Welcome to the spring, 2024 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
Article 1. Moderator (the Moderator is elected from the floor at the in-person Town Meeting)
Susan Clark
Contact: sclarkmountains@gmail.com
1 – Tell us something about yourself: I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. My husband and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we raised our son who attended Rumney and U-32. I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy. I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2 – Why are you running? 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. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), town meetings have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I also 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 – What are the most interesting or important issues relating to this position? 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 – Tell us something about yourself: I’ve lived in Vermont all my life, and in Middlesex since 1984. My husband and I live on McCullough Hill Road, where we raised our son who attended Rumney and U-32. I’m a facilitator and educator, and have coauthored a book on Vermont town meetings and another on community democracy. I love to cook, I’m a decent skier, and an enthusiastic but basically terrible gardener.
2 – Why are you running? 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. I think despite our differences (or maybe because of them), town meetings have made Vermont’s communities wiser and more vibrant. If elected I also 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 – What are the most interesting or important issues relating to this position? 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.
ARTICLE 2. To elect all necessary officers for the ensuing year:
TREASURER (1-year term)
Cheryl Grandfield
Contact: assistant.clerk@middlesexvermont.org
My name is Cheryl Grandfield and I am running for Town Treasurer and Delinquent Tax Collector for the Town of Middlesex. I have lived on Government Hill Road in Middlesex since January 2007 and in Vermont since 1987, raising my two children. I am now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren. I have been married to my husband Robert Grandfield since 2012.
I am running for both positions since they relate to my current duties as Bookkeeper\Assistant Town Clerk, positions I’ve held since October 2021.
I have been in accounting in one form or another my entire life working for a self-employed business, Family Center of Washington County, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (10 years) and the Vermont Department of Labor for 5 years. After that, I worked for Capitol City Buick GMC. I bring to the table a diverse background working with all aspects of accounting and collections of overdue monies.
As Treasurer, I will monitor the Town’s financial accounts, track Town spending, keep and maintain tax records, search for savings when possible and pay the bills when orders have been approved by the Select Board. I will interact with other Town officials to ensure Town finances run smoothly and I will work with the independent auditor, as I have in the past, to ensure that the Town finances and records are maintained correctly.
As a Delinquent Tax Collector, I will be sympathetic to my neighbors by trying to assist them with paying their taxes. However, knowing that the Town relies on property tax payments to fulfill our budgeted obligations to the taxpayers, I will certainly follow the policy and guidelines for collecting the payments.
I enjoy working with people and meeting my neighbors!
Contact: assistant.clerk@middlesexvermont.org
My name is Cheryl Grandfield and I am running for Town Treasurer and Delinquent Tax Collector for the Town of Middlesex. I have lived on Government Hill Road in Middlesex since January 2007 and in Vermont since 1987, raising my two children. I am now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren. I have been married to my husband Robert Grandfield since 2012.
I am running for both positions since they relate to my current duties as Bookkeeper\Assistant Town Clerk, positions I’ve held since October 2021.
I have been in accounting in one form or another my entire life working for a self-employed business, Family Center of Washington County, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (10 years) and the Vermont Department of Labor for 5 years. After that, I worked for Capitol City Buick GMC. I bring to the table a diverse background working with all aspects of accounting and collections of overdue monies.
As Treasurer, I will monitor the Town’s financial accounts, track Town spending, keep and maintain tax records, search for savings when possible and pay the bills when orders have been approved by the Select Board. I will interact with other Town officials to ensure Town finances run smoothly and I will work with the independent auditor, as I have in the past, to ensure that the Town finances and records are maintained correctly.
As a Delinquent Tax Collector, I will be sympathetic to my neighbors by trying to assist them with paying their taxes. However, knowing that the Town relies on property tax payments to fulfill our budgeted obligations to the taxpayers, I will certainly follow the policy and guidelines for collecting the payments.
I enjoy working with people and meeting my neighbors!
COLLECTOR OF DELINQUENT TAXES (1-year term)
Cheryl Grandfield - see above under Treasurer
SELECT BOARD (2-year term)
Liz Scharf
Contact: liz.scharf@gmail.com
My name is Liz Scharf and I’m running for a two year term on the board. I have been a member of the board for 10 years and have lived in Middlesex for 23 years where my husband Lauri and I raised two kids who attended Rumney and U32. I’m running again because I’m concerned about the deficient town hall building and I hope to be able to help the town navigate a potential town hall renovation and the federal funding that’s currently available for municipal building renovations. I’m also concerned about the roads and the FEMA funding for the flood damages and I want to make sure we’re accessing all the financial resources that are available to fix our roads. I really appreciate the work of our municipal employees and I want them to feel supported. Times are difficult right now for small towns like Middlesex and I’m hoping my experience and thoughtful approach to issues we are facing can help us get through the next challenge.
Contact: liz.scharf@gmail.com
My name is Liz Scharf and I’m running for a two year term on the board. I have been a member of the board for 10 years and have lived in Middlesex for 23 years where my husband Lauri and I raised two kids who attended Rumney and U32. I’m running again because I’m concerned about the deficient town hall building and I hope to be able to help the town navigate a potential town hall renovation and the federal funding that’s currently available for municipal building renovations. I’m also concerned about the roads and the FEMA funding for the flood damages and I want to make sure we’re accessing all the financial resources that are available to fix our roads. I really appreciate the work of our municipal employees and I want them to feel supported. Times are difficult right now for small towns like Middlesex and I’m hoping my experience and thoughtful approach to issues we are facing can help us get through the next challenge.
SELECT BOARD (2 years of a 3-year term)
Stephen Dennis
Contact: sj.dennis23@gmail.com
1. Hello everyone, My name is Stephen Dennis. I have lived in Vermont my entire life. I grew up in Burlington and have lived here in Middlesex since 2022. I have attended just about every select board meetings since the fall 2022. In doing so, I think I have a firm understanding of the job and the going ons of the town as a whole. In that time, I’ve also become the Emergency Management Coordinator and have been taking classes through the red cross as well as through the Vt alerts and working towards my EDM certification. In my professional career I’m an electrician and have worked on many large scale projects such as the Miller building for the UVMMC. I believe my experience in project management would be a great asset as we move forward with the renovations or new construction of the town hall. In addition, I am also running to be on the budget committee.
2. I’m running for office again because I strongly feel I can make a positive contribution to the town’s leadership. As our annual budget and taxes see staggering increases year after year, I believe it’s important to explain to the voters why these increases are necessary. I also find it imperative to find financial support from federal grants. In the spring of 2023 I brought to our current select board several such grants, but have not seen anything come of it. As a select board member I would make sure finding grants that would cover costs over raising local taxes a priority. I feel that it is very important to know and understand why an increase is happening, and that information be relayed to the tax payers.
3. Some of the Important issues to me for our town is finding and maintaining a fair and balanced budget that meets the needs of the towns tax payers and for all of its departments in town to be funded adequately. To me, this means encouraging more residents to get involved so that they have a voice in the decisions made for the town as a whole. We all know Vermont is becoming more and more expensive to live in. I believe it’s the job of the select board to combat that cost increase as much as possible. As a proud Vermonter I believe we are progressive enough to know when to adapt and bring necessary change when the old ways of thinking are no longer working in our best interest. Thank you all for your support.
Contact: sj.dennis23@gmail.com
1. Hello everyone, My name is Stephen Dennis. I have lived in Vermont my entire life. I grew up in Burlington and have lived here in Middlesex since 2022. I have attended just about every select board meetings since the fall 2022. In doing so, I think I have a firm understanding of the job and the going ons of the town as a whole. In that time, I’ve also become the Emergency Management Coordinator and have been taking classes through the red cross as well as through the Vt alerts and working towards my EDM certification. In my professional career I’m an electrician and have worked on many large scale projects such as the Miller building for the UVMMC. I believe my experience in project management would be a great asset as we move forward with the renovations or new construction of the town hall. In addition, I am also running to be on the budget committee.
2. I’m running for office again because I strongly feel I can make a positive contribution to the town’s leadership. As our annual budget and taxes see staggering increases year after year, I believe it’s important to explain to the voters why these increases are necessary. I also find it imperative to find financial support from federal grants. In the spring of 2023 I brought to our current select board several such grants, but have not seen anything come of it. As a select board member I would make sure finding grants that would cover costs over raising local taxes a priority. I feel that it is very important to know and understand why an increase is happening, and that information be relayed to the tax payers.
3. Some of the Important issues to me for our town is finding and maintaining a fair and balanced budget that meets the needs of the towns tax payers and for all of its departments in town to be funded adequately. To me, this means encouraging more residents to get involved so that they have a voice in the decisions made for the town as a whole. We all know Vermont is becoming more and more expensive to live in. I believe it’s the job of the select board to combat that cost increase as much as possible. As a proud Vermonter I believe we are progressive enough to know when to adapt and bring necessary change when the old ways of thinking are no longer working in our best interest. Thank you all for your support.
Zara Vincent
Contact: zara.vincent@gmail.com, 802-355-1400
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
I fell in love with Middlesex 20 years ago when I bought my home here. I am a 5th generation Vermonter who grew up in Waterbury and came back to the area after graduating from college. I have always understood hard work and know about the trials of running a business and budget from my father who worked seventy hours each week at his pharmacy. For most of my career I have worked in sales and marketing for local radio and television stations. This means I have been trained as a professional listener, idea maker, negotiator and problem solver. I have experience speaking to audiences both large and small, as well as fundraising for and expanding many events aimed at improving our state and supporting the people who live here, such as The point to point, Green up Day and Feed-A-Family. As I did for my father's business, I have helped many VT businesses with their marketing and messaging to drive customers to their stores and dollars into communities. I am excited to put my professional and personal skills and enthusiasm to give back to the community I love.
2) Why are you running for this office?
I am a candidate for the Budget Committee and for the Selectboard. I volunteered to be on the Budget committee 6 months ago when our town clerk asked via FPF for people to fill several vacancies. It has been my pleasure to fill that seat and get to know and work with my neighbors and learn the unique issues that Middlesex faces. While attending selectboard, planning commission, budget committee and other town board meetings, I have learned more about the many challenges Middlesex faces. I believe we can find more grant dollars to offset the taxes we pay. My experience in marketing, fundraising and contracting should bring fresh skills and be an asset to the Town as it seeks to manage flood recovery and other Town projects. I understand budgets and the importance of making ends meet with the resources that are available. I am no stranger to hard work. I look forward to hearing from my neighbors and to serving the Town I love.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
I want to work to keep Middlesex an affordable and welcoming place for people to live and run businesses. I know flood recovery has put a strain on our local roads and our budget. I believe I can find unique ways to compensate and to find our town dollars we have not yet accessed, keeping our tax bills in check. My tenacity and business experience will be helpful to the Town as we navigate a successful and affordable path forward. My hands-on experience learning from the many Middlesex committees and living here for twenty years allows me to hit the ground running as part of both the Budget Committee and the Selectboard.
Please call or contact me with any questions and/or thoughts.
Contact: zara.vincent@gmail.com, 802-355-1400
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
I fell in love with Middlesex 20 years ago when I bought my home here. I am a 5th generation Vermonter who grew up in Waterbury and came back to the area after graduating from college. I have always understood hard work and know about the trials of running a business and budget from my father who worked seventy hours each week at his pharmacy. For most of my career I have worked in sales and marketing for local radio and television stations. This means I have been trained as a professional listener, idea maker, negotiator and problem solver. I have experience speaking to audiences both large and small, as well as fundraising for and expanding many events aimed at improving our state and supporting the people who live here, such as The point to point, Green up Day and Feed-A-Family. As I did for my father's business, I have helped many VT businesses with their marketing and messaging to drive customers to their stores and dollars into communities. I am excited to put my professional and personal skills and enthusiasm to give back to the community I love.
2) Why are you running for this office?
I am a candidate for the Budget Committee and for the Selectboard. I volunteered to be on the Budget committee 6 months ago when our town clerk asked via FPF for people to fill several vacancies. It has been my pleasure to fill that seat and get to know and work with my neighbors and learn the unique issues that Middlesex faces. While attending selectboard, planning commission, budget committee and other town board meetings, I have learned more about the many challenges Middlesex faces. I believe we can find more grant dollars to offset the taxes we pay. My experience in marketing, fundraising and contracting should bring fresh skills and be an asset to the Town as it seeks to manage flood recovery and other Town projects. I understand budgets and the importance of making ends meet with the resources that are available. I am no stranger to hard work. I look forward to hearing from my neighbors and to serving the Town I love.
3) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
I want to work to keep Middlesex an affordable and welcoming place for people to live and run businesses. I know flood recovery has put a strain on our local roads and our budget. I believe I can find unique ways to compensate and to find our town dollars we have not yet accessed, keeping our tax bills in check. My tenacity and business experience will be helpful to the Town as we navigate a successful and affordable path forward. My hands-on experience learning from the many Middlesex committees and living here for twenty years allows me to hit the ground running as part of both the Budget Committee and the Selectboard.
Please call or contact me with any questions and/or thoughts.
BUDGET COMMITTEE (3-year term)
Mark Harris
Contact: mmharris9701@gmail.com
1. My wife and I have been Middlesex residents for the past 18 years. Our two daughters attended the Rumney School and Montpelier and U-32 high schools. I was fortunate to be able to retire early in the fall of 2020, and joined the Budget Committee in the spring of 2021. I'm currently the Chair. My background is in IT leadership.
2. I'd like the opportunity to continue to help complete the work our committee has started - we now have a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in place, which is critically important as we enter a period when significant capital investment will be needed to keep our town vibrant and financially sound. There is still work to be done to make this process seamless for new committee members who will take on this work after us. Working with key folks on town committees has been both a learning and rewarding experience for me, and I'd welcome the chance to continue collaborating with them.
3. I am grateful for the work the Budget Committee has accomplished during the past three years while I have served on it. We have the Town Hall renovation, remaining flood mitigation work, and large capital expenditures in the Public Works and Fire departments on the horizon. I'd very much like to be a part of solving these big ticket financial challenges in our near future.
Contact: mmharris9701@gmail.com
1. My wife and I have been Middlesex residents for the past 18 years. Our two daughters attended the Rumney School and Montpelier and U-32 high schools. I was fortunate to be able to retire early in the fall of 2020, and joined the Budget Committee in the spring of 2021. I'm currently the Chair. My background is in IT leadership.
2. I'd like the opportunity to continue to help complete the work our committee has started - we now have a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in place, which is critically important as we enter a period when significant capital investment will be needed to keep our town vibrant and financially sound. There is still work to be done to make this process seamless for new committee members who will take on this work after us. Working with key folks on town committees has been both a learning and rewarding experience for me, and I'd welcome the chance to continue collaborating with them.
3. I am grateful for the work the Budget Committee has accomplished during the past three years while I have served on it. We have the Town Hall renovation, remaining flood mitigation work, and large capital expenditures in the Public Works and Fire departments on the horizon. I'd very much like to be a part of solving these big ticket financial challenges in our near future.
Elias Gardner
Contact: zorkerz@gmail.com 802 778-0899
1. I am a lifelong Middlesex resident living on Culver Hill with my wife, Sarah, and two wonderful, rambunctious daughters, Maeve (4) and Evelyn (1). In 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.
2. 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.
3. The Budget Committee is increasingly taking a leading role in helping the Select Board budget. Long term planning is especially critical to help smooth out major expenses from year to year. I would be honored and excited to continue to help and serve our town by being on the Middlesex Budget Committee.
Contact: zorkerz@gmail.com 802 778-0899
1. I am a lifelong Middlesex resident living on Culver Hill with my wife, Sarah, and two wonderful, rambunctious daughters, Maeve (4) and Evelyn (1). In 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.
2. 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.
3. The Budget Committee is increasingly taking a leading role in helping the Select Board budget. Long term planning is especially critical to help smooth out major expenses from year to year. I would be honored and excited to continue to help and serve our town by being on the Middlesex Budget Committee.
BUDGET COMMITTEE (2 years of a 3-year term)
Stephen Dennis - see above under Select Board
Samantha Beaudoin
Contact: sbeaudoin31@gmail.com
I am running for lister and the budget committee. I grew up in Burlington and have been coming to Middlesex to visit family all my life, I purchased my home in Middlesex almost 10 years ago. I am interested in being involved with the town and helping however I can. In my professional career I have been working in Finance since 2013. Some important issues I feel are the safety of our residence, following regulations, and finding ways to cut costs so our town can be affordable. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Contact: sbeaudoin31@gmail.com
I am running for lister and the budget committee. I grew up in Burlington and have been coming to Middlesex to visit family all my life, I purchased my home in Middlesex almost 10 years ago. I am interested in being involved with the town and helping however I can. In my professional career I have been working in Finance since 2013. Some important issues I feel are the safety of our residence, following regulations, and finding ways to cut costs so our town can be affordable. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Zara Vincent - see above under Select Board
BUDGET COMMITTEE (1 year of a 3-year term)
George Longenecker
Contact: georgelongenecker17@gmail.com
I have lived in Middlesex since 2011 and previously lived in Marshfield for 32 years. I live on East Hill Road with my wife, Cynthia Martin, and our dog Aiko. We garden, ski, snowshoe and kayak. Last year we became grandparents. I’m retired from Vermont Tech (now Vermont State University) where I taught for 28 years.
Currently I am on the Budget Committee for the second time, having been appointed to fill a vacancy last year. Previously I served from 2013-2021. Also, I’ve been on the Conservation Commission since 2014. In Marshfield I served seven years on the Select Board.
Town government works as a team. The Budget Committee advises the Select Board on both annual and long-term finances. The big issue this year is the July, 2023 flood. We don’t have a complete picture of what’s coming financially, as you’ll read in your Town Report. I hope to do my small part in the next year to help manage our finances at this critical time.
Contact: georgelongenecker17@gmail.com
I have lived in Middlesex since 2011 and previously lived in Marshfield for 32 years. I live on East Hill Road with my wife, Cynthia Martin, and our dog Aiko. We garden, ski, snowshoe and kayak. Last year we became grandparents. I’m retired from Vermont Tech (now Vermont State University) where I taught for 28 years.
Currently I am on the Budget Committee for the second time, having been appointed to fill a vacancy last year. Previously I served from 2013-2021. Also, I’ve been on the Conservation Commission since 2014. In Marshfield I served seven years on the Select Board.
Town government works as a team. The Budget Committee advises the Select Board on both annual and long-term finances. The big issue this year is the July, 2023 flood. We don’t have a complete picture of what’s coming financially, as you’ll read in your Town Report. I hope to do my small part in the next year to help manage our finances at this critical time.
CEMETERY COMMISSION (3-year term)
Janet McKinstry
Contact: lmckinstry@myfairpoint.net
A bit about myself:
- resident of Middlesex since 1968
- children educated at Rumney Memorial and U-32 Middle and High Schools - 1971 – 1989.
- tutored reading and math at Rumney Memorial - 1976 – 1988.
- served as Town of Middlesex - Assistant Clerk - 1994 – 2012.
- served as Town of Middlesex - Lister - 1995 – 2003.
- served on Town of Middlesex, Cemetery Commission - 2006 - 2024
I wish to retain my position on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission to continue working with our elected Cemetery Commission Members, and with families in need of burial services. Our Cemetery Commission Members have been told, “It’s a friendly voice of encouragement, a shoulder to lean on, and a smile that makes an uneasy situation easier.” We’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 and spent. 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 for the Carr Cemetery and Village Cemetery. July, 2023, flooding caused a washed-out section of the driveway/parking area at Carr Cemetery. Funds will be needed to repair this damage.
North Branch Cemetery, our only active cemetery, has its own financial funding, and is not supported by the Town General Fund. Gravesite openings and closings, mowing and general maintenance are an important part of this cemetery’s care, as well. 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 lot and sites, and the availability and location of sites in existing family lots. Some of these lots date to the original North Branch Cemetery, of 1810 or so, located further north from the present North Branch Cemetery site.
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 truly enjoy serving on the Cemetery Commission, and ask for your vote to continue in this capacity.
Contact: lmckinstry@myfairpoint.net
A bit about myself:
- resident of Middlesex since 1968
- children educated at Rumney Memorial and U-32 Middle and High Schools - 1971 – 1989.
- tutored reading and math at Rumney Memorial - 1976 – 1988.
- served as Town of Middlesex - Assistant Clerk - 1994 – 2012.
- served as Town of Middlesex - Lister - 1995 – 2003.
- served on Town of Middlesex, Cemetery Commission - 2006 - 2024
I wish to retain my position on the Middlesex Cemetery Commission to continue working with our elected Cemetery Commission Members, and with families in need of burial services. Our Cemetery Commission Members have been told, “It’s a friendly voice of encouragement, a shoulder to lean on, and a smile that makes an uneasy situation easier.” We’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 and spent. 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 for the Carr Cemetery and Village Cemetery. July, 2023, flooding caused a washed-out section of the driveway/parking area at Carr Cemetery. Funds will be needed to repair this damage.
North Branch Cemetery, our only active cemetery, has its own financial funding, and is not supported by the Town General Fund. Gravesite openings and closings, mowing and general maintenance are an important part of this cemetery’s care, as well. 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 lot and sites, and the availability and location of sites in existing family lots. Some of these lots date to the original North Branch Cemetery, of 1810 or so, located further north from the present North Branch Cemetery site.
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 truly enjoy serving on the Cemetery Commission, and ask for your vote to continue in this capacity.
LISTER (3-year term)
Samantha Beaudoin - see above under Budget Committee
PLANNING COMMISSION (3-year term)
Sandy Levine
Contact: swampbear@gmail.com
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
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) Why are you running for this office?
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) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
I am proud of the work the Planning Commission has done during the years that I have served on it. We have a new town plan and energy plan in place and a designation for our Village area that allows renewed growth there. We have new zoning regulations and a simpler process for zoning permits. We have received grants and partnered with businesses to help make the Village area even better. We have begun work on natural resources, conservation, and outdoor recreation planning. I look forward to building on these efforts over the next three years. I want to make sure our town regulations and investments meet the needs of a small town with limited staff and dedicated volunteers.
Contact: swampbear@gmail.com
1) Please tell us something about yourself.
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) Why are you running for this office?
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) What do you think are the most interesting or important issues relating to the Middlesex position you’re running for?
I am proud of the work the Planning Commission has done during the years that I have served on it. We have a new town plan and energy plan in place and a designation for our Village area that allows renewed growth there. We have new zoning regulations and a simpler process for zoning permits. We have received grants and partnered with businesses to help make the Village area even better. We have begun work on natural resources, conservation, and outdoor recreation planning. I look forward to building on these efforts over the next three years. I want to make sure our town regulations and investments meet the needs of a small town with limited staff and dedicated volunteers.