Welcome to the spring, 2022 Middlesex Candidates page. Below are statements from the candidates for public office we have heard from so far, in response to these three questions:
This Candidate Profile project is a partnership of the Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee and the League of Women Voters of Central Vermont. It is provided as a service to help Middlesex voters make an informed choice, and is not an endorsement of any candidate. To view the ballot and for more information about Town Meeting Day 2022, please visit the official Town of Middlesex website: http://middlesexvermont.org
- Please tell us something about yourself.
- Why are you running for this office?
- What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
This Candidate Profile project is a partnership of the Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee and the League of Women Voters of Central Vermont. It is provided as a service to help Middlesex voters make an informed choice, and is not an endorsement of any candidate. To view the ballot and for more information about Town Meeting Day 2022, please visit the official Town of Middlesex website: http://middlesexvermont.org
MODERATOR
Susan Clark (write-in)
Contact: sclarkmountains@gmail.com
1 – First, a confession: I forgot to fill out the paperwork to be listed on the ballot. Doh! I’m so accustomed to the moderator being elected from the floor, it slipped my mind that this year was different. Due to Covid, all voting will be by ballot, so the moderator won’t have a role on Town Meeting Day this year, but a moderator would be handy to have around in the event of a special town meeting. So, I just wanted folks to know that if you write me in, I’d be happy to serve.
I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy. My husband and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we await occasional texts from our son in college. I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2 – I’ve been honored to serve as Middlesex’s moderator since 2005, because while I care about the outcomes of our town’s decisions, I care about the process even more. As a 6th-generation Vermonter, I deeply value our state’s direct, face-to-face democracy. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), town meetings have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I stand ready to help with any special meetings that may be needed during the year, and I’m enthusiastic about using multiple formats to strengthen inclusion and welcome everyone’s engagement.
3 – Despite the pandemic and polarization at the national level, it’s been great to see Middlesex residents continue to be involved locally. I deeply value Middlesex’s diverse opinions. We have a lot to learn from each other—now more than ever. I hope our processes will continue to help us hear, understand, and respect each other as the good neighbors we are. I’m convinced we create better solutions when we do.
Contact: sclarkmountains@gmail.com
1 – First, a confession: I forgot to fill out the paperwork to be listed on the ballot. Doh! I’m so accustomed to the moderator being elected from the floor, it slipped my mind that this year was different. Due to Covid, all voting will be by ballot, so the moderator won’t have a role on Town Meeting Day this year, but a moderator would be handy to have around in the event of a special town meeting. So, I just wanted folks to know that if you write me in, I’d be happy to serve.
I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy. My husband and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we await occasional texts from our son in college. I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2 – I’ve been honored to serve as Middlesex’s moderator since 2005, because while I care about the outcomes of our town’s decisions, I care about the process even more. As a 6th-generation Vermonter, I deeply value our state’s direct, face-to-face democracy. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), town meetings have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I stand ready to help with any special meetings that may be needed during the year, and I’m enthusiastic about using multiple formats to strengthen inclusion and welcome everyone’s engagement.
3 – Despite the pandemic and polarization at the national level, it’s been great to see Middlesex residents continue to be involved locally. I deeply value Middlesex’s diverse opinions. We have a lot to learn from each other—now more than ever. I hope our processes will continue to help us hear, understand, and respect each other as the good neighbors we are. I’m convinced we create better solutions when we do.
SELECT BOARD (2-year term)
Liz Scharf
Contact: liz.scharf@gmail.com
1) Please tell us something about yourself
I was born and raised in Vermont and moved to Middlesex in 2001 where my husband Lauri and I raised two boys who attended Rumney and U32 and who are now both in college. I work at Capstone Community Action in Barre as the Director of Community Economic Development and Food Security and enjoy skiing, hiking, mountain biking and gardening.
2) Why are you running for this office? This will be my fifth run for a 2-year seat on the Middlesex Select Board. Over the last 8 years I have learned so much about how town business is managed--everything from how we take care of the roads, to building a budget and hiring qualified staff, and even to what we do to deal with those naughty dogs! I like that I can give back to my community by helping make informed decisions that I believe are in the best interest of the residents of Middlesex. I also believe our current board is made up of a diverse skillset of talent which makes our meetings thoughtful and effective. I have been known to switch my vote once I hear more from a board member who brings a perspective I hadn't thought of. I like that we may not always agree, but we listen to one another and respect each person's opinions. I believe that democracy is a fragile system of government and we always need to check ourselves to ensure that we are working toward the good of the people, and not pushing our own agendas. By being a member of the Middlesex Select Board, I am an active participant in our little town's democracy!
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for? At this time, I am focusing my energies on our buildings, and in particular the town hall. For years, we have known that our town hall and town garage are in need of major repairs/replacement. Looking back at an old town reports from 20 years ago, June Lakin, our then town clerk, said one of the biggest concerns was the town hall and its myriad problems. Fast forward 20+ years and we still have the same town hall with all the same problems, and more! There are a lot of steps that we need to take to determine how we deal with our buildings including cost comparison studies. This process will take time, but we want to make sure that we present the town with informed options for how we move forward with our buildings. I also really enjoy the budget process, and I am looking forward to seeing how our new Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process works as we evaluate our budget. I'm also acutely aware that it's not getting any cheaper to live in Middlesex--the cost of staffing, fire safety and mutual aid, and goods to keep our roads graded, plowed, sanded, and safe remain the largest part of our budget. A lot of items in the budget are non-negotiable (the cost of gravel or mutual aid contracts) and this makes it all the more challenging to present a municipal budget that keeps our town running smoothly, and is sensitive to the pocketbooks of our residents.
Contact: liz.scharf@gmail.com
1) Please tell us something about yourself
I was born and raised in Vermont and moved to Middlesex in 2001 where my husband Lauri and I raised two boys who attended Rumney and U32 and who are now both in college. I work at Capstone Community Action in Barre as the Director of Community Economic Development and Food Security and enjoy skiing, hiking, mountain biking and gardening.
2) Why are you running for this office? This will be my fifth run for a 2-year seat on the Middlesex Select Board. Over the last 8 years I have learned so much about how town business is managed--everything from how we take care of the roads, to building a budget and hiring qualified staff, and even to what we do to deal with those naughty dogs! I like that I can give back to my community by helping make informed decisions that I believe are in the best interest of the residents of Middlesex. I also believe our current board is made up of a diverse skillset of talent which makes our meetings thoughtful and effective. I have been known to switch my vote once I hear more from a board member who brings a perspective I hadn't thought of. I like that we may not always agree, but we listen to one another and respect each person's opinions. I believe that democracy is a fragile system of government and we always need to check ourselves to ensure that we are working toward the good of the people, and not pushing our own agendas. By being a member of the Middlesex Select Board, I am an active participant in our little town's democracy!
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for? At this time, I am focusing my energies on our buildings, and in particular the town hall. For years, we have known that our town hall and town garage are in need of major repairs/replacement. Looking back at an old town reports from 20 years ago, June Lakin, our then town clerk, said one of the biggest concerns was the town hall and its myriad problems. Fast forward 20+ years and we still have the same town hall with all the same problems, and more! There are a lot of steps that we need to take to determine how we deal with our buildings including cost comparison studies. This process will take time, but we want to make sure that we present the town with informed options for how we move forward with our buildings. I also really enjoy the budget process, and I am looking forward to seeing how our new Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process works as we evaluate our budget. I'm also acutely aware that it's not getting any cheaper to live in Middlesex--the cost of staffing, fire safety and mutual aid, and goods to keep our roads graded, plowed, sanded, and safe remain the largest part of our budget. A lot of items in the budget are non-negotiable (the cost of gravel or mutual aid contracts) and this makes it all the more challenging to present a municipal budget that keeps our town running smoothly, and is sensitive to the pocketbooks of our residents.
BUDGET COMMITTEE (2 years of a 3-year term)
Elias Gardner
Contact: zorkerz@gmail.com 802 778-0899
Contact: zorkerz@gmail.com 802 778-0899
- I am a lifelong Middlesex resident over on Culver Hill. My wife and I have a wonderful, rambunctious two year old daughter. During the cold months I enjoy lots of sledding and board games. When it warms up and I'm not working on the endless list of projects to keep our old farmhouse standing I love to futz around our yard encouraging all sorts of edible perennials to grow.
- I'm running for Budget Committee because I believe the more perspectives Middlesex has participating, the better balanced and affordable our budgets will be. I believe the more information that is easily available so everyone can tell how our town is operating the better.
- The Budget Committee is poised to take a leading role in helping the Select Board with the Town's new Capital Budgeting process. Long term planning is a passion of mine and I would be honored and excited to be able to help.
Mark Harris
Contact: mmharris9701@gmail.com
1. My wife and I have lived in Middlesex for the past 16 years. Both of our daughters attended Rumney Memorial and area high schools. I’m recently retired from a career in IT. I’ve volunteered for several years as commissioner of the State Coed Softball League, and as the epresentative of the BCBSVT team. I also served for two years on the board of the Pacem School in Montpelier.
2. Last March I learned about an opening on the Budget Committee. I expressed an interest and was appointed for one year of a three year term. I am now seeking to fill the balance of the 3 year term. During the last few years of my IT career, I spent a considerable amount of time managing the IT division budget, the largest and most complex in the company. I’d like to leverage these skills to contribute any way I can in the budgeting process. I’m particularly interested in the capital improvement plan, to ensure budgeting for large expenditures is planned and implemented in as cost-effective a manner as possible.
3. With the onset of the pandemic, labor shortages and supply chain issues have exerted upward pressure
on budgets. We on the Budget Committee have felt this acutely during the past year. I’d like to continue
lending my skills to address these challenges, which appear to be with us indefinitely.
Contact: mmharris9701@gmail.com
1. My wife and I have lived in Middlesex for the past 16 years. Both of our daughters attended Rumney Memorial and area high schools. I’m recently retired from a career in IT. I’ve volunteered for several years as commissioner of the State Coed Softball League, and as the epresentative of the BCBSVT team. I also served for two years on the board of the Pacem School in Montpelier.
2. Last March I learned about an opening on the Budget Committee. I expressed an interest and was appointed for one year of a three year term. I am now seeking to fill the balance of the 3 year term. During the last few years of my IT career, I spent a considerable amount of time managing the IT division budget, the largest and most complex in the company. I’d like to leverage these skills to contribute any way I can in the budgeting process. I’m particularly interested in the capital improvement plan, to ensure budgeting for large expenditures is planned and implemented in as cost-effective a manner as possible.
3. With the onset of the pandemic, labor shortages and supply chain issues have exerted upward pressure
on budgets. We on the Budget Committee have felt this acutely during the past year. I’d like to continue
lending my skills to address these challenges, which appear to be with us indefinitely.
BUDGET COMMITTEE (1 year of a 3-year term)
Theo Kennedy
My name is Theo Kennedy and I live on Shady Rill Road. I am running to return to the Budget Committee. As a member of the Planning Commission, I am deeply committed to engaging residents transparently in our work and to being mindful of both short and long term goals. The Budget Committee has an opportunity to build on recent capital planning work initiated by our Select Board to flesh out multi-year capital planning targets in ways that are more manageable, affordable and disclosed to townspeople as we consider our budget each year. When we plan ahead for necessary investments, we can better manage our public dollars.
My name is Theo Kennedy and I live on Shady Rill Road. I am running to return to the Budget Committee. As a member of the Planning Commission, I am deeply committed to engaging residents transparently in our work and to being mindful of both short and long term goals. The Budget Committee has an opportunity to build on recent capital planning work initiated by our Select Board to flesh out multi-year capital planning targets in ways that are more manageable, affordable and disclosed to townspeople as we consider our budget each year. When we plan ahead for necessary investments, we can better manage our public dollars.
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER (3-year term)
Evelyn Gant
To be truthful, I would rather alter a wedding gown or replace a zipper in a jacket then write this snippet about myself. I have lived and worked in Middlesex for 37 years. I have served on the cemetery commission for 6 years. Why do I want to continue to serve, on the commission, because the dead can’t speak for themselves. Someone needs to make sure the cemeteries are kept in the best possible condition and I think the present commissioners are doing a great job! I also want to make sure that the endowment fund for the North Branch cemetery is dispersed and invested properly. I also want the money allotted, in the budget, for the Carr and Village cemeteries to be used wisely. There it is, short and sweet, just like me.
To be truthful, I would rather alter a wedding gown or replace a zipper in a jacket then write this snippet about myself. I have lived and worked in Middlesex for 37 years. I have served on the cemetery commission for 6 years. Why do I want to continue to serve, on the commission, because the dead can’t speak for themselves. Someone needs to make sure the cemeteries are kept in the best possible condition and I think the present commissioners are doing a great job! I also want to make sure that the endowment fund for the North Branch cemetery is dispersed and invested properly. I also want the money allotted, in the budget, for the Carr and Village cemeteries to be used wisely. There it is, short and sweet, just like me.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER (3-year term)
Nicole D'Agostino
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
I went to Saint Michael's College in Colchester and lived in Montpelier with my husband after graduation, working for the Vermont Department of Labor. My husband grew up in Lyndonville, and we decided to move back home to the Green Mountain State during the pandemic after moving to Boston for new jobs. I received my master's in public policy from Brandeis in 2020, and am now a research associate with the institute for behavioral health at brandeis. We moved to Middlesex in 2021 with our four year old, one dog, two cats, and one kiddo on the way!
2) Why are you running for this office?
We love the community of Middlesex and have really enjoyed getting to know our neighbors. I've been blown away by the welcome and kindness we have received, and want to use my knowledge and experience to give back to the community.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
While I am new to the community, I understand the importance of community participation and making sure all voices are heard. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with our neighbors and friends to support the great things that are already happening here, and shape our infrastructure going forward.
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
I went to Saint Michael's College in Colchester and lived in Montpelier with my husband after graduation, working for the Vermont Department of Labor. My husband grew up in Lyndonville, and we decided to move back home to the Green Mountain State during the pandemic after moving to Boston for new jobs. I received my master's in public policy from Brandeis in 2020, and am now a research associate with the institute for behavioral health at brandeis. We moved to Middlesex in 2021 with our four year old, one dog, two cats, and one kiddo on the way!
2) Why are you running for this office?
We love the community of Middlesex and have really enjoyed getting to know our neighbors. I've been blown away by the welcome and kindness we have received, and want to use my knowledge and experience to give back to the community.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
While I am new to the community, I understand the importance of community participation and making sure all voices are heard. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with our neighbors and friends to support the great things that are already happening here, and shape our infrastructure going forward.
Jon Leibowitz
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
a. I moved to Vermont via AmeriCorps and Vermont Youth Conservation Corps to work at Elmore State Park for a summer. I fell in love with the Worcesters and Vermont and decided to stay to attend Vermont Law School. For the past decade, I have worked in the non-profit land conservation field, first in Colorado, and for the past four years, here in Vermont.
2) Why are you running for this office?
a. My family purchased a home in Middlesex in 2019. We have felt very fortunate to live in such a wonderful community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Middlesex is a special place with great people, amazing natural areas, an incredible elementary school, and a small but mighty downtown Village. I am running for Planning Commission because I am interested in giving back to the community and to help guide its future.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
a. I love the energy around the Village and look forward to helping make it a more vibrant area for people and business. Likewise, completing the updated zoning regulations is critical to ensure that growth occurs where it is most appropriate and that the rural character that helps define Middlesex doesn’t disappear. Being so close to Montpelier, the Interstate, and ski resorts positions Middlesex for high development pressure in the future and planning is essential to ensure such development occurs with intention, thoughtfulness, and the least impact to natural areas as possible.
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
a. I moved to Vermont via AmeriCorps and Vermont Youth Conservation Corps to work at Elmore State Park for a summer. I fell in love with the Worcesters and Vermont and decided to stay to attend Vermont Law School. For the past decade, I have worked in the non-profit land conservation field, first in Colorado, and for the past four years, here in Vermont.
2) Why are you running for this office?
a. My family purchased a home in Middlesex in 2019. We have felt very fortunate to live in such a wonderful community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Middlesex is a special place with great people, amazing natural areas, an incredible elementary school, and a small but mighty downtown Village. I am running for Planning Commission because I am interested in giving back to the community and to help guide its future.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
a. I love the energy around the Village and look forward to helping make it a more vibrant area for people and business. Likewise, completing the updated zoning regulations is critical to ensure that growth occurs where it is most appropriate and that the rural character that helps define Middlesex doesn’t disappear. Being so close to Montpelier, the Interstate, and ski resorts positions Middlesex for high development pressure in the future and planning is essential to ensure such development occurs with intention, thoughtfulness, and the least impact to natural areas as possible.
