BRATTLEBORO-A former Selectboard member has announced that he will be running for state representative for District 9 (formerly District 3).
Ian Goodnow will seek the Democratic Party nomination for the seat after after having served on the board for the past four years, the last two as chair. He stepped down from the board at the end of his term in March.
He is a practicing attorney at Costello, Valente & Gentry P.C., also of Brattleboro.
This week, incumbent Rep. Tristan Toleno (D-Brattleboro) announced he is not seeking re-election after serving District 9 for the past 12 years [story, this issue].
Toleno has formally endorsed Goodnow, stating in a news release that "Ian's leadership on the Selectboard showed me that he is humble and curious, that he knows how to listen and engage with all different perspectives, and that his care and commitment to Brattleboro are unmatched."
Goodnow, in a separate news release, said that his tenure on the Selectboard has "given me many insights about the strengths and struggles that face our community. It has taught me that I have a deep passion and love for public service."
"I hope to continue to serve Brattleboro by bringing that knowledge and energy to Montpelier," he said.
His board term spanned the pandemic and post-pandemic years, a time he called "a dynamic and difficult time for Brattleboro and Vermont."
Goodnow said that he has seen that "the housing crisis, wide economic disparity, and a stagnating workforce are intertwined challenges that Brattleboro is facing."
He said his campaign objective "is to knock on every door in District 9," and to speak to as many of his neighbors as possible.
Goodnow will have a campaign launch party on Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m., at Midnight's Bar, 2 High St.
Contact Goodnow at [email protected]. A campaign website, iangoodnow.com, is under construction.
This News item was submitted to The Commons.