Pam Swift has deep family roots in Maine, tracing three previous generations to Bangor, Bucksport, and Stockton Springs — where she has fond memories of ice skating on the beaver pond as a child and sledding down her grandparents’ driveway with her dog riding on her back. Swift also recalls helping her grandmother plant lobelia and geraniums in her flower garden, worrying a late frost might kill the tender plants.

Swift earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with the intention of becoming a veterinarian, but later decided to pursue a medical degree. After graduating from medical school and completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology, Swift joined a large practice that specialized in high-risk obstetrical cases, where she worked her way up to full business partner.

After 23 years practicing medicine, Swift returned to her animal science roots and purchased a farm in Palermo with her husband, Don, where they raise grass-fed sheep, free-range organic laying hens, and acorn-fattened pigs.

Swift is serving her second term on the select board in Palermo. Although the board’s three members span the political spectrum, they work together with the common goal of doing what’s best for the community as a whole.

Most recently, the select board worked cooperatively with the Palermo Volunteer Fire Department and Liberty Ambulance to create a new service for Palermo residents that will provide a more rapid response as well as a higher level of emergency medical care.

As a representative, Swift would focus on ensuring her neighbors have access to affordable healthcare, reducing the cost of prescription medications, and preventing and treating opioid addiction. She is also interested in issues related to food sovereignty, supporting Maine’s small family farms, and dealing with the threat imposed by PFAS.