Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Barbara!
I'm Barbara Stoebel, and I'm running for Mayor, because I see nothing but opportunity, begging to be unleashed on all fronts in this city. Methuen needs a clear plan to develop more affordable housing, healthcare outlets, entertainment and shopping venues, and educational opportunities that lure new residents, while maintaining our existing community. Leadership must be proactive and not reactive. Let's move forward without indecision and welcome, without hesitation, competition from our neighboring cities and towns. Methuen deserves a candidate who uses obstacles as opportunities, and values all the services and resources that keep Methuen vital and functioning.
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A bit about me
My family has lived in Methuen on Ashford Street for over 4 generations. Our sturdy two-family ancestral dwelling has been passed from mother to daughter, starting with my Great-grandmother, then to my Grandmother, my Mother, and now to my sister and me. I was educated first at the Ashford School from grades 1-6, and in 1975 graduated from Tenney Memorial High School. I believe that this education provided me with the skills that I would need to become a productive, successful, and happy person. I had a career that brought me from my small hometown roots to life in New York City. Dreams really can come true!
What I offer Methuen
I am also a documented 9/11 Survivor. I watched as my neighborhood became a war zone. I watched first hand, night after night, as first responders dug through the rubble that once was the Twin Towers. As a result of 9/11, I lost my home, my job, and my lust for capitalism. I discovered self-employment as an animal care provider. Best work experience of my life! There is something very empowering in being your own boss. Self-employment allowed me to learn more about my community at Gateway Plaza that I lived in and loved. I became very involved in local government, as both a member and secretary of our Gateway Tenants Association representing over 5,000 residents, it was the largest in Battery Park City. I was also certified into our post 9/11 FEMA Community Emergency Response Team. All my inspiration for Methuen comes from living, working, and surviving man-made and natural disasters in New York City.
Currently
I returned to Methuen in July 2014, when my Mom became ill. I stayed on after she passed, and carved out my life on Ashford Street again, with both old and new friends. I went back to work in retail for companies like TJ Maxx, Dollar Tree, and Burlington. I found retail to be less than satisfying. In 2023, I completed my Masters in Public Affairs and Administration from Merrimack College. Throughout my life I considered entering the public sector. This year, when no one challenged the incumbent mayor, which is never good for the voters or the city, I decided to throw my hat in the ring for mayor of Methuen. My run is my “Love Letter” to Methuen for providing me with a world class education. It is because of that combined education and my cumulative accomplishment in sales and marketing, that I come to you ready to ask for your vote and lead our City into a new and prosperous future for all our residents.
