right time.’’

“I see some things I would like to work on,’ ’she said.

Wilbur is running for one of two positions on the Select Board. Incumbents Brian Giovanoni and William Pike are also in the race. 

She grew up in Carver and lived for many years in Nashville before moving to Middleboro about eight years ago. 

One of her major concerns, she said, is the water quality in town. “You can’t drink the water from the tap,’’ she said. She described that as a “sticking point’’ and noted that “everyone should be able to just drink the water.’’

The town is working on plans to construct a new water treatment plant to filter out PFAS. PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain-resistant products and other industrial processes. 

Another hot issue in town has been the MBTA Communities Act, which requires MBTA communities including Middleboro to create districts to allow multi-family housing by right within a half mile of the train station. 

This act “seems like it caught people off guard,’’ she said, although the town has known for years of plans to build a station in town. The act requires MBTA communities, including Middleboro, to create districts to allow multi-family housing by right within a half mile of the train station. 

The town has subsequently sued the state, claiming that the town already has built significant amounts of affordable housing and that the zoning changes and subsequent possible population increase would cost the town millions.

As a result of the town being deemed non-compliant with the act, grants have been cancelled, Wilbur noted, and the town is “spending money to sue the state. Our money could be better spent on other things.’’ 

She described herself as a strong advocate for affordable housing. “I’m a person who thinks that everyone should have a home,’’ she said. “There ought to be more.’’ 

The budget process in town seems to be successful, she stated. “The way spending is now, there probably doesn’t need much in adjustments. The town certainly seems to run well.’’

She describes herself as an advocate for education. “I’m a person who always thinks you’ve got to put more money into education,’’ she said. “It’s a cliche,’’ she said, but students “are our future.’’

She also advocates bringing in more business. “You can be a small town and keep that feel, but that doesn’t mean you can keep business away,’’ she noted. She would support “anything that helps the economy for the most part and within reason. The more businesses you have, the more [people] will be drawn to the town.’’

She also questioned the concept of offering tax incentives for businesses seeking to locate in town. Special Town Meeting voters in October approved a tax break for Rexa, a manufacturer planning to build a $33 million facility in town. 

“I get that sometimes there’s a need’’ but “everyone should pay their fair share.’’ 

She would also like to see Middleboro become a “safe haven’’ for the LGBTQ-plus community.

“It’s important to know that they’re welcome here,’’ she said.