According to the new mayor of East Spencer, the town’s future looks bright in 2012 and beyond.
Mayor Barbara Mallett was elected in November to replace John Cowan, who did not seek re-election. She said she believes the next year will shine a light on the town’s vision and mission, helping it move forward.
“What East Spencer is hoping to do is to continue the growth that’s already been started,” Mallett said. “There’s going to be some great things happening for the community and for the town as a whole.”
She said she hopes those things will include fixing up Royal Giants Park to host summer activities for children, as well as encouraging community development and bringing business to East Spencer.
The town also is entering 2012 with a new administrator, Macon Sammons Jr., who has said he wants to help the town set clear goals and priorities. This process also is important to the new mayor, she said, but it won’t be easy.
“I think the biggest challenge for me will be to prioritize the things that we want to see for our town,” Mallett said. “Whatever we try to do for the town, we want it to have a positive outcome. We don’t want to start something and not finish it.”
The town will need to focus on coming together and working as one, in order to accomplish its goals, she said.
That could be difficult, Mallett said, but she thinks the people of East Spencer can stay positive and emerge winners in 2012.
“Stay tuned,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”
— Karissa Minn

Barbara Mallett
Age: 64
Occupation: Mayor, town of East Spencer
Favorite book: Just finished reading “Sweet Success after Bitter Defeat” by Dr. Evelyn Murray Drayton
Most surprising song or artist in your music collection: Kenny Rogers, “Lady”
Who will you watch in 2012?: “I think I’m going to watch the U.S. government. … I want to see how people respond in the 2012 election.”
Why this person is one to watch in 2012: East Spencer’s new mayor will help shape the town’s future for the next two years.
Reaction to making the list: “I’m elated, because it’s not going to be me you’re seeing, it’s going to be our heavenly father.”