BRATTLEBORO — Choosing which candidate to vote for is always a risk. Once elected, your candidate might disappoint you, so I never endorse a candidate, because that would be urging others to join in my gamble.
With that understood, I shall discuss my choices for the two one-year Brattleboro Selectboard seats.
My choices are guided by the idea that improving the way the Selectboard functions is more important than whether I am likely to agree with the candidates' positions on particular issues. The only way to prevent the example of the current dysfunctional leadership from having a lasting effect is to replace it with excellent leadership that sets a new standard.
Over the years, the prestige of the Selectboard has deteriorated to its current low. The chairman's idea of democracy seems to be: “You elected us, now shut up and get out of our way.”
The board tolerates minimal public participation because Vermont's Open Meeting Law requires it, but the concept of a truly collaborative process is absent. During the past year, too many people who are knowledgeable and have good ideas have decided not to speak out at Selectboard meetings, saying: “Why bother? They won't listen.”
When people feel that they must choose between risking public humiliation and silence, it is not healthy for our town.
I am planning to vote for the two one-year candidates who I believe are most likely to bring positive change to the board: Kathryn Turnas and Hilary Cooke.
“Positive changes” would mean a board where decision are no longer rammed through without adequate examination, simply because a three-member majority feels it is in control, but where all ideas are given a hearing.
Kathryn Turnas has impressive experience as a member of the Brattleboro Development Review Board, on the BCTV board, as vice-president of the board of trustees of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, and as a Town Meeting representative. She is practical and effective while keeping sight of the big picture. It would be a big plus to have her on the Selectboard.
I know Hilary Cooke from Chamber of Commerce meetings. He is empathetic, intelligent, and a good listener. Hilary would connect naturally with Post Oil Solutions as well as with the business community. He understands that listening, finding common cause, and collaborative action get the best results.
When you know that there is a fair and open process, then even if the decision does not go your way, the result is not alienating. Ultimately, a collaborative process will result in better decisions and unify our town. This year, we have an opportunity to seat Selectboard members whose example will have a lasting effect.
I also I plan to vote “yes” on the referendum to increase the number of Selectboard members to seven.
I served on the board of a non-profit for 11 years. We had 17 members working on several projects. Our responsibilities were nowhere near the challenge of overseeing the Brattleboro town government, which we load onto five people. A seven-member board would be a more effective team. There are enough talented people in Brattleboro to fill two additional seats. Currently, there are eight candidates competing for the three open positions.
A poorly attended session of our Representative Town Meeting turned down the Charter Review Commission's recommendation (which came out of three years of serious study and discussion) for an expanded board by a close 53–43 vote. Fifty-three is a mere 41 percent of the 129 town meeting representatives.
It has become increasingly clear that our Selectboard is in need of structural reform. The right of the citizens to have final say via referendum is a healthy element in our system of checks and balances.