Longtime resident Debra R. Smith beat incumbent Thomas Walling to claim a three-year seat on the Bowdoinham Select Board Tuesday.

Smith received 667 votes to Walling’s 432. Walling joined the board six years ago.

Deborah Smith beat incumbent Thomas Walling to win a three-year seat on Bowdoinham Select Board. Deborah Smith

“I feel good winning because I plan on doing a lot and being involved with the town,” said Smith. “It was a little tough for me because I contested against Walling, who is a good friend of mine.”

Smith said it would be a big learning experience for her, as she has never run for office before. Her immediate goal, she said, is to know various town issues through the select board.

“I want to communicate better with the town and be more accessible to the town as a select board member,” said Smith, who has been living in the town for the last 20 years.

Smith said she plans to prioritize the town’s recycling program issue.

Smith said that she wants the town’s recycling program to go back to the recycling barn, where the solid waste and recycling program was being operated for three decades before it was vacated due to structural issues last fall.

In addition, she wants to support the migrant workers that live in the town.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to Debra Smith, I’m looking forward to working with her,” said Town Manager Nicole Briand. “I would also like to thank Thomas Walling for his service to the town, it has been a privilege working with him over the last year.”

Walling said Debra and he had a good solid campaign.

“I am happy for Debra. We were friends, we have been before and we are now,” said Walling.