I was appalled to see the Hartford Selectboard race framed as big picture vs. nitty-gritty (“Big-picture problems vs. day-to-day details: Hartford Selectboard race balances systemic racism, road work as hot topics,” Feb. 21). The Welcoming Hartford Ordinance brought the most Valley News coverage, skewing public perception, as though that was all that happened.
Death threats made to former Hartford Selectboard member Alicia Barrow are “big picture,” as was the death of George Floyd. Potholes in Quechee are “big picture,” as is climate change and the Texas electric grid. The personal, the local, the state and the federal are political. The Selectboard, and the town, must address racism, homelessness, potholes, Fairview Terrace, swimming pool bonds, coronavirus, energy use, climate change, and many other issues — not simultaneously, nor immediately. I trust Dan Fraser, Rachel Edens, Julia Dalphin, John Hall and Ally Tufenkjian to do their best to juggle such priorities and not lose sight of either the potholes or the “big picture.” I’ve watched Dan Fraser at Selectboard meetings, and I know John Hall, so I can endorse both of them more specifically.
Those Hartford Selectboard candidates who think town governance should only be about infrastructure remind me of when civil unions became legal in Vermont, 20 years ago. Those opposed erected “Take Back Vermont” signs. Shall we put up “Take Back Hartford” signs, in hopes that unhoused people and people of color just go away and trouble “us” white, well-housed folks no more? Failing that, will “they” at least kindly render themselves invisible and unheard?
PEGGY RICHARDSON
Hartford
It’s a shame to see the Hartford Selectboard race devolve into the partisanship we’ve seen in national elections.
I disagree with the implication of Valley News reporting that this election is a choice between candidates focused on social issues and candidates focused on infrastructure (“Big-picture problems vs. day-to-day details” Feb. 21). My read of the candidates’ positions is that it is a contest between those who want to address both social and infrastructure issues and those who want the Selectboard to ignore social issues.
I hope that residents focus on these issues and do not endorse the personal attacks on candidates.
DAVID ALLEN
White River Junction
Faulkner Park, including Faulkner Trail leading to the South Peak of Mount Tom, is a treasured Woodstock landmark. Marianne G. Faulkner died in 1958, and since then the park has been owned and managed from afar by JPMorgan Chase as trustee.
In an effort to restore local ownership and control of the park, the trustee has generously offered to give it to Woodstock, with the requirement that it continue to be operated as a public park for quiet enjoyment as was specified by Faulkner’s will. The gift of the park will also be accompanied by a generous endowment of $850,000 to cover costs of care and maintenance.
The Selectboard appointed an 11-member committee to study the merits of this gift. After a number of meetings and detailed discussions of Faulkner’s intent, the provisions of her will, the benefits of the gift and the sufficiency of the endowment, the committee voted, 8-3, to recommend the Selectboard accept the gift.
Those who opposed the gift argued that the endowment is insufficient and that Woodstock taxes will increase to cover park expenses. The annual cost of maintaining the park has consistently run at approximately $25,000. A study by Vanguard shows that, based on a period of nearly 100 years, the average annual return for a balanced portfolio (60% stocks and 40% bonds) is 8.6%. This return would yield more than $73,000 a year on an endowment of $850,000, more than enough to provide for the maintenance of the park and trails.
Over the years, Woodstock has been the grateful recipient of many gifts from generous benefactors, and the town in turn has been a good steward of these gifts. We are confident in the town’s ability to invest the endowment wisely and to thoughtfully oversee the care of the park. We strongly recommend that the Selectboard accept this gift as the best way to conserve and support Faulkner Park.
SUSAN BOSTON,
ALISON CLARKSON,
BILL CORSON,
RANDY RICHARDSON
and MARY RILEY
Woodstock
The writers are, respectively, a member Woodstock Planning Commission; Vermont state senator representing the Windsor District; a Woodstock Village trustee; development director for the Upper Valley Trails Alliance; and chair of the Woodstock Selectboard.
Hartford voters have an opportunity to return a sane and powerful voice to the town Selectboard: Dan Fraser.
Born and raised in the Upper Valley and a resident of Hartford for the last few decades, Fraser is widely known for his support of the local economy and ensuring that all opinions are given fair consideration. His leadership as chair of the Selectboard in an extraordinarily trying time has been exemplary. In stark contrast to newcomers to town who campaign with personal attacks, disparaging their opponents, Fraser maintains a calm voice, focuses on relevant issues and expresses himself clearly.
Dan Fraser deserves reelection, and we need him.
RUSTY SACHS
Hartford
I have known Dan Fraser most of his life, first in Norwich and then in White River Junction. I am appalled by Hartford Selectboard candidate Remington Nevin’s attacks on him.
Nevin’s recent advertisement in the Valley News is filled with unfounded charges. For example, it isn’t “Dan Fraser’s Selectboard.” He merely chairs the body. Nevin states, “most Hartford residents reject his leadership.” Where is the proof?
Nevin joins Joseph McCarthy in this desperate attempt to sway the electorate.
JON APPLETON
White River Junction
Town Meeting Day is rapidly approaching. Norwich residents are fortunate in that they probably not only know the candidates personally, but have interacted with them in multiple forums. Mercifully, we don’t have to deal with various disinformation campaigns that state and federal candidates might face. It is not too difficult to quickly clarify statements being made by fellow residents on discussion lists, at Dan & Whit’s, the post office or the transfer station.
An unanticipated outcome of the pandemic has been that the Selectboard and town committees are being made available to our residents over Zoom. This seems to have made for better attendance, and thus more transparency.
I am asking my fellow Norwich residents to reelect Mary Layton to the Selectboard. She is running for a three-year term and has shown a commitment to public service. Being on the Selectboard for the past six years, she has gained a good understanding of the town’s operations and budget process, which is no small accomplishment. Over time, she has demonstrated her ability to be a team player. She is civil and respectful of dissenting opinions, and doesn’t reflexively assume malicious intent on the part of an opposing viewpoint.
Thanks for considering my request to reelect Mary Layton.
PAUL MANGANIELLO
Norwich
Several months ago, two people were appointed to fill the empty slots in the West Hartford Library board: Emily Clough and Doug Eisler. Both are residents of West Hartford and have long been patrons of the library. We are very fortunate to have these two new members to our five-member board.
Clough is now organizing our Zoom meetings and Eisler is working on improving our website. Our five board members work well together with the library director to maintain and extend service and programs for the community.
Please support the West Hartford Library by casting your vote for Emily Clough and Doug Eisler.
GERDA GOFBERG
West Hartford
I am writing to endorse several candidates for Pomfret Selectboard. As longtime residents, they have a deep understanding of the town’s history and how it shapes responses to today’s issues.
Steve Chamberlin is knowledgeable of heavy equipment and has developed a terrific working relationship with the road crew, something that has not been the case in recent years. He is the point man on bids and specifications for replacing all the plow trucks, as well as the grader. Chuck Gundersen, with his many years as owner of the Teago General Store, is skilled at finding common ground with nearly everybody. He offers no-nonsense practical insights and understands finances.
Jon Harrington, as a civil engineer specializing in road issues, offers extremely valuable skills to the board, and as a younger candidate, provides the perspective of young residents and families choosing to make Pomfret their home.
These candidates are thoughtful, active listeners. They contribute to a shared resolution, rather than one imposed upon others. They demonstrate a desire to work together, knowing that any group’s effectiveness depends on respect and cooperation.
The Pomfret Selectboard has struggled with contentious behavior, such as threatening lawsuits or filing complaints with the Secretary of State’s Office when the majority opinion is not unanimous. “My way or the highway” is not a consensus-building strategy, or an agency of change. It is bullying, and is detrimental to addressing town business on a timely basis.
To provide Pomfret with a respectful, cooperative, thoughtful and effective Selectboard, mark your ballot for Steve Chamberlin, Chuck Gundersen and Jon Harrington.
They will get my vote, and they deserve yours too.
ELLEN DesMEULES
North Pomfret