Welcome to the spring, 2023 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 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 2023, 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 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 2023, please visit the official Town of Middlesex website: http://middlesexvermont.org
MODERATOR
Susan Clark
Contact: sclarkmountains@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings, another on community democracy, and this year had a blast collaborating with cartoonists on Freedom and Unity, Vermont’s new graphic guide to civics and democracy. I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. 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. I’ve been honored to serve as Middlesex’s moderator since 2005.
2 – Why are you running for this office? While I care about the outcomes of our town’s decisions, I care about the process even more. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), Vermont’s systems of direct, deliberative democracy have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I stand ready to help with any town or special meetings that may be needed. I’m also enthusiastic about using a variety of formats throughout the year to strengthen inclusion and welcome everyone’s engagement.
3 – Interesting or important issues? 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 – Please tell us something about yourself: I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings, another on community democracy, and this year had a blast collaborating with cartoonists on Freedom and Unity, Vermont’s new graphic guide to civics and democracy. I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. 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. I’ve been honored to serve as Middlesex’s moderator since 2005.
2 – Why are you running for this office? While I care about the outcomes of our town’s decisions, I care about the process even more. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), Vermont’s systems of direct, deliberative democracy have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I stand ready to help with any town or special meetings that may be needed. I’m also enthusiastic about using a variety of formats throughout the year to strengthen inclusion and welcome everyone’s engagement.
3 – Interesting or important issues? 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.
TOWN CLERK
Sarah Merriman
Contact: writesarah@aol.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I’m running for re-election as Town Clerk, having been appointed in 2013 and then elected for a one-year term in 2014. (The Town voters have since decided to turn this office into a three-year post.)
I moved to Middlesex in 1995, two days before giving birth to our second (and last!) kid, Sam. Our children attended Rumney through U-32 from K-12. My husband, Charlie, served on the Rumney School Board and then a brief stint on the U-32 Board before it was dissolved in 2019. He was also a JP and chair of the now defunct ZBA so our whole family has been vested in this great community.
When I’m not Town Clerking, I write books - 19 once my next (WE LOVE TO ENTERTAIN) is published by HarperCollins this April - under my maiden name, Sarah Strohmeyer. I’m also a former newspaper reporter, though I’m not sure that’s a check in my favor!
2 – Why are you running for this office? Because I love being a Town Clerk and I love Middlesex! I enjoy the challenge of finding the solutions to people’s problems, whether that’s understanding property issues or dealing with muddy roads. On the nerd side, I love recording and indexing land records and the goal of running a perfect election. Despite holding this job for ten years, not a day goes by when I don’t learn something new - hopefully before I make a mistake!
3 – Interesting or important issues? Like all of Vermont government, local government is changing. Thanks to a COVID grant, we were able to put 22 years of land records and all our survey maps online. Many folks want to do EVERYTHING online, whether it’s paying their taxes or licensing their dogs. Then there are more traditional folks who like the ritual of coming into the office and writing out a check (or counting out their pennies). The biggest challenges are keeping up with the legislation that reflects a changing Vermont while providing people with the individualized attention and historical memory that often solves problems faster and more efficiently than a Google search!
Contact: writesarah@aol.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I’m running for re-election as Town Clerk, having been appointed in 2013 and then elected for a one-year term in 2014. (The Town voters have since decided to turn this office into a three-year post.)
I moved to Middlesex in 1995, two days before giving birth to our second (and last!) kid, Sam. Our children attended Rumney through U-32 from K-12. My husband, Charlie, served on the Rumney School Board and then a brief stint on the U-32 Board before it was dissolved in 2019. He was also a JP and chair of the now defunct ZBA so our whole family has been vested in this great community.
When I’m not Town Clerking, I write books - 19 once my next (WE LOVE TO ENTERTAIN) is published by HarperCollins this April - under my maiden name, Sarah Strohmeyer. I’m also a former newspaper reporter, though I’m not sure that’s a check in my favor!
2 – Why are you running for this office? Because I love being a Town Clerk and I love Middlesex! I enjoy the challenge of finding the solutions to people’s problems, whether that’s understanding property issues or dealing with muddy roads. On the nerd side, I love recording and indexing land records and the goal of running a perfect election. Despite holding this job for ten years, not a day goes by when I don’t learn something new - hopefully before I make a mistake!
3 – Interesting or important issues? Like all of Vermont government, local government is changing. Thanks to a COVID grant, we were able to put 22 years of land records and all our survey maps online. Many folks want to do EVERYTHING online, whether it’s paying their taxes or licensing their dogs. Then there are more traditional folks who like the ritual of coming into the office and writing out a check (or counting out their pennies). The biggest challenges are keeping up with the legislation that reflects a changing Vermont while providing people with the individualized attention and historical memory that often solves problems faster and more efficiently than a Google search!
SELECT BOARD (3-year term)
Stephen Dennis
Contact: sj.dennis23@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I was born and raised in Burlington Vermont, now at 33 years of age am a happy resident of
Middlesex where I live with my girlfriend. I have a commercial construction background with multiple large projects like the Spruce peak at Stowe and the Miller building at the University of Vermont Medical Center. I have a strong understanding of team work as well as an
understanding to hear from all parties to get the job done correctly.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I am running for office because I believe I will bring a youthful prospective to our community
here in Middlesex. I care about our Vermont values and hope to help maintain a balance of tradition while progressing forward for the betterment of the town.
3 – Interesting or important issues? I find it interesting that for more than 20 years the town hall has been an ongoing topic of
discussion. I feel with my construction background, including project management I will be able to provide a helpful prospective.
Contact: sj.dennis23@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I was born and raised in Burlington Vermont, now at 33 years of age am a happy resident of
Middlesex where I live with my girlfriend. I have a commercial construction background with multiple large projects like the Spruce peak at Stowe and the Miller building at the University of Vermont Medical Center. I have a strong understanding of team work as well as an
understanding to hear from all parties to get the job done correctly.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I am running for office because I believe I will bring a youthful prospective to our community
here in Middlesex. I care about our Vermont values and hope to help maintain a balance of tradition while progressing forward for the betterment of the town.
3 – Interesting or important issues? I find it interesting that for more than 20 years the town hall has been an ongoing topic of
discussion. I feel with my construction background, including project management I will be able to provide a helpful prospective.
Brigid Browning
Contact: brigidmbrowning@comcast.net
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I grew up in Chittenden County. I'm a proud mom of two adult sons. Our first house was in Barre, over by the BOR. My husband, Bobby, and I moved to Middlesex when the kids were toddlers so they could attend Rumney. We own businesses in Barre. We manufacture diamond blades for stone application and have a stone yard. He handles sales and manufacturing, and I take everything involving computers and finances. We manage a staff of twenty employees. I like to cook, read, and write. I love antiquing.
2 – Why are you running for this office? Over the years, I've focused on growing our kids and our companies. Now I have more free time, I want to build on my community work. I've been involved with the Middlesex Community Fund and enjoyed getting to know my neighbors through it. My career has involved budgets, property management, and resource allocation. I have a valuable skill set and am ready to work for Middlesex.
3 – What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you're running for? Capital planning is a critical issue. Having overseen construction projects, I have experience developing and staying within a building budget while getting pleasing results. A user-friendly future design of our Village area is essential, as is creating thoughtful approaches to reducing our emissions and planning for potential impacts resulting from climate change. Too ensuring residents' safety is vital, whether on the roads, in the school, at Town Hall, or home.
Contact: brigidmbrowning@comcast.net
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I grew up in Chittenden County. I'm a proud mom of two adult sons. Our first house was in Barre, over by the BOR. My husband, Bobby, and I moved to Middlesex when the kids were toddlers so they could attend Rumney. We own businesses in Barre. We manufacture diamond blades for stone application and have a stone yard. He handles sales and manufacturing, and I take everything involving computers and finances. We manage a staff of twenty employees. I like to cook, read, and write. I love antiquing.
2 – Why are you running for this office? Over the years, I've focused on growing our kids and our companies. Now I have more free time, I want to build on my community work. I've been involved with the Middlesex Community Fund and enjoyed getting to know my neighbors through it. My career has involved budgets, property management, and resource allocation. I have a valuable skill set and am ready to work for Middlesex.
3 – What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you're running for? Capital planning is a critical issue. Having overseen construction projects, I have experience developing and staying within a building budget while getting pleasing results. A user-friendly future design of our Village area is essential, as is creating thoughtful approaches to reducing our emissions and planning for potential impacts resulting from climate change. Too ensuring residents' safety is vital, whether on the roads, in the school, at Town Hall, or home.
SELECT BOARD (2-year term)
Vic Dwire
Contact: cubvtr@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I have lived on McCullough Hill RD since its resurrection in 1972. Prior to that year I lived in Middlesex Village where I attended my first Middlesex Town meeting with my father-in- law Dwight McCullough. I was employed by the Vermont AOT from 1967 thru October 2015 when I retired. My son Matt and wife Jodi live just a mile down the hill. I have been a Middlesex lister, Select Board member, Road Commissioner prior to 2000. I have been going to recent Select Board meetings faithfully since 2019 and was appointed interim Road Commissioner January 2021 and Road Commissioner March 2021, interim Road Formen June 2022 and finally appointed Select Board member in July 2022. I love to work.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I am wishing to continue to work toward a sustainable for all Town Budget. My ideal goal would be to see and help bring together a Community where everyone feels as they belong and are comfortable with their neighbors even though they may disagree.
3 – Interesting or important issues? One of our most important issues that we have at this very time is funding a fully functional Town Clerks/Hall. We desperately need a safe, healthy and accessible building where our administration and visitors can meet and work. We might combine this goal with an efficient and "green" Town garage where we have adequate space for our newer equipment and the ability to clean or work on that equipment without relocating a majority of the pieces outside in cold weather. Last but not least we must gear up and plan our Town toward the challenge of "Climate Change". Like it or not I assure you it is coming and we need to thoughtfully and calmly plan for it now. At this time we are using and wasting an enormous amount of "fossil fuel". Our infrastructure lacks weatherization and we use non renewable resources. More so than ever, recent extreme freeze thaw cycles are raising havoc with our roads which cause everyone heartache and expense.The key response is to slowly rehabilitate our major arteries with good drainage, frost free roadbed and proper grading which we are budgeting for this coming year. I would be honored to have your support.
Contact: cubvtr@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I have lived on McCullough Hill RD since its resurrection in 1972. Prior to that year I lived in Middlesex Village where I attended my first Middlesex Town meeting with my father-in- law Dwight McCullough. I was employed by the Vermont AOT from 1967 thru October 2015 when I retired. My son Matt and wife Jodi live just a mile down the hill. I have been a Middlesex lister, Select Board member, Road Commissioner prior to 2000. I have been going to recent Select Board meetings faithfully since 2019 and was appointed interim Road Commissioner January 2021 and Road Commissioner March 2021, interim Road Formen June 2022 and finally appointed Select Board member in July 2022. I love to work.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I am wishing to continue to work toward a sustainable for all Town Budget. My ideal goal would be to see and help bring together a Community where everyone feels as they belong and are comfortable with their neighbors even though they may disagree.
3 – Interesting or important issues? One of our most important issues that we have at this very time is funding a fully functional Town Clerks/Hall. We desperately need a safe, healthy and accessible building where our administration and visitors can meet and work. We might combine this goal with an efficient and "green" Town garage where we have adequate space for our newer equipment and the ability to clean or work on that equipment without relocating a majority of the pieces outside in cold weather. Last but not least we must gear up and plan our Town toward the challenge of "Climate Change". Like it or not I assure you it is coming and we need to thoughtfully and calmly plan for it now. At this time we are using and wasting an enormous amount of "fossil fuel". Our infrastructure lacks weatherization and we use non renewable resources. More so than ever, recent extreme freeze thaw cycles are raising havoc with our roads which cause everyone heartache and expense.The key response is to slowly rehabilitate our major arteries with good drainage, frost free roadbed and proper grading which we are budgeting for this coming year. I would be honored to have your support.
Theresa Mann
Contact: tjmann05602@yahoo.com
1 - Please tell us something about yourself: I have lived in the Central Vermont area my entire life. We bought an 1875 house on Route 2 in Middlesex in 1999 and have spent the last 24 years renovating it! Our son attended Rumney and U32 then VTC in Randolph and is now enjoying being an independent adult. I was fortunate to be part of the old Green Mountain Coffee crew, working there for 17 years, supporting Supply Chain, Manufacturing and IT. I currently work at Darn Tough VT as a Functional Analyst supporting Operations as well as the Supervisor of Master Data.
2 - Why are you running for this office? Having never really been involved in Town functions I have a curiosity on how it all works. I feel my work and life experiences will benefit the town, bringing a fresh outlook on things. I have been in Supply Chain positions at three high growth VT businesses as well as assisted a family run service business with budgeting and accounting support. I am always up for a challenge!
3 - What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for? Budgeting for the town has to be a long, thoughtful process, it impacts every citizen in our Town in some way. There is the Town Hall discussion, our roads that always need attention and keeping up with the ever-changing supply chain outlook.
Contact: tjmann05602@yahoo.com
1 - Please tell us something about yourself: I have lived in the Central Vermont area my entire life. We bought an 1875 house on Route 2 in Middlesex in 1999 and have spent the last 24 years renovating it! Our son attended Rumney and U32 then VTC in Randolph and is now enjoying being an independent adult. I was fortunate to be part of the old Green Mountain Coffee crew, working there for 17 years, supporting Supply Chain, Manufacturing and IT. I currently work at Darn Tough VT as a Functional Analyst supporting Operations as well as the Supervisor of Master Data.
2 - Why are you running for this office? Having never really been involved in Town functions I have a curiosity on how it all works. I feel my work and life experiences will benefit the town, bringing a fresh outlook on things. I have been in Supply Chain positions at three high growth VT businesses as well as assisted a family run service business with budgeting and accounting support. I am always up for a challenge!
3 - What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for? Budgeting for the town has to be a long, thoughtful process, it impacts every citizen in our Town in some way. There is the Town Hall discussion, our roads that always need attention and keeping up with the ever-changing supply chain outlook.
LISTER
Annette Halasz
Contact: listers@middlesexvermont.org
I have lived in the same house in Middlesex since 1976. My profession is as an Registered Nurse. As I am retired now I have the time to give to the town. I have been doing this job of Lister since last April. I would like to give back to this community something of value, hence I am working as a Lister. I think that I have seen this town evolve over the years and am familiar with it. This work is important and interesting.
Contact: listers@middlesexvermont.org
I have lived in the same house in Middlesex since 1976. My profession is as an Registered Nurse. As I am retired now I have the time to give to the town. I have been doing this job of Lister since last April. I would like to give back to this community something of value, hence I am working as a Lister. I think that I have seen this town evolve over the years and am familiar with it. This work is important and interesting.
Shelly Desjardin
Contact: sdesjardin45@gmail.com
Our family purchased in Middlesex in 1962. We enjoy all activities, fishing, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
I spent much of my childhood here and moved full time with my husband in 2005.
I retired from General Dynamics after working as Senior Manufacturing Systems & Processing Specialist. I worked closely with both the Government and General Dynamics as Liaison to assure policies and procedures were followed. I enjoy retirement with family and friends. I started as a Middlesex Lister last year because they needed someone to cover because the Lister had retired.
I decided to run to continue to help our town and community by educating myself and the residents on the Lister’s role and to make a difference in our beautiful town.
Contact: sdesjardin45@gmail.com
Our family purchased in Middlesex in 1962. We enjoy all activities, fishing, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
I spent much of my childhood here and moved full time with my husband in 2005.
I retired from General Dynamics after working as Senior Manufacturing Systems & Processing Specialist. I worked closely with both the Government and General Dynamics as Liaison to assure policies and procedures were followed. I enjoy retirement with family and friends. I started as a Middlesex Lister last year because they needed someone to cover because the Lister had retired.
I decided to run to continue to help our town and community by educating myself and the residents on the Lister’s role and to make a difference in our beautiful town.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER
Elle O'Casey
Contact: elizabeth.okc@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I arrived in Middlesex by way of Calais, Barre, Brookfield, Windsor, Woodstock and originally, Oregon. One of the things I like most about Middlesex is the strong sense of community and the beautiful surroundings we get to live in, nestled beside the Worcester Range. I live off Brook Road with my husband Charlie, our cat Gracie, and a flock of chickens. Currently, I’m the Chief Marketing Office for the State of Vermont, and have spent the past 14 years of my career focused on public engagement and community outreach. Prior to becoming the CMO, I served as the Director of Communications for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and worked as a community engagement coordinator for the National Park Service in Woodstock, Vermont.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I'm running for three reasons:
(1) to advocate for land use policies that combat the climate crisis.
(2) to support the needs of working and middle class residents and ensure this town doesn't become a place that's only accessible to wealthy people.
(3) to advance public lands and public access for a diversity of uses - from recreation to hunting to renewable energy development.
Contact: elizabeth.okc@gmail.com
1 – Please tell us something about yourself: I arrived in Middlesex by way of Calais, Barre, Brookfield, Windsor, Woodstock and originally, Oregon. One of the things I like most about Middlesex is the strong sense of community and the beautiful surroundings we get to live in, nestled beside the Worcester Range. I live off Brook Road with my husband Charlie, our cat Gracie, and a flock of chickens. Currently, I’m the Chief Marketing Office for the State of Vermont, and have spent the past 14 years of my career focused on public engagement and community outreach. Prior to becoming the CMO, I served as the Director of Communications for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and worked as a community engagement coordinator for the National Park Service in Woodstock, Vermont.
2 – Why are you running for this office? I'm running for three reasons:
(1) to advocate for land use policies that combat the climate crisis.
(2) to support the needs of working and middle class residents and ensure this town doesn't become a place that's only accessible to wealthy people.
(3) to advance public lands and public access for a diversity of uses - from recreation to hunting to renewable energy development.
