Welcome to the spring, 2021 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 2021, 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 2021, please visit the official Town of Middlesex website: http://middlesexvermont.org
MODERATOR
Susan Clark
Contact: sclarkmountains@gmail.com
1. I have lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. My work as a facilitator, educator and writer focuses on how communities can help improve public engagement. I’ve coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy.
My husband Mark and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we await occasional texts from our son (he’s a Rumney and U32 grad who’s now a sophomore in college). I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2. I’m running for Town Moderator because, even though 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.
The Town Moderator won’t have a role at town meeting this year, since due to Covid-19 we’ll be voting by ballot. But the Moderator position is a full year, and we’ve got some important issues coming up (capital budgeting? Yahoo!). If elected I stand ready to help with any special meetings, etc. that may occur as the year progresses, and am enthusiastic about using a variety of formats to help everyone engage.
3. It’s been a tough time for democracy all around. No community, including ours, has been untouched by political polarization. In many ways, Covid has made things worse by isolating and separating us. Still, we’ve carried on. I’m glad to pitch in to help make online meetings productive—and I’m also grateful we supplement Zoom with stopping to chat with our neighbors on our back roads.
I deeply value Middlesex’s diverse opinions. We have a lot to learn from each other—in fact, more than ever. We will not all agree. But 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. I have lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. My work as a facilitator, educator and writer focuses on how communities can help improve public engagement. I’ve coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy.
My husband Mark and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we await occasional texts from our son (he’s a Rumney and U32 grad who’s now a sophomore in college). I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2. I’m running for Town Moderator because, even though 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.
The Town Moderator won’t have a role at town meeting this year, since due to Covid-19 we’ll be voting by ballot. But the Moderator position is a full year, and we’ve got some important issues coming up (capital budgeting? Yahoo!). If elected I stand ready to help with any special meetings, etc. that may occur as the year progresses, and am enthusiastic about using a variety of formats to help everyone engage.
3. It’s been a tough time for democracy all around. No community, including ours, has been untouched by political polarization. In many ways, Covid has made things worse by isolating and separating us. Still, we’ve carried on. I’m glad to pitch in to help make online meetings productive—and I’m also grateful we supplement Zoom with stopping to chat with our neighbors on our back roads.
I deeply value Middlesex’s diverse opinions. We have a lot to learn from each other—in fact, more than ever. We will not all agree. But 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.
COLLECTOR OF DELINQUENT TAXES (1-year term)
David W. Smith
Hello everyone, my name is Dave Smith. I’m on the ballot for what would be my second year as collector of delinquent taxes. This is a one-year position.
The collector’s responsibility is to keep track of Middlesex taxpayers who have fallen significantly behind in their payments. My job is to establish communication, offer opportunities to make payment easier, and continue to remind people this is a problem they cannot ignore. In some situations, the collector must decide it’s no longer in the town’s interest to allow a property owner’s debt to ride, and launch the tax sale process.
I believe the collector of delinquent taxes needs to be sympathetic and unyielding in equal measures. The most satisfying part is helping people find an affordable payment plan that will eventually eliminate their debt.
I’ve lived here for 15 years with my wife and son. I also serve Middlesex as assistant town clerk, and work as a freelance videographer and filmmaker.
Hello everyone, my name is Dave Smith. I’m on the ballot for what would be my second year as collector of delinquent taxes. This is a one-year position.
The collector’s responsibility is to keep track of Middlesex taxpayers who have fallen significantly behind in their payments. My job is to establish communication, offer opportunities to make payment easier, and continue to remind people this is a problem they cannot ignore. In some situations, the collector must decide it’s no longer in the town’s interest to allow a property owner’s debt to ride, and launch the tax sale process.
I believe the collector of delinquent taxes needs to be sympathetic and unyielding in equal measures. The most satisfying part is helping people find an affordable payment plan that will eventually eliminate their debt.
I’ve lived here for 15 years with my wife and son. I also serve Middlesex as assistant town clerk, and work as a freelance videographer and filmmaker.
SELECT BOARD (3-year term)
Vic Dwire
Contact: cubvtr@gmail.com, 802-522-8271
1. I have been going to the Middlesex town meetings since 1970 when I attended with my future father-in-law, Dwight McCullough. Those were the days. Prior to that time, I was from Middlebury, Vermont. I have resided at 268 McCullough Hill Road since 1972. My work life was with The Vermont Agency of Transportation in The Construction Division, from 1967-2015. I was a Middlesex Lister in the 70's for 5 or 6 years and was on the Middlesex Selectboard in the 90's for about 5 or 6 years. I was on the board in the 90s with two members from the Selectboard that are presently still serving. Currently I am the Road Commissioner having been appointed on Feb 2nd, 2021.
2. l am running for the three-year term to offer my time and experience to the board and the residents of Middlesex. Many times in Middlesex we have heard the same people run every year and seldom do the voters have choice of the candidates. So, I decided to put my name in the hat. In 2021 it seems we have a vibrant choice across many of the open positions. I want to make it clear I am running for the position for a three-year term. I am not intentionally running against the incumbent and there is no animosity towards the incumbent or any of the Selectboard members. I have attended every meeting via zoom since town meeting 2020. I realize in the last year that being on the board would be fun and interesting but yet sometimes be a thankless job.
3. I think the most important and challenging issue to this position is providing a budget that makes living in Middlesex affordable to all. This includes funding all departments and commissions so that they have the funds and support to ensure our vision of community can be sustained for the future. I think the most interesting is the interaction with the public that come in front of the board for a whole host of reasons.
I want to thank everyone for their interest and support.
Contact: cubvtr@gmail.com, 802-522-8271
1. I have been going to the Middlesex town meetings since 1970 when I attended with my future father-in-law, Dwight McCullough. Those were the days. Prior to that time, I was from Middlebury, Vermont. I have resided at 268 McCullough Hill Road since 1972. My work life was with The Vermont Agency of Transportation in The Construction Division, from 1967-2015. I was a Middlesex Lister in the 70's for 5 or 6 years and was on the Middlesex Selectboard in the 90's for about 5 or 6 years. I was on the board in the 90s with two members from the Selectboard that are presently still serving. Currently I am the Road Commissioner having been appointed on Feb 2nd, 2021.
2. l am running for the three-year term to offer my time and experience to the board and the residents of Middlesex. Many times in Middlesex we have heard the same people run every year and seldom do the voters have choice of the candidates. So, I decided to put my name in the hat. In 2021 it seems we have a vibrant choice across many of the open positions. I want to make it clear I am running for the position for a three-year term. I am not intentionally running against the incumbent and there is no animosity towards the incumbent or any of the Selectboard members. I have attended every meeting via zoom since town meeting 2020. I realize in the last year that being on the board would be fun and interesting but yet sometimes be a thankless job.
3. I think the most important and challenging issue to this position is providing a budget that makes living in Middlesex affordable to all. This includes funding all departments and commissions so that they have the funds and support to ensure our vision of community can be sustained for the future. I think the most interesting is the interaction with the public that come in front of the board for a whole host of reasons.
I want to thank everyone for their interest and support.
Peter Hood
1. I have lived in Middlesex with my wife Mary since 1974. I am now retired, but spent my working life as an Independent Insurance agent at Noyle W. Johnson Agency in Montpelier. I have been an active member of the local business community and our town. We raised our two boys in Middlesex and they attended The Rumney School and U32.
2. I have been involved in town government in Middlesex for many years as a member of the Budget Committee, Justice of the Peace, Town Moderator and for the last 20+ years on the Select Board. I am very interested in our town government. Representing the best interest of our residents has always been my first goal.
3. The Select Board oversees the government of our town. Our most important responsibility is to present a budget to the town voters each year for their consideration. In doing so, it is a challenge to balance the needs of our community and keep town property taxes as fair as possible. Since the majority of our town taxes support our local roads and their maintenance, we work hard to get the best value for our tax dollars. This past year with the adverse effects of the pandemic on our community and its citizens, this work has been particularly challenging.
1. I have lived in Middlesex with my wife Mary since 1974. I am now retired, but spent my working life as an Independent Insurance agent at Noyle W. Johnson Agency in Montpelier. I have been an active member of the local business community and our town. We raised our two boys in Middlesex and they attended The Rumney School and U32.
2. I have been involved in town government in Middlesex for many years as a member of the Budget Committee, Justice of the Peace, Town Moderator and for the last 20+ years on the Select Board. I am very interested in our town government. Representing the best interest of our residents has always been my first goal.
3. The Select Board oversees the government of our town. Our most important responsibility is to present a budget to the town voters each year for their consideration. In doing so, it is a challenge to balance the needs of our community and keep town property taxes as fair as possible. Since the majority of our town taxes support our local roads and their maintenance, we work hard to get the best value for our tax dollars. This past year with the adverse effects of the pandemic on our community and its citizens, this work has been particularly challenging.
SELECT BOARD (2-year term)
Gary Lamell
Contact: garlam70@comcast.net
I have lived all my life on Portal Road and in my nearly 76 years as a resident of Middlesex I have seen many changes in the growth of our town. I have previously served as a member of the select board, planning commission and since 1997 I have been a member on the cemetery commission. I also worked as the road commissioner/road foreman for 30 years retiring in 2011.
I am running for the select board as I would like to be a part of the decision making that makes Middlesex affordable for all residents.
I feel to keep the town healthy, we need to have an affordable town where young adults can afford to live and raise their children and also be affordable to the many seniors. I also feel that it is important to have good schools, road and emergency services for those who choose to live in Middlesex.
Contact: garlam70@comcast.net
I have lived all my life on Portal Road and in my nearly 76 years as a resident of Middlesex I have seen many changes in the growth of our town. I have previously served as a member of the select board, planning commission and since 1997 I have been a member on the cemetery commission. I also worked as the road commissioner/road foreman for 30 years retiring in 2011.
I am running for the select board as I would like to be a part of the decision making that makes Middlesex affordable for all residents.
I feel to keep the town healthy, we need to have an affordable town where young adults can afford to live and raise their children and also be affordable to the many seniors. I also feel that it is important to have good schools, road and emergency services for those who choose to live in Middlesex.
Steve Martin
I am semiretired and have been a Middlesex resident for about 37 years, and have served as Second Constable, Planning Commission, Select Board member and Road Commissioner.
I am running for the Select Board term of two years to continue serving the residents of the Town, and provide knowledge and input that serves the best interest of the Town as a whole.
I believe one of the important issues will be to maintain a reasonable budget while keeping up with new regulations and protocols in an ever changing environment.
Thank you for your consideration.
I am semiretired and have been a Middlesex resident for about 37 years, and have served as Second Constable, Planning Commission, Select Board member and Road Commissioner.
I am running for the Select Board term of two years to continue serving the residents of the Town, and provide knowledge and input that serves the best interest of the Town as a whole.
I believe one of the important issues will be to maintain a reasonable budget while keeping up with new regulations and protocols in an ever changing environment.
Thank you for your consideration.
BUDGET COMMITTEE (2 years of a 3-year term)
William (Bill) McManis
I have been a Middlesex resident for the last 12 years. I have a Master of Science degree in administration and I am a Retired Vermont State Employee with over 40 years experience in various positions. One of the positions I held was the Assistant Director of Construction & Maintenance with the Agency of Transportation. During that time I was very involved with the development of the Division Budget. As such, I believe my experience, although somewhat dated, is directly related to a Budget Committee role.
Last year at town meeting I learned about an opening on the Budget Committee. I expressed an interest and was appointed a few weeks later for one year of a three year term. I am now seeking to fill the balance of the 3 year term (2 years).
The most interesting part of being on the Budget Committee is working closely with the Select Board while the Town Budget is being developed/prepared. This involves several meetings over the course of about two months. I also enjoy having the chance to discuss the proposed budget with the budget committee so that we can make recommendations/comments to the Select Board at their scheduled meetings.
Looking forward to your VOTE so I can serve out the next 2 Years.
I have been a Middlesex resident for the last 12 years. I have a Master of Science degree in administration and I am a Retired Vermont State Employee with over 40 years experience in various positions. One of the positions I held was the Assistant Director of Construction & Maintenance with the Agency of Transportation. During that time I was very involved with the development of the Division Budget. As such, I believe my experience, although somewhat dated, is directly related to a Budget Committee role.
Last year at town meeting I learned about an opening on the Budget Committee. I expressed an interest and was appointed a few weeks later for one year of a three year term. I am now seeking to fill the balance of the 3 year term (2 years).
The most interesting part of being on the Budget Committee is working closely with the Select Board while the Town Budget is being developed/prepared. This involves several meetings over the course of about two months. I also enjoy having the chance to discuss the proposed budget with the budget committee so that we can make recommendations/comments to the Select Board at their scheduled meetings.
Looking forward to your VOTE so I can serve out the next 2 Years.
CEMETERY COMMISSIONER (3-year term)
Sarah Birgé
Contact: sbirge@gmail.com
1. My name is Sarah Birgé. I grew up 10 minutes from the Canadian border in Derby, and have lived in Middlesex for about 4 years. I'm an instructional coach at Montpelier-Roxbury Public Schools, as well the executive director of a small NGO in rural India that sends young rural women to college. While I’ve been very lucky to live overseas and to travel extensively, I’ve always known that I’d return to Vermont. I love hiking, reading, painting, and cooking elaborate meals to share with family and friends.
2. I've always had an interest in the beauty and history of old cemeteries and am a member of VOCA (Vermont Old Cemeteries Association). My goal is to build on the work of years prior to make sure our cemeteries are maintained for years to come. Specifically, I want to do any necessary gravestone conservation, and to try and digitize existing records for accessibility.
3. Gravestone repair and conservation is fascinating; there are safe and easy museum-quality methods anyone can learn. As well, working in education makes me think about the many ways that cemeteries can be tools for students to learn about the local past, the science of stone conservation, digital mapping, sculpture, and so on.
Contact: sbirge@gmail.com
1. My name is Sarah Birgé. I grew up 10 minutes from the Canadian border in Derby, and have lived in Middlesex for about 4 years. I'm an instructional coach at Montpelier-Roxbury Public Schools, as well the executive director of a small NGO in rural India that sends young rural women to college. While I’ve been very lucky to live overseas and to travel extensively, I’ve always known that I’d return to Vermont. I love hiking, reading, painting, and cooking elaborate meals to share with family and friends.
2. I've always had an interest in the beauty and history of old cemeteries and am a member of VOCA (Vermont Old Cemeteries Association). My goal is to build on the work of years prior to make sure our cemeteries are maintained for years to come. Specifically, I want to do any necessary gravestone conservation, and to try and digitize existing records for accessibility.
3. Gravestone repair and conservation is fascinating; there are safe and easy museum-quality methods anyone can learn. As well, working in education makes me think about the many ways that cemeteries can be tools for students to learn about the local past, the science of stone conservation, digital mapping, sculpture, and so on.
Janet H McKinstry
A bit about myself:
- I’ve lived in Middlesex since 1968 – same house – same road – 4 different mailing addresses, from RD 1, Montpelier through Middlesex 911 locatable addressing.
-Our children were educated at Rumney Memorial and U-32 Middle and High Schools - 1971 – 1989.
- I tutored reading and math at Rumney Memorial - 1976 – 1988.
- I served as Town of Middlesex Assistant Clerk - 1994 – 2012.
- I served as Town Lister - 1995 – 2003.
- 2005 – North Branch Cemetery was deeded to Town of Middlesex. As Asst. Clerk, I was charged by my Clerk with finding out “who owns what at North Branch . . . Nobody in town knows anything about the cemetery,” she said. Little did she know of the indexing of stones, row by row, section by section, that I’d already done, with information being arranged for a cemetery manual, moving into existence.
I wish to retain my position on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission to continue working with the other commission members and with families in need of burial services. I’ve been told “It’s a shoulder to lean on, a smile that makes an uneasy situation better and a friendly voice of encouragement.” I’ve also been told how nice our town cemeteries look under the present management.
Since election to the Cemetery Commission in 2006, I’ve helped direct both financial goals and maintenance work for our town cemeteries. Top priority is getting the most amount of work completed, for the amount of money budgeted. Each year, we’ve met this goal, by being very close to, but not over, our allotted budget. Lawn mowing and the cleaning and repair of markers and monuments absorb a large piece of our budget. I’ve worked to cut and remove brush, clear downed trees, repair and maintain fences. Gravesite openings and closings are an important part of cemetery care. I’ve assisted grieving families with lot purchases, gravesite location, and arranging and scheduling burials for family members and friends. Cemetery Commission Members need to be available at all times to answer questions, on the phone or in person, at cemeteries or elsewhere, regarding burials, sale of lots and sites, and the availability of sites in existing family lots. I have enjoyed helping people and providing answers to genealogical research questions regarding families and individuals, and their final resting places.
These are my reasons for remaining on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission. I’ve truly enjoyed serving on the Cemetery Commission, and ask for your vote to continue in this capacity.
A bit about myself:
- I’ve lived in Middlesex since 1968 – same house – same road – 4 different mailing addresses, from RD 1, Montpelier through Middlesex 911 locatable addressing.
-Our children were educated at Rumney Memorial and U-32 Middle and High Schools - 1971 – 1989.
- I tutored reading and math at Rumney Memorial - 1976 – 1988.
- I served as Town of Middlesex Assistant Clerk - 1994 – 2012.
- I served as Town Lister - 1995 – 2003.
- 2005 – North Branch Cemetery was deeded to Town of Middlesex. As Asst. Clerk, I was charged by my Clerk with finding out “who owns what at North Branch . . . Nobody in town knows anything about the cemetery,” she said. Little did she know of the indexing of stones, row by row, section by section, that I’d already done, with information being arranged for a cemetery manual, moving into existence.
I wish to retain my position on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission to continue working with the other commission members and with families in need of burial services. I’ve been told “It’s a shoulder to lean on, a smile that makes an uneasy situation better and a friendly voice of encouragement.” I’ve also been told how nice our town cemeteries look under the present management.
Since election to the Cemetery Commission in 2006, I’ve helped direct both financial goals and maintenance work for our town cemeteries. Top priority is getting the most amount of work completed, for the amount of money budgeted. Each year, we’ve met this goal, by being very close to, but not over, our allotted budget. Lawn mowing and the cleaning and repair of markers and monuments absorb a large piece of our budget. I’ve worked to cut and remove brush, clear downed trees, repair and maintain fences. Gravesite openings and closings are an important part of cemetery care. I’ve assisted grieving families with lot purchases, gravesite location, and arranging and scheduling burials for family members and friends. Cemetery Commission Members need to be available at all times to answer questions, on the phone or in person, at cemeteries or elsewhere, regarding burials, sale of lots and sites, and the availability of sites in existing family lots. I have enjoyed helping people and providing answers to genealogical research questions regarding families and individuals, and their final resting places.
These are my reasons for remaining on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission. I’ve truly enjoyed serving on the Cemetery Commission, and ask for your vote to continue in this capacity.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER (3-year term)
Sandy Levine
1. I have a renewed appreciation for Middlesex during the pandemic. Walks on the back roads, where I can see some neighbors, or being out in the woods every day makes me happy. I have lived on South Bear Swamp for over 30 years with my husband. We raised both our children here. I am currently the Chair of the Middlesex Planning Commission. I am a lawyer by training with experience in land use and energy matters.
2. I want the opportunity to continue to put my professional skills, experience, hard work and dedication to work for our community. I appreciate all that Middlesex has to offer – a vibrant Village area, a strong community where we know our neighbors and help each other out, and terrific places to spend time outdoors. I want to help Middlesex continue to be welcoming and thriving, and to be a place that nurtures and supports the needs of current and future residents and businesses for generations to come.
3. I am proud of the work the Planning Commission has done during the past three years while I have served on it. We have a new town plan in place and a designation for our Village area that allows renewed growth there. We have new businesses in town. We have an energy plan in the works. We have received new grants and partnered with businesses to help make the Village area even better. I look forward to building on these efforts over the next three years as we update our zoning regulations, make our Village area easier for walking, biking and commerce, while keeping the rural character of our town. I want to make sure our town regulations and investments meet the needs of a small town with limited staff and dedicated volunteers.
1. I have a renewed appreciation for Middlesex during the pandemic. Walks on the back roads, where I can see some neighbors, or being out in the woods every day makes me happy. I have lived on South Bear Swamp for over 30 years with my husband. We raised both our children here. I am currently the Chair of the Middlesex Planning Commission. I am a lawyer by training with experience in land use and energy matters.
2. I want the opportunity to continue to put my professional skills, experience, hard work and dedication to work for our community. I appreciate all that Middlesex has to offer – a vibrant Village area, a strong community where we know our neighbors and help each other out, and terrific places to spend time outdoors. I want to help Middlesex continue to be welcoming and thriving, and to be a place that nurtures and supports the needs of current and future residents and businesses for generations to come.
3. I am proud of the work the Planning Commission has done during the past three years while I have served on it. We have a new town plan in place and a designation for our Village area that allows renewed growth there. We have new businesses in town. We have an energy plan in the works. We have received new grants and partnered with businesses to help make the Village area even better. I look forward to building on these efforts over the next three years as we update our zoning regulations, make our Village area easier for walking, biking and commerce, while keeping the rural character of our town. I want to make sure our town regulations and investments meet the needs of a small town with limited staff and dedicated volunteers.
Mitch Osiecki
Contact: mitch.osiecki@gmail.com
1. I have lived in Middlesex since 1998. I worked at National Life for many years, retiring (a little early) in 2015. Since then, I have found myself involved with various aspects of civic work in Middlesex. In addition to my work with the Planning Commission, I am also the town Recreation Director and E-911 coordinator.
2. I joined the Planning Commission in 2018 and we have accomplished much in that time: we completed an update of the Town Plan, earned a Village Center designation, drafted an Enhanced Energy Plan, and have renewed efforts to realize a walkable village concept in our historic village. The Planning Commission is currently undertaking an update to town zoning regulations, and I hope to help complete that important work.
3. Middlesex, like the rest of Vermont, has long faced challenges of affordability and equity. The COVID-19 pandemic of the past year underscored that, while we work together to recover from the economic fallout, the reality is that some people were impacted much more profoundly than others.
I am hopeful that the work the Planning Commission is undertaking will lay the groundwork for thoughtful development in the town that respects and preserves that character of the community.
Contact: mitch.osiecki@gmail.com
1. I have lived in Middlesex since 1998. I worked at National Life for many years, retiring (a little early) in 2015. Since then, I have found myself involved with various aspects of civic work in Middlesex. In addition to my work with the Planning Commission, I am also the town Recreation Director and E-911 coordinator.
2. I joined the Planning Commission in 2018 and we have accomplished much in that time: we completed an update of the Town Plan, earned a Village Center designation, drafted an Enhanced Energy Plan, and have renewed efforts to realize a walkable village concept in our historic village. The Planning Commission is currently undertaking an update to town zoning regulations, and I hope to help complete that important work.
3. Middlesex, like the rest of Vermont, has long faced challenges of affordability and equity. The COVID-19 pandemic of the past year underscored that, while we work together to recover from the economic fallout, the reality is that some people were impacted much more profoundly than others.
I am hopeful that the work the Planning Commission is undertaking will lay the groundwork for thoughtful development in the town that respects and preserves that character of the community.
Chris Théroux
Contact: crtheroux@gmail.com, (802) 505-9789
I have lived in Vermont for ten years and in the town of Middlesex for two with my wife Kelly and our two children. In an effort to become more involved in my community and take an active part in the town’s future development for our family and all families in the town, I would like to be selected for one of the seats on the planning commission in the coming term. I believe active community planning leads to a more cohesive and vibrant experience for all families. One of the areas I am interested in assisting with is the continued improvement of the town plan as a first step to that more vibrant and cohesive experience. Thank you for your consideration.
Contact: crtheroux@gmail.com, (802) 505-9789
I have lived in Vermont for ten years and in the town of Middlesex for two with my wife Kelly and our two children. In an effort to become more involved in my community and take an active part in the town’s future development for our family and all families in the town, I would like to be selected for one of the seats on the planning commission in the coming term. I believe active community planning leads to a more cohesive and vibrant experience for all families. One of the areas I am interested in assisting with is the continued improvement of the town plan as a first step to that more vibrant and cohesive experience. Thank you for your consideration.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER (1 year of a 3-year term)
Philip Comen
As a kid growing up in Middlesex, I was never aware of how lucky I was to have great neighbors, access to the outdoors, and a supportive community. Now, after spending the past several years traveling across much of the nation for work, I am excited to have the time to focus on giving back to the community and support an evolving town plan; one that gives current residents, newcomers, and future generations access to a vibrant village, outdoor adventure, and a prosperous local economy.
I am excited to have the opportunity to run to serve out the last year of a 3 year term on the Planning Commission to support the evolution of the town plan. With extensive experience in the retail, outdoor, and ag/food industries I am especially interested in supporting the evolution of a business and community friendly town as well as expanding access to conserved lands and trail systems for outdoor recreation.
Thanks for considering my candidacy to serve the community in this position. I look forward to welcoming input from all members of our town while supporting the mission and duties of the Planning Commission.
As a kid growing up in Middlesex, I was never aware of how lucky I was to have great neighbors, access to the outdoors, and a supportive community. Now, after spending the past several years traveling across much of the nation for work, I am excited to have the time to focus on giving back to the community and support an evolving town plan; one that gives current residents, newcomers, and future generations access to a vibrant village, outdoor adventure, and a prosperous local economy.
I am excited to have the opportunity to run to serve out the last year of a 3 year term on the Planning Commission to support the evolution of the town plan. With extensive experience in the retail, outdoor, and ag/food industries I am especially interested in supporting the evolution of a business and community friendly town as well as expanding access to conserved lands and trail systems for outdoor recreation.
Thanks for considering my candidacy to serve the community in this position. I look forward to welcoming input from all members of our town while supporting the mission and duties of the Planning Commission.
